E175: A List of Dumb Things I’ve Done With Money
If you struggle with feelings of shame around money, I hope that seeing my speed bumps along the way will help you feel less alone.

If you struggle with feelings of shame around money, I hope that seeing my speed bumps along the way will help you feel less alone.
The Limited Liability Company, or “LLC” is a very common type of business structure, and for good reason. It tends to be convenient and easy to establish and comes with some benefits to the owner. So how do you decide if you should form an LLC?
Let’s walk through the different types of tax professionals, their credentials, and what they do so you can be better informed as you seek help with taxes.
Even for those Americans who are insured, it’s very common to fall into some of the most common mistakes made with life insurance.
There are three primary areas of money that I’ve found to be most effective to automate. If you set up automatic recurring transfers in these key areas, you will be on your way to enjoying much more financial stability and lower stress.
So what does it mean to pay yourself first and more importantly, is it a good idea?
So how necessary is an Investment Policy Statement? While it’s not mission-critical, it does provide a valuable framework that can make larger impacts as time goes on. In serving the purpose of creating guidelines for both you and your financial advisor for investing, I would not underestimate the value it can have.
At the beginning of each year, I choose three words to set the direction for the year. Here are my three words for 2023 and insights to help you use this exercise to find success and fulfillment in your own life.
A complete estate plan includes a few key documents that work together to make sure your money and property gets passed on the way you want and your medical and financial affairs are taken care of if you can't take care of them yourself.
So what are some “money” areas to focus on as we approach the end of the year?
This is not an exhaustive list of 2023 changes (see the download for more) but it does highlight the most commonly-used numbers when making retirement account contributions and tax planning.
Your credit score is a metric that can have a significant impact on your ability to have options. So what are some ways to improve your credit score and keep it high?
If you’re not sure what your current tax situation is, you would like to make online payments, or would like a clearer view of your history with the IRS, consider setting up an online IRS account.
While they don’t really make sense as an investment (since the interest rate is not designed to outpace inflation), I Bonds can serve as a vehicle for others parts of your financial plan, including your emergency fund.
Having trouble getting an interview? These are a few things you can do to help increase your chances of getting noticed during the hiring process.
While there is no magic button that makes investing easy, there are a few things we can do to help smooth out the ride (emotionally) and experience less stress.
Both the Traditional IRA and the Roth IRA can be great tools for tax-advantaged retirement savings. So can you contribute to both at the same time?
A Donor Advised Fund can offer many benefits and is worth exploring for those interested in long-term charitable giving.
Setting up a retirement plan for your small business can be confusing. Two popular options include the SIMPLE IRA and the 401(k). But what's the difference? And which one is right for you?
If you're starting a business, it can be tempting to agonize over your pricing. Are you charging enough? Here's the thing: it doesn't matter.
Managing money as a married or committed couple can come with challenges and benefits. Like most things in personal finance, there is no one right or wrong way to do it. We'll discuss some of the ways to approach money management in a committed relationship.
Fear of loss and volatility can cause anxiety, especially in scary markets. It can cause many to try to reduce risk by staying out of the market or being very conservative. But there is also a risk to NOT taking risks.
Everyone has heard of a 401(k), but not as many people are aware of the Roth 401(k). Let's unpack a few facts and insights about the Roth 401(k) and how it works.
We've all probably heard the "3-6 months of expenses" rule of thumb for your emergency fund. But like most things in personal finance, it's not a one-size-fits-all. We'll talk through the nuances of how to think about how much should be in your emergency fund.
When asked "what's your typical monthly spending?" most people go full on deer in the headlights. Unless you track your spending with a budgeting tool, it can be very difficult to determine your true expenses. Let's discuss a great way to ballpark it using your online banking and a basic spreadsheet.
Talking about compensation can be uncomfortable for many. But avoiding the topic could leave you under-paid and under-appreciated. Let's talk about how to ask for raise in a way that is constructive, respectful, and productive.
For many, investment management can seem like a black box. It sounds mysterious and difficult. In this episode, we'll unpack exactly what goes into investment management and what financial advisors do when managing investments.
While financial planning is not one-size-fits-all, it can often be helpful to look for rules of thumb or general guidelines when orienting your finances. We'll talk about some key financial ratios that you can track to help you make better money decisions and monitor your financial wellness.
SRI/ESG/Impact investing is getting a lot more attention. While some media attention has been positive, there are plenty of naysayers. Let's talk about the true impact of investing in alignment of positive values.