I’ve spent the past few days in Santa Fe, New Mexico celebrating my mother’s 60th birthday. And it’s an absolutely enchanting place. There are stunning things everywhere — the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Pueblo-style architecture, Southwest-inspired artwork, colorful wildflowers, and vivid, star-filled night skies. Being here reminds me of why I relentlessly work toward my […]
We’ve all made money mistakes. I know I’m guilty of several that still make me cringe: A designer clothing habit I couldn’t afford. The year after the stock market crash I stopped investing completely. Forking over cash for my home warranty. Anytime I’ve lent money to friends. The list goes on. But one, I’ve never talked […]
There’s something undeniably romantic about trains. Traveling by train has always felt like an adventure into the unknown. Every minute feels new. Especially watching a sunrise slowly reveal a landscape that has transformed overnight. Train travel gives your mind time to wander, beginning the moment you step into a station. “There are no strangers on […]
I think I finally understand why people try to measure their lives by the year. A lot can happen in twelve short months. An entire lifetime’s worth of events, really. And cutting these mini lifetimes into one-year chunks makes everything feel more manageable. So, after this past weekend, I’m declaring FinCon the start of my New Year. […]
Social media shouldn’t be a massive time suck. Especially at a conference where you’re trying to build relationships face-to-face. So, how do you strike an efficient balance? Productivity tools. Here’s what I’m relying on to keep me on top of my social media game at FinCon. Essential Pre-Conference Preparation Is your branding consistent across all channels? […]
Save yourself. An ominous blog post from Jonathan Clements warned yesterday afternoon. “The Great Recession may have been a wake-up call for American families. But many have since drifted back to sleep.” How did The Great Recession affect our country’s personal savings rate? In 2012, it reached a two-decade high of 7.6%, but dropped soon […]
It’s been nearly one year since I quit my career as a concert promoter. Many family members, friends, and colleagues never saw it coming. But I didn’t leave without a plan. I saved 40-50% of my income for several months, invested in other skill sets, and planned to take some time off before transitioning into […]
Have you ever discovered something cool just a little too late? For me, that’s Scratch Magazine. Manjula Martin, editor and publisher, started Scratch two years ago to expand the conversation around writing and commerce. Or, as she explains, to answer questions about “that nagging, quiet specter of money that hovers over creative professions.” But could […]
Yesterday evening, I was blindsided with a crippling migraine. I had planned on spending the evening strolling to a neighborhood restaurant to celebrate my sweet boyfriend’s birthday, but my body had other ideas. He brought me some Tylenol, a bottle of water, and ordered take out. Instead of celebratory patio drinks, I was in bed, […]
Why does everyone seem to think someone else’s job is cooler than theirs? Common sense tells us the grass isn’t actually greener on the other side, and yet, it’s normal to think your friends have it better. During my former gig as a concert promoter, I was constantly being asked to grab coffee, lunch, or […]
