We often talk about emotional spending like it’s a personal failure—like you just need more discipline, a stricter budget, or fewer feelings. But what if those impulse purchases weren’t about weakness… and were actually your nervous system trying to self-regulate?

Living on an unpredictable paycheck doesn’t mean your finances have to be chaotic. Whether you're a freelancer, contractor, hourly worker, or gig economy pro, budgeting with irregular income is essential to financial stability. This guide offers smart, actionable tips to help you manage money confidently—even when your hours or earnings vary from week to week.

If you’re using credit cards and not tracking them with a rewards spreadsheet, you’re missing out on hundreds—maybe thousands—of dollars in free travel, cashback, and premium perks. Most cards reward you more in specific spending categories, but if you're swiping blindly, you’re leaving free money on the table. A simple spreadsheet (yes, really) can help you match the right card to the right purchase, automate smarter spending, and unlock serious rewards.

If your teen invests just $12,000 from part-time jobs into a Roth IRA by age 22 — and never adds another dime — it could grow into over $200,000 by retirement. That’s the quiet wealth-building strategy rich families have used for decades.

Even if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it is possible to save for your child’s future. From free college savings plans to simple budgeting tricks, this guide gives low-income families real, practical ways to build a better financial future—one small step at a time.

Needing quick cash can feel scary, and rushing can lead to big mistakes. Here's a quick rundown on where to look when you're in a bind and in what order, aiming for the least amount of setback for your retirement plan.

If your federal student loans have unfortunately landed in default, the Department of Education is gearing up to restart those involuntary collection actions starting on Monday, May 5th, 2025.

Tariffs on foreign goods have created the threat of a massive recession.

Building a "financial fortress" is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity.

The number required for you to reach FI is personal. It's about achieving a level of financial security tailored to your lifestyle.

Medical emergencies, unexpected deaths, job losses, home catastrophes – the list of potential financial setbacks is long and daunting.

My biggest qualm with financial advisors is that the advice seems to be geared toward people who aren't poor to begin with.

When it comes to tackling debt, I'm a firm believer in the power of strategy.

Credit can feel complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

Having established that credit cards are a good tool for building credit, it is important to note that banks are businesses and aim to...

Hillary Clinton was once denied a credit card...[because] she needed to use her husband’s.

The neighborhood you grow up in can significantly impact your future earnings.

Latinx individuals are often underrepresented in discussions about financial independence and wealth-building.