Love and #YOLO Holiday Spending

The year I bought my boyfriend a 2008 Championship ball signed by the entire KU basketball team — and signed up with Amazon Mechanical Turk to pay for it.

An Open Thread About Really Good Presents

Earlier this week, Jenny Tolep invited us to share the worst gift we’d ever received (or given); today, I’ll open the thread to discuss the best gifts we’ve ever received (or given).

Friday Estimate

It’s Friday, which means it’s time to estimate how much we’re going to spend this weekend.

Three Stories About the Cost of Publication

Life gets more expensive when local newspapers close.

Happy Vanniversary

Fourteen years ago, I got hit by a van and had to fight for my life.

December’s Billfold LLC Update

It’s time for another Billfold LLC update, and let’s start with a number: $200.

Do 1 Thing and Get Reimbursed

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

What We Owe to Each Other (More Specifically, Family)

These days, my only active and very real financial concern is the one I carry for my family.

Throwback Thursday: All I Want For Christmas Is What My Parents Got: The Myth of the Merry Middle Class

I don’t know how anybody in my generation celebrates the season without a mountain of credit card debt, or at least considerable buyer’s remorse.

How a Communications Coordinator on Her Way Off the Financial Struggle Bus Does Money

Amy is a 30-year-old Communications Coordinator in Vancouver, Canada.

Billfold Book Giveaway Winners: Empire of the Fund

Thanks again to William A. Birdthistle for generously contributing copies of his book.

Question Wednesday

It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to tear off those financial questions.

Stocks With Benefits

Many companies offer special benefits to their shareholders — travel discounts, wine, and more.

Why I’m Constantly Returning to the Supermarket

At least once per transaction, I catch something — last week it was a jar of peanut butter, on sale for $3.99, that rang up at $5.49.

On Age, Debt, and Cracker Jacks

It’s the Tuesday News Roundup!

Talking to Dan Weissmann About His New Healthcare Podcast, An Arm and a Leg

These were people with good incomes and steady jobs, some people with really good health insurance, and all of them had stories that made me go “holy crap!”

What’s Worse Than Coal? These Christmas Presents

Seven years later and my dad’s present still makes me laugh.

What Netflix’s ‘Christmas Prince’ Series Taught Us About Money

Did you know United now offers direct flights between Aldovia and JFK?

Monday Check-In

It’s Monday, which means it’s time to check in with our weekend spending.

Sidney’s Festive Film Review, Part Two

I was really excited to share this festive movie with Sid. Almost immediately, he made it clear that he wished I hadn’t.

Paying Money for the Funnies

I shelled out $1,125 on tuition for three levels of musical improv classes.

An Open Thread About Monthly Financial Goals

It’s the beginning of the month (or close enough, anyway) which means it’s time to discuss our monthly financial goals.

Friday Estimate

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

This Week in Pods

Self-flying drone taxis with detachable pod compartments!

Why I Didn’t Legally Change My Name

Just to file a petition for a name change costs $435 in the California court system.