10 Examples & Reasons to Choose Quality Over Quantity

If given the option, would you choose quality over quantity? What does the question mean? The phrase quality over quantity means it’s more important to have fewer high-quality relationships, moments, interactions, food, and clothing, than tons of less valuable versions. But most of us repeatedly choose quantity over quality. It’s ingrained in us from a … Read more

Time and Money: Money Bought Me Time

The posts on this blog have been sparse lately. Despite my best intentions, I haven’t written much. Caring for my dad, managing my parents’ finances, tending to my children, and completing a never-ending list of household chores haven’t left time for my daily musings.  There was a time when I would get itchy if I didn’t … Read more

A Dying Letter to My Children (A Note From My Dad)

My dad died peacefully at his home after a nearly year-long battle with cancer. Nine days before he passed, he told me he wasn’t ready to go. He didn’t fear death. What he feared was leaving us all behind. There are so many things I want to say about my dad, but it’s tough to … Read more

How to Clean Out Your Closet With a Quick Closet Purge

Today I’m undertaking a good, old-fashioned closet cleanout. I’m rolling up my sleeves, clearing the racks, and embarking on a no-holds-barred closet purge. What do you see when you open your closet? Is it full of so many things you can’t squeeze another item inside? Is it overrun by unworn clothes you thought you’d love … Read more

what my family should know - end of life checklist

What My Family Should Know When I Die: An End-Of-Life Checklist

What financial facts would your family need to know if you became incapacitated or unexpectedly died? What documents would you need to gather, and what questions should you answer before the need arises?  I’ve been managing my aging parent’s finances for a few months now, but I still have many questions. Yesterday, my dad and I sat … Read more

talking to aging parents about money

Talking to Your Aging Parents About Money

This summer, I became an official member of the sandwich generation. After my dad’s cancer diagnosis in August, I began caring for my aging parents while raising my two boys. In August, I took over management of my parent’s finances, and I did so without any pushback from them. Why was the transition so easy? Because … Read more

Thirty Days

It’s been thirty days since I last published a post on this blog. Last month, I wrote about self-care guilt and my desire to care for myself without feeling bad about it. Over the past month, I’ve spent hours in doctor’s appointments with my dad, and when I come home, I’m exhausted. Writing is usually my go-to … Read more

envy is the thief of joy

Comparison is the Thief of Joy: How Envy Steals Our Happiness

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “comparison is the thief of joy,” which means comparisons steal our satisfaction and rob us of long-term happiness. When we compare ourselves to others, we feel inadequate and inferior. In this negative frame of mind, we permit envy and jealousy to grow. Comparisons don’t fill our hearts with joy. Instead, they … Read more

How Long to Keep Medical Bills, Records, & Receipts?

Every year you receive a pile of invoices from primary care doctors, specialists, insurance companies, and imaging facilities. Have you ever wondered how long you should keep medical bills? At a minimum, you’ll want to hold onto medical bills for one to three years after you pay them, but if you have a health savings … Read more