Decisions

Did I take my own mortgage advice?

  So the papers are signed and the move is complete. I’ll be living out of boxes for what feels like forever, but that doesn’t matter. I’m a homeowner now. I’m also back into debt, as I have a mortgage now. … Read MoreRead More

The best time to travel is coming up soon!

  It’s getting to be my favorite time of the year in the US for flying! Planes will be empty, fares will be cheap, airports will be a breeze to get to and around in. I’ve already booked a flight, and … Read MoreRead More

One surefire way to pare down your possessions

  There’s a lot of talk these days about minimalism. Apparently, we’ve all gotten so good at acquiring stuff that there now is a trend toward pairing down. It used to be that whoever had the largest house, the biggest amount … Read MoreRead More

Important versus urgent: Applying the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to your finances

  I’ve increasingly found it important to determine whether something is important or whether it is just urgent, as I think that we all (myself included) tend to confuse the two. I just recently learned that the matrix of the … Read MoreRead More

You don’t need a data plan

  I willingly raised my cell phone bill by 17% recently. That sounds punishing and predatory, until I tell you that it went from $30/month to $35/month. While my new plan had a limit of minutes and texts per month, … Read MoreRead More

What to do first when you get an unexpected windfall

  Some situations are outside of our control. An unexpected job loss. An unexpected medical situation. These are all situations when you really need an emergency fund to get you through. But perhaps I’m too focused on the negative. While … Read MoreRead More

My mortgage principle that I broke (sort of)

  Finances and emotions. They go together like one explosively codependent couple. Don’t be fooled by my focus in the numbers side of the situation; I’m not immune to fear and anxiety either. I’m going through the process of becoming … Read MoreRead More

Why I’m going back into debt (or why I was never really debt-free)

  I’ve long railed against debt. Debt slows you down from achieving what you want, and forces you to pay companies that don’t have your best interests in mind. I paid off my last debts four years ago, and I … Read MoreRead More

How to live rent-free

  If you rent your living space, it’s probably your largest recurring bill. By a fairly significant margin. (Or, at least I hope it is. If it’s not, either you’ve got a great living situation, or you’re in big trouble. … Read MoreRead More

When is it time to let your dream die?

  Wow, is it just me, or is this time of the year been full of upheaval? Between people moving, relationships changing structure, and others switching jobs, it seems that nothing is nailed down. Maybe that’s what happens every year … Read MoreRead More