Category: Managing Money

MacBook Pro
Buying a MacBook Pro in 2023: The Challenges and Tips for Saving
In 2004, I began my freshman year of college. During my first week, I realized that I needed a laptop that I could use to take notes in class, do homework on, and make dorm life more bearable in between. When I went to the school bookstore, I learned that all they sold were Apple...
4 cans of Athletic Brewing beer
Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer Subscription Review
For as long as I can remember, I've had an odd aversion to alcohol. I distinctly remember running out of the room crying during the Pleasure Island scene of Pinocchio and the apparently famous Tiny Toon Adventures episode "One Beer" left me scarred for life. Whatever the reason for this, I've never drank and am...
EveryPlate logo
EveryPlate Meal Kit Delivery Review
For the past few years, meal kit delivery services have been all the rage. And although I’ve written about them from time to time, I hadn’t actually tried any first-hand — until I joined EveryPlate about 18 months ago.  Like other services, EveryPlate sends you weekly recipes along with pre-portioned ingredients. But, with me being...
There's a new breed of dog collar
Fi Smart Collar (Series 2) Review: Is it Worth It?
A few months ago, my wife and I expanded our family by adding a dog. And while I've already shared some of the expenses we've incurred since bringing Rigby home, I wanted to go more into detail about one item we purchased for her: a Fi Smart Collar. This is actually something I had my...
apartment buildings
4 Ways to Save Money on Rent — Without Moving
For months, one of the biggest stories in the country — let alone finance stories — has been the rate of inflation. Due to a number of factors, Americans have seen everything from their grocery bills to their gas pump totals rise. Similarly, many renters have experienced hikes on their monthly payments. Heck, my rent...
perpared meal delivery service steak dinner with apragus and tomatoes
Meal Delivery Services: Pros, Cons, and Comparisons
Sometimes a simple idea can really take off, leading others to put their own twist on it and flood the market. That's pretty much exactly what's happened with meal delivery services — also known as meal kit subscriptions. These plans allow you to select from a list of recipe options each week and then have...
dying roses
Finance After Death: Preparing for the Eventual and Inevitable
In the past, I've written about a number of Money Milestones that are usually pretty exciting ones to reach. Today... not so much. Instead, let's talk about a different kind of Money Milestone: dying. Yes, dying — that thing none of us wants to talk about but that all of us (barring any major scientific...
working on a laptop
6 Tips for Saving Money When Buying Electronics
There's no doubt that technology and electronics play a bigger role in our lives now more than ever before. Because of this, many of us find ourselves in the market for new tech on a fairly frequent basis. Whether it's a new phone, computer, tablet, camera, smartwatch, drone, or whatever else, we all know the...
2022
My 2022 Goals — Personal, Professional, and Money
And just like that, another year has nearly come to an end. For all of the challenges that 2021 brought, it sure did fly by. Now, with the new year just ahead, it's time once again to share some of the goals I have going forward. Just like with last year's post, I do feel...
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Is it Worth Opening a Credit Card Just For the Bonus?
Over the past several years, my interest in credit card rewards has grown tremendously. As this has happened, I've also backtracked on a couple of positions I held earlier on. A key example of this evolution is how I went from thinking I'd never want a credit card that charged an annual fee to applying...
A Crash Course in Starting and Growing Your Retirement Savings
Want to know why most younger adults don’t think much about saving for retirement? Probably because there’s a lot to think about. Furthermore, many mistakenly believe that they should wait until they’re making big bucks (whenever that will be) to begin setting money aside. Admittedly, with so many different types of retirement accounts, IRS rules,...
American Express logo
The Lucrative Amex Offers I've Used So Far ($800+)
It’s now been about a year and a half since I took the plunge and decided to apply for the Platinum Card from American Express. Since then, I’ve been making use of plenty of the card’s perks, from the included credits to the hotel status and airport lounge access — in addition to some of...
Featured Articles
Do Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles Make For a Go-To Travel Shoe?
As a semi-frequent traveler who looks to pack pretty light, I’m used to taking only one pair of shoes with me on any given trip. Thus, whatever shoes I’m taking with me need to not only be comfortable but also adapt to different situations — including the possibility of damp weather. That’s what attracted me...
How Did I Not Know About This Awesome Capital One Perk?
Earlier this month, I once again found myself in Las Vegas for CES. Each time this happens, I'm reminded of just how damn expensive The Strip has become. Seriously — $6 drip coffee, $9 cheese pizza slices, and a $14 cheese quesadilla that turns into a $23 quesadilla if you want to add a protein...
Dressing Like an Adult: Comparing Pants Instagram Sold Me
For most of my life, the bottom half of my body has been covered almost exclusively in denim. Specifically, except for the years when I had to wear a suit to work, I'd be seen in long jeans as I rarely ever wear shorts (although I did cave and wear some in Florida a couple...
Everything You Need to Know About Flying Allegiant Air in 2025
When my wife and I moved to Springfield, Missouri a decade ago, one of the selling points (or at least what kept it in the running) was that there was a nearby airport that served a decent number of destinations. Unfortunately, while it is convenient, flying out of such a small airport can also get...