Mother Nature has spoken, and she's not holding back. With Hurricane Hilary hitting the West Coast, wildfires across Canada, and recent devastation on the island of Maui, the news this week reminds us of the urgent need to prepare for the worst. These types of events...
2023
Your money: tapped out
Has your wallet felt lighter lately without even having to open it?The ease of tap and touchless payments is transforming the way we spend, but beware – the convenience may be costing you your long-term goals. This month, as back-to-school shopping, fairs, festivals,...
Good news is good news again
A strong job market and consumer spending fueled rapid-rise inflation, which set off alarm bells for the Fed, which in turn ratcheted up interest rates to stem inflation’s tide. Many felt the pain of that in rising mortgage payments and growing credit card bills. Then talk about a potential recession grew.
Brush up on your language skills
As we enter back-to-school season, now is a great time to brush up on your language skills. How fluent are you in money? The Entrepreneur article below has some interesting insights. Just like spoken languages, your money language shapes the perceptions, motivations,...
A life less boring
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." — Helen KellerHave you been feeling a little midsummer malaise?When the same-old routines dominate your life, it's essential to find ways to break free and embark on journeys that truly excite you. This week, I...
Free – financially
Nothing quite compares to the feeling of freedom – true freedom. And every year, celebrating the Fourth of July serves to remind us of our hard-earned freedoms as Americans, and most importantly, that independence is worth fighting for. Have you considered that...
Time, not timing
The headlines last week declared that we’re now in a technical bull market. Not expected, considering the dual challenges of inflation and higher interest rates. Will it last, and is it possible to predict when markets will rise or fall? The simple answer is no.Of...
What All the Single Ladies (and Men) Say About the Economy
June is prime season for weddings and engagements, but Signet Jewelers shared some surprising news last week: The U.S.’s largest jewelry retailer is reporting a decline in sales of engagement rings because, it said, singles who were stuck at home during lockdowns...
10,000 steps a day? Not so fast
You’ve likely heard the adage that to be healthy, you should walk at least 10,000 steps a day. But have you ever questioned how that rule came about? It turns out the origin of the 10,000-step goal is not health-based or scientific at all. Back in the 1960s, a...
Hitting your own debt ceiling
The federal government and the average consumer have more in common than you might think.As you may have read recently, the U.S. is grappling with how to address its growing debt, and this spring we’re watching that total come dangerously close to hitting the debt...