The Money Muse

Sequence of returns risk is the danger of retiring during a downturn, when early withdrawals can permanently damage your portfolio.

A CAPE-based dynamic withdrawal strategy adjusts spending based on market valuations, helping retirees preserve portfolios and reduce sequence-of-returns risk.

A 50-year mortgage lowers monthly payments but increases lifelong debt, offering illusionary affordability while worsening long-term financial freedom.

The Great Wealth Transfer will shift trillions from older generations to younger ones, reshaping personal finance, investing, and wealth planning.

The pro rata rule affects IRA conversions, ensuring taxes are calculated fairly when accounts have both pre-tax and after-tax funds.

Q3 2025 recap: strong net worth growth, high investment contributions, Etsy side hustle success, and managing higher living costs.

American exceptionalism reflects the resilience and long-term growth of U.S. markets, guiding investors in portfolio strategy and risk management.

The pursuit of material possessions can trap us. Instead, focus on experiences and relationships to enrich your life.

Increasing your income, whether through raises or side hustles, is essential for faster financial growth and independence.

Rising housing costs can feel out of control, but with strategy, you can manage the impact while keeping long-term goals intact.

In Q2 2025, I saw strong financial growth despite a challenging year. Here’s a look at my income, investment contributions, and how I’m managing increasing costs.

A bridge account helps manage short-term financial needs during transitions, such as buying a home or retirement.

Don’t settle for a raise that only matches inflation. Learn how to advocate for a raise that builds wealth.

A backdoor Roth IRA allows high earners to contribute to a Roth IRA by first using a traditional IRA.

Your partner plays a crucial role in your financial success—alignment in goals, values, and communication is key.

The 25X rule helps determine how much you need to save for retirement by multiplying annual expenses by 25.

Learn the differences between Lean FIRE, Chubby FIRE, and Fat FIRE, and discover which path fits your retirement goals.

Ready to buy a home? Here’s what you really need to know about the costs involved and how to prepare.

Learn who actually pays tariffs, how they affect your budget, and how to adjust your investments accordingly.

Learn where to keep your down payment savings based on time horizon and risk tolerance, from high-yield savings to stocks.

I made my first house offer, learned key lessons, and now feel better prepared for future real estate opportunities.

Stay disciplined during market downturns by using a buy-and-hold strategy, dollar cost averaging, and focusing on long-term goals.

Despite a challenging start to 2025 and market downturns, I’m staying committed to my long-term investing strategy and financial goals.

Reflecting on the ideal age for milestones like marriage, having children, buying a home, and retiring, based on data from Pew Research.

Aiming for financial independence and flexibility, saving 50% of your income is an aggressive but effective strategy for wealth building.

In times of uncertainty, maintaining consistency with your financial plan, investing, and staying disciplined is key to long-term success.

Learn the key differences between FSA and HSA, their tax advantages, and how to use them to save on healthcare costs.

Prepare for job insecurity by building an emergency fund, cutting expenses, upskilling, and considering a side hustle to stay financially secure.

The third-generation curse refers to the loss of wealth by the third generation; learn how to avoid it through financial education and planning.

The journey to becoming a millionaire takes time, but with disciplined saving, investing, and living below your means, it’s achievable.

An FHA loan is a great option for house hacking, offering low down payments and access to rental income for building wealth.

House hacking allows you to buy a multi-unit property, live in one unit, and rent the others to offset expenses.

If the CFPB is eliminated, investors may face increased market volatility, riskier financial products, and weakened consumer protection.

In times of uncertainty, staying calm and sticking to your long-term investing strategy can lead to better financial outcomes.

Discover how buying quality used furniture can save you money and add long-lasting value to your home.

A three-fund portfolio is a simple, diversified investment strategy that includes U.S. stocks, international stocks, and bonds.

Pet insurance isn’t just a luxury – it’s a financial safety net that ensures your pets stay healthy without jeopardizing your own financial health.

FIRE, Coast FIRE, and FINE are paths to financial independence, each with unique strategies for achieving freedom.

Learn how to save money on groceries with planning, bulk buying, budget-friendly recipes, and minimizing food waste.

Salary benchmarking helps you assess your worth, negotiate pay, and plan your career path by comparing your salary to industry standards.

Learn how to successfully negotiate a raise by building rapport, benchmarking your salary, and showcasing your performance.

Reflecting on 2024 and planning for 2025, including goals for investing, marriage, home buying, and family decisions.

