Awareness

The American Rescue Plan diffuses a student loan tax bomb

The American Rescue Plan signed by Joe Biden makes student loan forgiveness tax-free, which has huge implications for millions of people. Boy, it’s nice to have adults running this country again, isn’t it? Paul Krugman of the New York Times … Read MoreRead More

Is it time for a Slow Shipping movement?

I propose the creation of a Slow Shipping movement, like the Slow Food movement, to promote the pleasure of waiting for items to arrive. Have you heard of AliExpress? I hadn’t until recently. As far as I can tell, it’s … Read MoreRead More

You’re not bad with money

I don’t believe that anyone is truly “bad with money”. Instead there are other things at work, which thankfully can be addressed. When I speak with people about whether we’re a good fit for working together, some version of this … Read MoreRead More

Why a $15 minimum wage isn’t enough

While current political discussions in the U.S. involve whether to raise the $15 minimum wage, I argue that that doesn’t go far enough. I’ve been watching the recent political wrangling around the new federal economic relief bill. Looks like now … Read MoreRead More

When a financial advisor won’t talk to you, I will.

Financial advisors typically won’t work with those who may not have a lot of assets. In contrast, a financial coach can work with anymore. If a client needs a financial advisor, I will do my best to refer them on. … Read MoreRead More

Why you could benefit from a spending reset

It’s easy to spend based on emotions or with a lack of intention, so a spending reset can help you reconnect with what’s important to you. I’ve done some fun experiments with money over the years. I’m thinking most specifically … Read MoreRead More

If you were automatically enrolled in an IRA, would you opt-out?

A look at the state-run auto-IRA plans and whether they are a net benefit for employees who don’t have (or utilize) other retirement options. Not everyone has access to a workplace-retirement account like a 401(k). A few years ago, I … Read MoreRead More

Year in review 2020: Top 10 posts

A look back at the best posts of 2020 on this site, including both my favorites and the ones readers viewed most. It has been a year of changes, to say the least. I went full-time as a money coach, … Read MoreRead More

Glide paths, or why even simple money decisions aren’t always so simple

Target date funds use differing ways to adjust investments over time, showing that even simple money decisions have unexpected complexity. I’m not here to suggest specific investments for your money. Not only is it a legal thing, but to me … Read MoreRead More

Why you want to build a financial team

A fortuitous experience with an insurance agent reminds me that we shouldn’t do all the financial work ourselves, that we need a financial team. I signed up for health insurance on the Marketplace. Healthcare.gov. Obamacare. Whatever you want to call … Read MoreRead More