the tools you need to be set free
I was bent over my desk, studying, when I heard a muffled laugh from my roommate. The shifting glow of her screen lit up her face when I looked over. It was freshman year and we had just moved in, so our friendship was in the early stages: tentative but pleasant. She told me she […]
We began the new year in a deserted city. Storefronts were planked over as we walked alone down the streets of Antwerp, the most populous city in Belgium. Most people were sleeping off the night before, quiet calm descending after a night of reflections and hope for the year of 2018. I spent the first […]
December Reflections I was home alone for most of December while Mr. Mechanic flew to various residency interviews. This meant a lot of time watching movies he would never want to watch (what do you mean no British Bake Off or The Good Place for a week?!), scarfing down Trader Joe’s Lasagna (family size? Let’s […]
In the garage of every financial mechanic tools are carefully arranged across the wall. If someone were to walk by, they would hear the sound of constant tinkering. If they were to peek inside, they might witness ideas sparking across the room. In the center, there would be an intent, mask-wearing mechanic welding their fiscal […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]