What to do After Overspending
Start With What Actually Changed Erin knew exactly what to do after spending too much money. She had done it before. First, open the credit card app and stare at the number until it becomes a moral judgment. Then mentally cancel every enjoyable thing she might do for the next three months. No restaurants. No […]
Why Can’t I Stop Spending Money?
Knowing Better Isn’t Always the Missing Skill There is a particularly maddening kind of spending where you don’t realize what happened until later. And then there is the kind where you know exactly what is happening while you’re doing it. Let’s call her Erin. Erin is lying in bed with her phone six inches from […]
How to stop spending money
I Have a Problem Spending Money: How to Stop Spending Without Restricting Yourself Maya did what any responsible adult having a minor financial crisis at 7:42 on a Monday morning would do. She Googled it. “How to stop spending money.” The internet was delighted to help. There were 10 ways. Twelve strategies. Fourteen tips. One […]
Why More Money Doesn’t Feel as Good as You Think It Will
Approximate read time: 9 minutes Most of us have some version of this story running in the background of our lives. When I lose the weight, I’ll feel better. I can finally relax once I get that promotion. When I find the relationship, I’ll feel secure. When I make enough money, everything will click. These […]
What to Do If You Win the Lottery (Even If You Never Play)
Approximate read time: 10 minutes Most of us have played this game before. What would you do if you won the lottery? The answers usually come quickly. Pay off debt. Buy the house. Take the trip. Help your family. Quit your job. Sleep for a month. It’s a fun fantasy, and for good reason. Imagining […]
Why You Can’t Stop Thinking About Money (And Why It’s Not What You Think)
Can’t stop thinking about money There’s a very specific kind of tired that comes from thinking about money all day. I hear people tell me the pain of:“I’m not doing anything about it.”“I can’t stick to a plan.” Just… thinking. You check your account.You run the numbers in your head.You replay something you bought three […]
You’re Not Broke, You’re Just Overwhelmed: How to Stop Overspending Without Shame
Ever found yourself swearing off spending… while simultaneously clicking “Add to Cart”?Or wondering where your money went, even though you’re sure you haven’t bought anything major?You’re not alone. And you’re not broken, lazy, or bad with money. But you might be stuck in an overspending spiral. And here’s the truth no one tells you: Overspending […]
How to Manage Money When You’re Burned Out
What to Do When Financial Tasks Feel Impossible (and Why You’re Not Failing) If you’ve ever said something like: “We seriously don’t even have five minutes to talk about money.” “Every minute of my day is already spoken for, and then things keep happening.” “We’ve just got too much going on right now to deal […]
Why Traditional Budgeting Doesn’t Work, And What to Try Instead
“Make a budget and stick to it” is one of the most common financial tips out there. Budgets are also one of the most misunderstood, misused, and misapplied tools in personal finance. If you’ve ever felt like budgeting should work but doesn’t (like you’re doing something wrong, or you just lack discipline) you’re not alone. […]
Why Budgeting Doesn’t Work (Especially when you’re overwhelmed)
You’re Not Lazy. You’re Overloaded. It’s November. The lights are twinkling, your inbox is exploding, the kids need costumes and cookies, and someone just brought up travel plans. Again. You know your finances need attention,but every time you open a spreadsheet or log into your bank app, it feels like a tidal wave. You tell […]