Money Habits

09/14/2026

Have you ever made a credit card payment, watched your available credit increase—and then used the card again?

I did exactly that for far too long. It felt like I was managing the bill, but I was really keeping myself trapped in the same cycle.

That experience changed how I think about budgeting. A useful budget isn’t a punishment or a collection of perfect percentages. It should help you recognize the habits making today easier while making next month harder.

In this updated guide, I explain how to build a spending plan around real life—not an imaginary month where nothing ever goes wrong.

08/31/2026

Ever wonder where you should keep money you want to save but don’t necessarily want to invest?
A regular savings account, high-yield savings account, money market account, and CD can all make sense. The difference is how easily you can get to your money, what the account pays, and what restrictions come with it.
In this post, I break down the differences in plain English — not to pick a winner, but to help you understand which type of account might fit different situations.
And one reminder: don’t choose based on the interest rate alone. Sometimes the fine print matters more than the number in the ad.

08/22/2026

Living paycheck to paycheck can make advice like “just save more” sound almost laughable.

When nearly every dollar already has a job, where is that extra money supposed to come from?

In my latest Money Habits post, I take a more practical approach. Getting ahead doesn’t have to begin with a three- or six-month emergency fund. It can start with $25, $100, or simply making it through the month without adding new debt.

The goal is to create a little breathing room—and then build from there.

If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, here are some realistic steps that can help you start moving in the other direction.

👇 Living Paycheck to Paycheck? How to Finally Get Ahead

Living paycheck to paycheck? Learn practical steps to create breathing room, build savings, manage cash flow, and finally start getting ahead.

08/16/2026

https://moneyhabitsforme.com/the-habit-gap-advance-reader/
Ever feel like you **know** what you should be doing with your money, but actually doing it is another story?

That’s the idea behind my upcoming book, **The Habit Gap: Learn The Money Basics and Put Them Into Practice.**

Before it’s published, I’m putting together a small **Advance Reader Copy (ARC) team**.

ARC readers will get an early copy of the book and a few weeks to read it. In return, I’m looking for something pretty simple: **your honest opinion.**

Not a guaranteed five-star review. Not a sales pitch. Just real feedback from real readers.

If you’re interested in personal finance, want to build better money habits, or simply enjoy getting an early look at a new book, I’d love to have you consider joining us.

**Space is limited. Learn more and sign up here:**

The Habit Gap helps readers learn the money basics and put them into practice. Join the ARC team and read the book before publication.

08/11/2026

Most of us never got a real class on money. We figured out paychecks, credit cards, and budgeting through trial and error — usually the expensive kind. If you've got a teenager (or you're just tired of learning this stuff the hard way yourself), here are 5 money lessons that actually stick.

Most schools still don't teach money basics. Here are 5 money lessons every kid should know before 18 — and how to start teaching them today.

08/08/2026

Financial hardship rarely sends a warning.

A job loss. An unexpected repair. Medical bills. Reduced income. Sometimes it’s simply too many expenses hitting at the same time.

When that happens, the hardest question can be: What do I do first?

My latest Money Habits article walks through practical places to look for real help, how to prioritize bills, when to contact creditors, where to find assistance programs, and why borrowing more money isn’t always the answer.

If money is especially tight right now—or you know someone who could use a little direction—this may be worth a read.

The goal isn’t to fix everything today. It’s to make the next good decision.

Facing financial hardship? Learn where to find real help, manage urgent bills, avoid costly mistakes, and take practical steps toward recovery.

08/07/2026

Financial scams don't just steal money—they can take away a person's confidence, independence, and peace of mind.

Older adults are often targeted by scammers, but financial abuse can also come from someone they know and trust. The good news is that knowing the warning signs can help prevent it before lasting damage is done.

In this article, you'll learn how to recognize the red flags of elder financial abuse, protect the people you care about, and know what to do if you suspect something isn't right.

Because protecting the people we love is about more than money.

👉 Read the full article here:

"Learn how to protect the aged from elder financial abuse. Our guide offers vital tips to prevent exploitation and secure seniors' hard-earned money."

07/25/2026

When was the last time you gave your finances a checkup?

Most people think about budgets and financial goals in January, but there’s no rule that says you have to wait for a new year. In fact, a mid-year review can help you catch small problems before they become expensive ones.

In my latest article, A Simple Financial Checkup for a Better Year, I share 10 practical questions that can help you review your spending, savings, debt, credit, insurance, and financial goals—all without making the process complicated.

You don't need to be perfect. You just need to know where you stand and decide what one step to take next.

Read the full article here:

Give your finances a fresh start with a simple financial checkup. Review your budget, savings, debt, credit, and goals with these 10 practical questions.

07/19/2026

Understand how much your emotional state has an effect on your money decisions

Discover how money habits influence stress, emotions, and financial decisions, and learn practical ways to build healthier financial habits.

07/08/2026

https://moneyhabitsforme.com/new-book-release-stop-pretending-to-understand-financial-conversations/

Learn how to follow financial conversations with confidence. Discover a plain-English guide to understanding everyday money terms and financial news.