Today I was watching The Banker, a movie about a Black investor who, at the time, was hindered from succeeding at the American dream. He had to become creative in how he went about acquiring real estate. Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris built an empire by understanding finance and real estate inside out, yet due... Continue Reading →
A Cozy Bakery Trip, Vintage Shopping & Thoughts on Our Future in Tacoma
Today, we took an impromptu trip to Corina Bakery, for a slice of cake. It's a favorite spot to hang out and enjoy some sweets for many Tacoma residents. (Even better the Tacoma Grand Cinema is right next door.) The weather was a bit dreary, as it often is living in the Pacific Northwest, but... Continue Reading →
Why the Cheapest Option Isn’t Always the Most Frugal Choice
Growing up, there was a time when we had a bit of money. My dad was a pharmacist, but there were seven people in the home, so six figures didn’t stretch far, as you can imagine. We weren’t exactly hurting, but that changed when he got sick, and my mom went back to school to... Continue Reading →
Behavioral Finance & Frugality: What the Millionaire Next Door Knows That Others Don’t
Most people assume that millionaires drive luxury cars, live in giant houses, and spend like there’s no tomorrow. But the Millionaire Next Door type? They blend in. They live below their means, accumulate wealth quietly, and apply principles of behavioral finance to money decisions—sometimes without even realizing it. Here’s how secret millionaires use behavioral finance... Continue Reading →
How Chess as a Framework Builds Success in Career, Finance, and Life (Part III)
Chess is one of the oldest games in the world, a battle of minds where every move is intentional, every sacrifice calculated, and every victory earned through foresight and adaptability. It’s not just a game—it’s a way of thinking. It’s a framework for life. Those who treat life like chess stay ahead. Those who play... Continue Reading →
The Ripple Effect of Recession: How Economic Chaos Hits Home and What You Can Do About It
With all the current administration chaos, massive firings, and uncertainty, I’ve been thinking a lot about a recession and how important it is to prepare ahead, instead of defending when it's here. For some people, they get caught up in the tide because they never saw it coming. Others learn to read the ocean and... Continue Reading →
Stealth Wealth: The Psychology Behind the Decision to Keep Money a Secret
In a society that often celebrates lavish lifestyles, expensive cars, and designer clothes, the concept of stealth wealth—choosing to keep one’s wealth under wraps—might seem counterintuitive. However, for many individuals, living below their means and avoiding flashy displays of financial success is a conscious decision rooted in psychological well-being. Understanding the psychology behind stealth wealth... Continue Reading →
Why Most People Would Rather Struggle Than Change Their Money Habits
Changing your money habits should be simple—spend less, save more, invest wisely. So why do so many people stay stuck in the same financial struggles year after year? It’s not that they can’t change. It’s that change is uncomfortable, and struggling with money—while frustrating—is often the easier, more familiar path. The Psychology of Staying Stuck... Continue Reading →
The Rising Cost of Eggs, Toilet Paper, and Streaming: Why Cutting Back on Food Cost is the Ultimate Savings Hack
The Reality of Inflation and Everyday Costs Inflation has hit nearly every aspect of our daily lives. From the cost of eggs to the price of toilet paper, it seems like basic necessities are getting more expensive by the day. Meanwhile, what we once considered luxuries—like streaming services and eating out—have become ingrained in our... Continue Reading →
Affordable Chinese Food Recipe for Broke College Students: A Budget-Friendly Meal
If you’re a broke college student craving Chinese food but don’t want to break the bank, this quick and easy homemade Chinese meal is the perfect solution. The teen and I were craving some Chinese food recently, but the closest restaurant charges $25 for a large serving of orange or sweet and sour chicken with... Continue Reading →
