The message I heard from your comments on my post about changing direction to focus on savings was – Not a good idea. Sounds like staying the course to focus on paying off consumer debt should continue to be priority one. While balancing in some savings. What I’m doing now.... Read more
Published on: 2024-11-03
In a few weeks, the girls and I will hit the road to drive to Texas for Thanksgiving. The original plan was to drive there and back together. While I was in Texas this past month, that changed. My dad needs more assistance with sorting some things out at the... Read more
Published on: 2024-11-01
Today we have a very special interview for Bitch Nation. Recently I sat down with the inimitable (and individual!) Kara Perez, author of the upcoming book Green Money: How to Reduce Waste, Build Wealth, and Create a Better Future for All. Now, I don’t say this lightly, but… this book... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-30
I recognize the whiplash of my thinking. My apologies for not responding to the individual comments. It’s been a really challenging month with “busy-ness”. However, I did sit down this week and read through many of them during some quiet times of reflection. And I am so grateful that you... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-30
We are set to receive an inheritance soon. This is one of those happy cases where no one has died (which, I would think, is the most common reason for inheritance?). Instead, a relative has liquidated some of their assets and decided to bequeath some to us now, while they... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-28
I haven’t had a moment to sit down and actually read through BAD comments this month. My work load has been off the charts. But I saw one comment in passing and it stuck with me, and resonated on the deepest level. It was something to the effect of “your... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-28
“I’ll always have a car payment.” You’ve probably heard that before, right? Or maybe you’ve said it to yourself—to justify getting that shiny, new car. Hey, we get it. Nobody likes having a car payment. But are they just a way of life, like filing your taxes and doing your... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-28
You’ve tried everything, but the debt keeps piling up and life keeps throwing you curve balls. You’re desperate for a way out—so you’ve decided you need to file for bankruptcy. But bankruptcy isn’t a decision to make lightly. Not only is the process complicated and time-consuming, but it’s also emotionally... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-28
I bought my new-to-me (used) car in October 2021. I was so proud of myself when I paid off the car loan (originally about a $20,000 note) in two years! It was paid off by October 2023, almost exactly one year ago. And here we are now…. Only 3 short... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-25
Wondering how much to spend on a wedding gift? As weddings begin to kick up again, guests are excited to connect with friends, celebrate, and let loose—and loosen their purse strings. According to The Knot’s 2021 Guest Optimism Study, 50% of Americans are planning to splurge on wedding gifts to... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-17
This month is pretty much a wash since the bulk of the money I would have paid off debt with is going to Princess’ dental surgery. I am using a CC for the fee. I paid it off at the beginning of the month, but will max it out with... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-15
So, you’re killing it as your own boss, or you’re part of the backbone of the American economy working at a small business. You’ve got your business or career plan in place—but what about your retirement plan? Are there options out there for you? Don’t worry, there are—and one you’ll... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-11
I answered a Facebook inquiry in a local community group from a small business owner wanting to rebrand their business. And the next day I had a contract to develop a simple, small business website for $1,000 over the next three weeks. Yep. Sometimes, it is that easy. Completing the... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-10
Amazon Prime Days (October 8-9) are upon us! Historically, I haven’t looked at these sales with much enthusiasm. I’ve come across reports suggesting that Amazon sometimes inflates prices prior to Prime Days, creating an artificial “price cut” when items are really just returning to their original price. This makes shopping... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-08
We moved to Georgia, a little over 7 years ago now. What are my worst financial decisions since making this unexpected, unplanned move? Sacrificially saving – I have had several great paying jobs over the last 7 years. And each time, even though experience should have taught me, I did... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-08
Gather ’round, ye children, and I will teach you of an essential moment in Millennial cultural history. The year was 2012 and a white boy with an egregious undercut was topping the charts rapping about your granddad’s clothes. Not only was this chart-topping song a banger (in fact, it slapped).... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-07
Month two of tracking my spending. There is certainly some variance from my forecast due to the last minute trip to Texas and some medical expenses plus an unexpected refrigerator repair. But overall, I was able to stick pretty close to the forecast. DateCategory/PayeeAnticipated AmountActual Spend 09-01-2024Groceries / Hygiene /... Read more
Published on: 2024-10-06
Note: I am writing this post before the post about my decision to sell my home and move next spring is published. I’m already foreseeing alot of commentary about what a terrible financial decision this is. And I get that. But in the end, this was not a financial decision,... Read more
Published on: 2024-09-29
Money’s tight for just about everybody right now (thanks, inflation). As you look for ways to cut costs, you’re probably wondering, What are the average American’s monthly expenses? Is everyone spending this much on food? News flash—everyone’s situation is different. After all, if you have kids, you’re guaranteed to spend... Read more
Published on: 2024-09-26
Would you give a big presentation at work without preparing at all? What about your wedding day? You wouldn’t just show up without a plan and hope it all worked out, right? Not in a million years. The truth is, you’re way more confident—and you enjoy life more—when you’re prepared for... Read more
Published on: 2024-09-26
Something tells me that many of our readers are contemplating political campaign donations right about now. Don’t ask me how I know this. Because I really couldn’t say! Maybe it’s just my woman’s intuition! Which is definitely not a conditioned hypersensitivity to threatening nonverbal communication under the patriarchy, but cool... Read more
Published on: 2024-09-18