Why My Fiancé and I Set Gift Allowances for the Holidays

It’s not that I hate Christmas. It’s just that I’m one of the many people for whom the holiday season brings a surge of depression and anxiety rather than a rush of joy.

The Cost of Making a Low-Budget Short Film

“No budget” really just means “as little money as possible.”

Why My Plan to Move to Los Angeles Failed

Let’s talk first about what went wrong. The short answer is everything. The long answer is, well, long.

The Year I Saved $5K

Right now, for the first time in my life, I have over $5,000 in my savings account.

Every Job I’ve Ever Had: Waitress, Tech Support, Disney Receptionist

I don’t regret any jobs I’ve had in the past, but it was unquestionably not the path I thought my life would take.

The Lies We Tell the People We Love

When you start dating someone, it’s hard to trust them with the truth about your—or your family’s—financial situation.

An Update on My Drinking

In February I told you all about how my decision to stop drinking saved my sanity and my money. Now I’m back with an update on my endeavor, which hasn’t been as successful as I’d hoped.

I Quit Halfway Through Training at a Debt Collection Agency, and I Don’t Regret It

The company seemed to be doing everything it could to help you forget what your job was.

My Best Vacations Were School Field Trips

When Financial Opportunity Clashes With Professional Insecurity

Will Moving to Los Angeles Change My Life?

The city feels like the home I always wanted—but my dream comes at a cost.

Ranking My Birthdays From Most to Least Expensive

The Queen of Loan Rejections

Everything I Wanted to Buy With My Tax Refund

A Cast Member’s Guide to Saving Money at Disney

I Saved My Life and My Bank Account by Giving Up Alcohol

I stopped drinking. Not because I wanted to, but because my body made it increasingly obvious that I had to.

Men I’ve Wasted Money On

On Mental Health and Personal Finance

How to Donate Money to Charity Without Actually Spending Money