Did My New Year’s Resolution Kill a Business?

I was sitting at a café in downtown Berkeley when I found out that one of my favorite bookstores was closing. What’s odd is that my mother — 2,800 miles away in upstate New York — was the one to give me the news.

How Did My Net Worth Go Up by Nearly $7,000 in One Month?

The numbers make sense, but it’s hard to fathom them.

You Can’t Pay People to Go to the Gym. (At Least, You Can’t Pay Them $60.)

How much money would it take to get you to go to the gym at least once a week? As The Washington Post reports, the answer isn’t $30. Or $60. 

Is MealPal a Real Pal?

It’s been documented that I enjoy a good gift card. So when a friend sent me a MealPal referral link that would give me a $50 gift card if I signed up for one month, I decided to give it a try.

Friday Estimate

It’s Friday, which means it’s time to estimate our weekend spending.

Change Is the Only Constant in Life

Hello! As you may have noticed, The Billfold has moved back to WordPress, our former content management system.

Why We Don’t Just “Go Where the Jobs Are”

This week, The Wall Street Journal reports that population mobility is the lowest its ever been—or, at least, it’s the lowest it’s been since we started tracking. 

Confessions From the Sorta-Budgeting Life

Paying attention to your money versus allocating every dollar.

They Paid Me for Being Liked

I was named Starbucks’ Partner of the Quarter.

Do a Lot of Things

It’s Thursday, which means it’s time to Do 1 Thing.

How a Goal-Oriented Saver in Lansing Does Money

Celia (not her real name) is a 30-year-old nonprofit director in Lansing, Michigan.

Today in Money News

I love searching the Google news tab for “money,” because it turns up the best stories. Here are three:

Call for Pitches: Money and Relationships

Can’t buy me love. (Or can you?)

My Last $100: Too Darn Hot Edition

Making financial decisions based on air conditioning and comfort.

How to Sell Dirt

An interview with the 22-year-old entrepreneur behind DirtByMail.

On Once-in-a-Lifetime Vacations

Would you be willing to save for two years, understanding that everything could change between now and then?

How Do We Become Rich, Anyway?

We start by lying about our weekends.

Question Wednesday

It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to toss us your biggest financial questions.

What’s the Least Amount of Time You’ve Ever Spent at a Job?

I was a house painter for under 48 hours.

Thrift Shopping Beginner’s Mistakes I Have Made

When I discovered thrifting at age fourteen, it was a revelation. My friend, a expert thrifter, introduced me to the art of combing the racks of clothes for deals and hidden gems, and it’s been a passion of mine ever since.

I’m Halfway Through My 30s and I’ve Made a Terrible Mistake

In a few weeks I’ll celebrate my 35th birthday. I’ve already started planning my annual backyard birthday bash (black bean tacos, a cornhole tournament, and free ranging chickens will be the highlights). Despite my excitement to see my friends, eat cake, and celebrate, well, myself, I’m having mixed feelings about this particular milestone.

Checking In With My Savings Plan: July 2017 Edition

I did pretty well at not spending money in July.

Are We the Only Generation Who Isn’t Selling Out?

The joke is that we can only afford toast and coffee, and the other half of the joke is that toast and coffee cost $25 these days.

Share Your Success Tuesday

It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time to share our recent financial successes.

Will Dorm-Style Living Become the Next Hot Housing Trend?

Bunking with other adults might not be just for college students.