Nobody wants to be called cheap. We dread being labelled a scrooge, likened to a mean, greedy recluse who would do anything to avoid parting from a penny. We want to be known for our generosity while still saving enough for ourselves. Those who decide to be money-wise are often nervous of being accused of … Continue reading The Line Between Frugal and Cheap
October 2018 Expense Report
Was it just me or did October disappear in the blink of an eye? We filled our October weeks with lots of walks to appreciate the autumn colors, but besides those we have been full-on charging ahead with daily life. Mr. Mechanic has started interviewing for residency at hospitals across the nation and I have … Continue reading October 2018 Expense Report
Money Diary: A Week in Portland, OR
When Refine My Money told me about her series on money diaries in different major cities, it sounded like a fantastic idea. She then asked me to write one up for her and I was in! I had seen other people keep money diaries but was never organized enough to do it. It is definitely … Continue reading Money Diary: A Week in Portland, OR
House of Five Financial Horrors
In honor of Halloween let me introduce you to the money monsters we face. Brace yourself for five appalling creatures intent on wrecking financial havoc. The Too-Good-To-Be-True Siren Beware the siren call of spectacular profits with low risk. Shut your ears from the tempting tease to wire money or pay a fee before a new … Continue reading House of Five Financial Horrors
6 Things I Don’t Regret Buying
Last month I published a post on my Top 4 Most Regrettable Purchases, but of course there is a flip side: all the things I in the last year that I am grateful for. The list got quite long-- I don't regret the plants, the art supplies, or the instruments we have, for example, so I … Continue reading 6 Things I Don’t Regret Buying
Finding Fulfillment — What Will You Be When You Retire?
Two days ago, my phone buzzed with a trending post on Reddit. The post detailed someone who had achieved FIRE (financial independence and retire early), but says he is ready to go back to work. “The past year has been horrible for me,” he writes, “The lack of socialization, need to get out of the house, … Continue reading Finding Fulfillment — What Will You Be When You Retire?
Ostrich to Hawk: My Money Management Evolution
The resounding advice for someone looking to control their finances is to know your finances. We all hear this advice: you should know how much money is coming in, how much money is going out, and ultimately where that money is going. Similar to many others, I did not follow this advice for a long time. … Continue reading Ostrich to Hawk: My Money Management Evolution
Why I Sold My Dream Car
The purchase of my first car was an epic adventure. It involved six months of research, flying halfway across the country, and learning how to drive stick. In that time I went from clueless (and could-care-less) about cars to a gear-head. Or, more specifically, a Miata-head. MIATA. Miata. Is. Always. The. Answer. I bought into … Continue reading Why I Sold My Dream Car
My Money Map – A Complete Financial Breakdown
For a long time I stashed my money away in a bank earning 0.01% interest. In case you are wondering, that is a very bad rate. I did not really care to check or compare, it was just somewhere to put the money. When I started my first internship I was auto-enrolled in a 401k, … Continue reading My Money Map – A Complete Financial Breakdown
Tackling the Money Taboo — How to Talk About Your Finances
How old were you when you had the talk? You know, the one where you sit down awkwardly with your parents, going red in the face as you both dance around a topic you would rather not broach? You know, the one where you talked about your family's entire financial situation, including their income, debt, and net … Continue reading Tackling the Money Taboo — How to Talk About Your Finances
