As my loyal readers will know, I moved in with my main squeeze two months ago. It has been just lovely, but it did bring up some new areas of discussion. We are not just roommates, but we are also not married and do not have legal rights to each other’s property. We aren’t ready…
Subjects: Lionel (31) and Wilhemina (29) Lionel is in graduate school and Wilhemina is working as a short term contractor. Lionel is living off of loans and Wilhemina is living off of her salary (which is variable depending on whether or not she can get a contract extension, but it is generally renewed every three-six…
It’s time for me to be honest. Do I seem like I have my act together? Do I seem like the most organized and fiscally savvy gal you have ever encountered? Oh do go on. Here is reality: I am 28 years old. Until three months ago I kept all of my important papers in…
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Full disclosure up front: I have only ever once negotiated for an increase in my salary. I got it, but the difference was between the $8.08 per hour I was offered to the $9.25 per hour that I negotiated up to. I understand this is a pitiful amount…
Subjects: Juan (37) and Catalina (29) Juan has two children from a previous marriage and makes twice what Catalina makes. Juan pays child support and alimony directly from his paycheck. After that, Juan and Catalina put all of their money into a joint checking account. From that account, they pay their bills, save for mid-term…
I am a magnet for paperwork problems. I am not kidding. My paperwork issues are out of control. I know I am in trouble when the person I am talking to says, “Huh. That’s weird” when looking up my information. Some examples: I had to get my diploma printed THREE times because they kept messing up…
This topic can very easily feel preachy so here is my confession up front: I TRY to be a conscious consumer, but sometimes sales are too good, my budget is too tight, I don’t have the time or I just plain want something that isn’t in line with some of my consumer values. The point…
