Financial Windfalls: Take it Slow!
“What would you do if you suddenly had a million dollars?” Everyone’s asked the “What if” question when it comes to financial windfalls. Receiving an unexpected sum of money is something we dream about. And sometimes, monetary surprises (and annual events) do happen: you receive an annual bonus, your restricted stock vests at work, you […]
Happy Money: A Book Review
Some Thoughts on the Book Happy Money Finally! A book packed with insight on how to make the best use of our money. We’ve all heard plenty of anecdotes here and there, but Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending breaks down the “why?” on many of those intuitions we have about spending money. What […]
Your Relationship with Money
Where did you learn what to do with money? By default, family, friends, and the media often shape what we do or do not do with our own money. Some have called these our money “beliefs” or “scripts”. As money philosopher Jacob Needleman says, “Everyone is weird about money!” I would agree and add that […]
Podcast Interview: The Role of Money in Our Lives (VoiceAmerica)
In November 2018, I was interviewed for VoiceAmerica’s “On Living“: a podcast dedicated to exploring the trauma and beauty of being human. What better forum for talking about the role that money plays in our lives? In the interview, we explore the role of money in our lives: how our belief systems, values, and conflict play […]
Pay off Debt or Save? What should I do with my extra money?
Raise your hand if you’ve seen a headline like this recently: “How I paid off $100,000 in one year”. Inspiring, isn’t it? But how realistic is paying down debt fast when you have other financial goals to reach? Should you pay off debt or save instead? Read more.
What is Long Term Disability Insurance Coverage? Do I Need It?
What would you think if you knew you had a 1 in 4 chance of experiencing a debilitating illness or accident during your working life? The statistics are debatable, but if you’re like me, you’re shocked that the risk is much higher than you thought. That’s what disability insurance coverage is for. When we hear […]
A Guide to Understanding Employee Stock Options
In an age where companies frequently cut corners, being offered “incentive compensation” like employee stock options can seem like a trick. Is your company trying to get out of giving you more money, or are employee stock options worth their weight? Before we break down the pros and cons, let’s give you some vocabulary: Employee […]
A Guide to Understanding Your Paycheck and Withholding Tax
Everyone gets excited about payday. But while depositing money into your account always feels great, trying to understand your paycheck feels… well, confusing—especially when it comes to those little things called withholding tax and claiming allowances. Today, we’re going to demystify these intimidating tax terms and show you how to have more control over the […]
Stock Market Correction: A Guide to Staying Sane
A stock market correction is never fun. Who wants to lose money on paper? Definitely not me. By nature, stock market corrections are unpredictable. They happen quickly and before you can react. They make you crazy with questions: If the stock market falls 5%, will it fall another 10%? 15%? 20%? Will it ever move […]
Create a Personal Cash Flow Management System that Works for You!
It’s the end of the month: Do you know where your money is? If your answer is no, then you probably need to create a personal cash flow management system. Meaning, a system that effectively manages what you do with your money each month. I’m not just talking about having a spending plan, but a […]