Personal Spending
-
The Sunk Cost Trap: Why We Stay in Bad Financial Situations
It’s not about logic. It’s about loss. Here’s the psychological story of why we throw good money after bad—and how to finally stop. Part 1: The Car at the Curb The Opening Scene: Let’s talk about Mark. Mark is a composite of friends, family members, and, if I’m being honest, a past version of myself.…
-
Money Avoidance: Are You’re Afraid to Check Your Bank Account
The Anatomy of a Moment of Fear You know the feeling. Your thumb hovers over the banking app on your phone. You feel a familiar, cold spike of adrenaline. Your chest tightens, your breathing goes shallow, and you suddenly find a dozen other things to do. I’ll check it later. I know I got paid.…
-
Are You a “Boredom Spender”? 10 Hobbies That Pay You Back
How to trade the temporary high of the “add to cart” button for the lasting fulfillment of a new passion—and make (or save) money while you do it. It’s 9 P.M. on a Tuesday. You’re not tired, but you’re not engaged. You’re “scrolling.” You’ve already cycled through Instagram, your email, and the news. You open…
-
The Scarcity Trap: Why Feeling Poor Makes You Spend
We must stop judging the “Sarahs” of the world for their $100 meals. The paradox of spending more when you feel poor is not a paradox at all
-
Is Social Media Making You Broke? The High Cost of “Keeping Up”
The answer, then, is to stop scrolling for a life that is not real and start curating one that is. Take a moment to pause and think
-
Why You Buy Things You Never Use: The Trap of the “Future Self”
Inside the psychology of aspirational purchases, the anxiety of clutter, and the complete guide to buying for the life you actually have.
-
What-the-Hell: The Struggles of Budgeting
Financial discipline is not a game of perfection. The “all-or-nothing” approach is a setup for failure.
-
How to Say No to Spending Money Effortlessly
It’s not about your bank account. It’s about your boundaries. A narrative guide to reclaiming your peace, your wallet, and your friendships.
-
Can’t Pay Bills What to Do When Financially Stressed
It can be incredibly stressful when you’re facing a mountain of bills with no clear way to pay them. But take a deep breath – there are steps you can take, and often more options than you might realize. This isn’t a quick fix, but a 24-hour triage approach to get you started on the…
-
Starter Emergency Fund: Your First Step to Safety
A $1,000 safety net breaks the psychological debt trap, giving you the “peace of mind” to finally attack your debt