10 Tips to Keep Income Flowing - Updated for 2024!

Penny-pinching, while admirable, is only one slice of the personal finance pie. Sure, I’m all about snagging a deal or two. But let’s be real, scrimping can only get us so far. It’s all about the greenbacks, folks. You can’t squirrel away what you haven’t pocketed first! Picture this: a bucket brimming with water, just sitting there. You could run around, plugging holes, but guess what? That water’s going to evaporate over time....

December 1, 2023 · 4 min
man looking at an empty wallet

The Struggle of Managing Finances on a Low Income

In today’s economy, many people find themselves working multiple jobs and still struggling to make ends meet. Let’s take a look at the case of a person living in an expensive city like San Diego, working two jobs, and barely making $2600 a month after taxes. With rent, phone bills, insurance, credit card and loan payments, groceries, and gas, they find themselves over their income by a few hundred dollars every month....

May 5, 2023 · 6 min
coins in a jar

What is the Difference Between Frugal and Thrifty?

TLDR; Both frugal and thrifty people want to save money, but they do it in different ways. Frugal people look for the best deal, while thrifty people try to make the most of what they already have. Introduction When it comes to managing our finances, we often hear the terms “frugal” and “thrifty” thrown around. On the surface, they may seem synonymous, but there is a subtle distinction between the two that can make all the difference in our spending habits....

April 30, 2023 · 7 min
a wooden miniture house, 3 stacks of coins and a clock positioned in a row

How Does Murphy's Law Apply to Saving Money?

The Mystery Unveiled: What is Murphy’s Law? Ever found yourself wondering about the cosmic joke that is Murphy’s Law? At first glance, it could be mistaken for some profound legal terminology. But in actuality, it’s a delightful cocktail of philosophy, humor, and the classic human ability to laugh at oneself. At its very core, this law murmurs: anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. A statement that, more often than not, paints a mischievously accurate picture of our daily lives....

March 2, 2023 · 20 min
diamond ring in a green box

How to Buy an Engagement Ring on a Budget

Hey there! As a failing personal finance blog writer and an aspiring husband, I know that buying an engagement ring can be an exciting, yet expensive, purchase. In this post, we’ll be discussing how to buy an engagement ring on a budget. It’s important to consider budget when shopping for a ring because engagements and weddings can be a significant financial burden. The cost of the ring is just one aspect of the overall expense, which also includes wedding planning, venue, and more....

February 25, 2023 · 10 min
man looking at wall full of papers

Financial Planning Process

TLDR New budget every month, every dollar has a destination Stay out of consumer debt Reasonable mortgage or rent (< 25% of your take home pay) Pay off any consumer debt Put 15% in your income into retirement account (invest in index mutual fund) Have a 6 month emergency fund Pay off credit card balance when you receive the statement Stay away from cash value/whole life/univeral life insurance Only buy used cars...

February 17, 2023 · 20 min
An open book placed flat on a table with two stacks of books in the background

How Can I Be Financially Wise?

Embarking on the path to financial wisdom often feels like setting out on a grand adventure—it’s thrilling, a bit daunting, and absolutely rewarding. In the treasure trove that is personal finance, knowing where to dig is key. Financial wisdom isn’t about hoarding gold coins in a chest; it’s about understanding the map, reading the stars of budgeting, investing, and saving, and navigating through the perilous waters of economic uncertainty with a steady hand on the wheel....

December 20, 2022 · 13 min