Emma 
Being your own boss is every American’s dream. Sure, it sounds like an exciting journey, but for many, the thought of shelling out money to get started feels overwhelming. But don’t worry—there’s hope! You can launch a business without money if you have the right essentials. It’s a smart way to get your company off the ground … Read more
Food is a huge expense for most American families—right up there with housing and transportation. On average, about 12.5% of their spending goes toward food. The good news? Cutting your grocery bill is way easier than trimming housing or transportation costs. Those usually need long-term planning, but with groceries, you can start saving almost right … Read more
What Is a Windfall?A windfall is similar to coming across unanticipated good fortune—particularly of a monetary nature. It might be anything ranging from winning the lottery jackpot to receiving money in an inheritance, selling a company, or selling stocks. But the catch is this: although it may seem as if you’re rich overnight, the actual sum may not be as revolutionary as imagined. And that’s where things can become treacherous. Key Takeaway: If you believe you’re richer than you really are, you may end up spending far more than you can afford. Pro Tip: The wisest thing to do after receiving a financial windfall? Make level-headed, rational choices—don’t play dice with your financial security. What to ExpectLong-lost relatives and friends who’ve lost touch may … Read more
We all know the one friend or relative who’s a little different—someone who survives off of cash, has never had a credit card, and bragged about shunning loans. They swear on their independence, believing life is better without owing “the man” a cent. No one desires bad credit, but is having no credit truly the better choice? Why Do You Need Credit?Even if you’re a “cash-only” person with no plans to borrow, building credit matters. It’s not just about loans—your credit history can … Read more
Money management can feel overwhelming—complicated steps, piles of paperwork, and tips you might only discover after you’ve already paid the bill. We’ve all been there, trying to figure out how to manage money or get better at it. The secret? Research how to improve your money habits—then actually follow through. If you’re wondering how to manage your … Read more
You hate being poor, and you can’t stop asking yourself, “Why am I so poor?” The truth is, poverty means not having enough to live a normal life. It means your chances of building the life you want are painfully slim. Worse yet, poverty sticks around for generations. If you’re poor, your kids likely won’t inherit … Read more
Everyone’s looking for ways to save money and make their income work smarter, but taking that first step can feel tricky. If you’re just diving into personal finance, figuring out where to begin with budgeting might seem overwhelming. This article breaks down the key things you need to know—plus the steps to take—when setting up … Read more
My first “real” job was as a staff accountant at an accounting firm. Back then, I was at the bottom of the ladder and didn’t earn much—let’s just say my starting salary wasn’t anything to brag about. But fast forward six or seven years from that first paycheck, and I was making over $XX,XXX plus … Read more
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “All your content is about money,” and yeah, you’re right. But one question I’ve had—and maybe some of you have too—is whether I’ve got the right attitude toward money. I’ve spent my whole career around money, and I’ve seen how easily people end up feeling like they’re working for their money instead of … Read more
You’ve been at the same company for a long time now. You’re professional, fully committed, and regularly put in more hours than the standard 9-to-5 grind. But when the latest promotions rolled around, your name wasn’t on the list. And that salary bump you were promised? It never came. You feel cheated. The worst thing … Read more