Not Exactly What I Had in Mind

The day after my husband and I were married I turned to him and said, “Can we do that again?” After spending so much time picking a wedding dress, venue, flowers, food and all of the other fun stuff that comes with hosting a wedding I was bummed that the big day had come to … Read more

Resenting the Stay-At-Home Decision

As I was digging through a series of emails I came across the offer for a job I declined two and a half years ago. My monthly salary on the initial offer was just over $12,000 per month. I planned to start the day my little guy turned six months, but as the date drew … Read more

My Advice: Unequal Financial Gifts for Grown Children

A few days ago I posted a reader’s question about unequal financial gifts for his children. I thought I’d follow up with my advice. Here is the email I sent in response: —- I have not experienced financially inequality from my own parents, but I have witnessed it many times via extended family members. Here … Read more

Reader Advice: Unequal Financial Gifts for Grown Children

Over the years I’ve written a lot about unequal financial gifts for children. In response I’ve received many personal emails asking for advice. Up until this week all of those posts came from grown children in these situations, but a few days ago I received this comment from a concerned parent. I thought I would … Read more

Why Do I Feel Guilty?

Last week I spent two hours out of the house, all by myself, at a spa. I left my son in the care of my in-laws and took advantage of the spa week savings. Instead of paying $100+ dollars for a facial I spent $50. Instead of paying a $100+ for a pedicure I spent … Read more

Lucky Timing: A $32,000 Loss If I Held On

The company I previously worked for often rewarded employees with stock and stock options. When I joined the company in 1999 coworkers told stories of company bonuses that averaged $15,000. They told me one day everyone drove to work in beat up old cars and one week later the garage was filled with sparkly, new … Read more

For the Women Who Want Baby Girls

I know a lot of women who dream of having baby girls. I suppose the same is true in reverse. I’m sure there are a lot of men who want a baby boy, though it’s more unusual to hear them speak of it. Unlike most American couples we decided not to find out my son’s … Read more

My Husband is Not a Moocher

Photo by: mormones.org My husband has many good qualities and a few that drive me absolutely crazy. He’s the type of guy that won’t let his parents buy him an expensive birthday gift, even though they clearly have the money to pay for it. When we’re in a restaurant he always yanks the bill off … Read more

Above All Else You Need a Plan

Life is full of decisions. There are the every day questions we ask ourselves like should I eat egg salad or peanut butter and jelly? Should I go to the store today or wait until tomorrow? And then there are those bigger decisions that weigh on your head and your heart. Those questions differ for … Read more

The Value of Writing It Down

When I was in middle school I started writing a daily journal. Unfortunately, when I turned fifteen I destroyed it. I was embarrassed by all of my tales of wanting to fall in love and decided to rip up the pages and throw it away. (Such a silly thing to do.) I returned to keeping … Read more