Self-improvement lists keep flashing across my ‘suggested reading’ pane, and I can’t help but click on them. 7 daily habits that will change your life 10 life improving habits you need to start immediately 5 things to do to be successful in your career Some of the things I have heard my entire life: eat […]
November 2018 Expense Report
November was the month of travel and family. I kicked off the first week with a business trip to California, where I spent most of the time working outside to soak up as much sun as possible. Traveling for work racked up a grand total of $1,500. That is usually how much I spend in […]
The Psychology of Money, Part 1: 4 Ways Your Brain is Working Against You
If you are human, you likely have some hang-ups around money. Our brains are wired in ways that make money management difficult. In order to take control of your finances, it helps to understand the unconscious beliefs that underly your decisions. In the financial realm, there are four psychological phenomena that heavily weigh into our money […]
How a 25-Year-Old Saved $200,000
There is so much baggage weighing down our money conversations. Taboos and complicated feelings make talking about money extremely difficult, even though it is important. There is shame, spite, and many strong opinions where money is concerned. The way we spend our money is a reflection of the way we want to live our lives. Everyone has their […]
Why We Plan To Downsize From 1,000 sq ft
The size of the average house in North America has nearly tripled in size from the 1950s to today, growing from 983 square feet to a spacious 2,349 square feet. I am in my early twenties with no future family on the near horizon. I currently rent a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in Portland, […]
The Line Between Frugal and Cheap
Nobody wants to be called cheap. We dread being labeled 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]