Ever wondered how financial independence and personal choices intersect in a world that expects women to marry for money? Meet Elizabeth Bennet, the headstrong heroine of Pride and Prejudice, whose refusal to settle for an arranged marriage teaches us invaluable lessons about financial independence, empowerment, and making choices that align with your values. Elizabeth Bennet’s... Continue Reading →
What We Can Learn About Financial Stability from 13 Going on 30 (2004)
Ever had a dream of the perfect life, wealth, status, the perfect job, but then realized that once you achieved it, something was missing? Meet Jenna Rink from 13 Going on 30, a character who, at the age of 13, dreams of becoming an adult with a successful career, a fabulous lifestyle, and all the... Continue Reading →
What We Can Learn About Frugality from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Ever noticed how some of the most profound financial lessons come not from textbooks but from real life, especially the messy, tough ones? Chris Gardner’s story in The Pursuit of Happyness isn’t just one of overcoming personal hardship; it’s a case study in financial grit, resilience, and the power of smart choices during a crisis.... Continue Reading →
Behavior Change Doesn’t Just Happen Overnight
This time around, I will be writing about how behavioral change matters if you want to lead a better life. It takes weeks, months, years to cement your behavior in who you want to become. Thinking that we can change ourselves overnight is why we often fail at becoming better individuals. This is why we... Continue Reading →
How to Get Out of Poverty – Even If You’re Starting From Zero: A Hard Look at Your Own Situation
Understanding Your Profile Before we dive into all the practical steps of getting out of poverty, it’s crucial to understand where you’re starting. Think about the characters in shows like Criminal Minds or The Irrational. These experts analyze human behavior to figure out patterns, motivations, and obstacles. The same applies to your financial situation. In... Continue Reading →
How to Start Investing with Little Money (and Stay Confident When the Market Drops)
Most people think you need a lot of money to start investing. But history has shown that patience and consistency matter more than income level. Take Ronald Read, a janitor and gas station attendant. Despite earning modest wages, he amassed an $8 million fortune by investing in individual stocks and holding them for decades. Then... Continue Reading →
The Psychological Benefits of an Emergency Fund: How Financial Security Improves Mental Well-being
When people talk about building an emergency fund, they often focus on numbers and budgeting. But the real value of having one goes way beyond just protecting your bank account. An emergency fund can do wonders for your mental health, too. It helps reduce stress, boosts your confidence, and gives you a sense of security.... Continue Reading →
How the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Deepened the Great Depression: A Dickensian Warning
Ah, gather 'round, dear reader, and lend your ear to a tale of trade, turmoil, and the ghostly grip of economic folly past, a tale as richly woven and instructive as any penned by Master Dickens himself. Let us walk the foggy streets of early 20th-century America, where ambition and fear danced hand-in-hand, and the... Continue Reading →
Budgeting for Emotional Spending: How to Take Control of Your Money and Emotions
Emotional spending is something that almost everyone has experienced at some point in their lives. Whether it’s splurging on a shopping spree to lift your spirits after a tough day or treating yourself to something expensive as a reward, emotional spending can quickly derail your budget and savings plan. The good news is that with... Continue Reading →
Food Stamps for College Students: Who Qualifies, How to Apply, and What You Need to Know
College is expensive, and let’s be real, ramen and energy drinks aren’t a sustainable diet. If you're struggling to afford groceries, you’re not alone. Many students don’t realize they might qualify for food assistance through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), also known as food stamps or EBT. The reality is that food insecurity is a... Continue Reading →