The “no buy” challenge helps individuals reduce overconsumption, save money, and simplify their lives by avoiding non-essential purchases.

Learn how to save for a home amidst rising prices and high interest rates with practical tips and strategies.

How to choose the right engagement ring based on your budget, values, and personal preferences – not societal expectations.

Reflecting on 2024, I discuss my financial growth, lessons learned, and goals for 2025, including investment strategies and side hustles.

Reflecting on 2024, I’m proud of my progress despite challenges and look forward to building on these achievements in 2025.

APR is the interest rate on credit cards, impacting borrowing costs. Learn how it works and ways to minimize it.

Learn how to determine how much to contribute to your 401(k) based on your goals, employer match, and tax strategy.

Learn how to make money online with Etsy, freelancing, surveys, blogging, selling digital products, and teaching.

Personal finance is about managing money to achieve financial security, including budgeting, saving, investing, and preparing for the future.

Personal finance solves many challenges – from escaping debt to saving for goals, retirement, and achieving financial independence.

Your financial success depends on your behavior, from spending and saving habits to mindset and emotional decision-making.

Learn how to stick to a holiday budget with mindful spending, strategic shopping, and smart financial planning for a stress-free season.

Looking for financial advice? Check out these top personal finance blogs that focus on mindful spending, saving, and financial independence.

Learn how to navigate financial conversations with your partner to build trust, align goals, and strengthen your relationship.

Slow living encourages simplifying your surroundings and focusing on what truly matters for a fulfilling financial life.

Consumerism negatively impacts mental health and the environment. Breaking free requires mindful spending, self-reflection, and sustainable choices.

Despite higher living expenses and more spending, my net worth soared in Q3 2024 through disciplined investing.

The Richest Man in Babylon offers timeless financial advice on saving, investing, and living below your means.

The trad wife lifestyle limits financial independence, creating vulnerability through reliance on a spouse and reduced earning potential.

Doom spending is impulse buying triggered by stress or anxiety. Learn why it happens and how to avoid it.

Discover the best personal finance books to transform your financial future.

Discover the importance of the safe withdrawal rate – a strategy to maintain income during retirement while preserving savings.

The five foundations of personal finance guide you through building emergency savings, eliminating debt, and growing wealth.

Teach kids healthy financial habits early, including budgeting, saving, and the power of compound interest for long-term success.

Dollar cost averaging is a low-stress investing strategy focused on consistency, reducing risk, and eliminating emotional decisions.

Understanding whether you’re a saver or a spender helps you balance enjoying life now while securing your financial future.

Financial literacy empowers individuals to manage their finances, break the poverty cycle, and achieve long-term financial stability.

Zero-based budgeting helps you take control of your finances by assigning every dollar a job, ensuring intentional spending.

Living paycheck to paycheck is a phrase that gets tossed around a lot, but what is this term’s definition? In its simplest form, living paycheck to paycheck means that you’re relying entirely on your next paycheck to cover your expenses, with little to no money left over after paying for essentials like rent, groceries, and… Read more: What does it mean to live paycheck to paycheck?

“Underconsumption Core” on TikTok encourages using what you already have, reducing spending, and promoting sustainability for better finances.

The buy-and-hold strategy builds wealth by investing in index funds and holding long-term, avoiding market timing.

Brian Preston’s The Millionaire Mission explores building wealth through disciplined investing, avoiding consumption traps, and leveraging financial innovations.

Learn how to navigate market downturns by staying calm, sticking to your plan, and focusing on long-term investing.

Compounding interest on debt can hinder financial freedom, but strategic management helps you achieve a debt-free future.

Lazy girl jobs offer low-stress work-life balance but may limit career growth and income potential at different life stages.

Overcoming investing fears: Start early, educate yourself, and watch your wealth grow.

Reaching $250,000 net worth by 30 required early start, goal setting, living below means, consistent investing, salary increase, and financial education.

Plan a considerate bachelorette trip by choosing invitees thoughtfully, considering location and costs, offering flexibility, and being considerate with requests.

June was a rollercoaster month for my finances. While my investments performed exceptionally well, I felt like I was hemorrhaging cash due to routine but expensive vet expenses for my pets. Despite these costs, I’m still inching closer to my goal of $250K – a quarter of a million dollars! Navigating through unexpected expenses while… Read more: $245K at 30: Q2 2024 financial recap

Filing taxes jointly is common for married couples, but filing separately has benefits for handling debt, medical expenses, and student loans. However, it may lead to loss of tax credits, higher rates, and complexity. Factors, such as children, also influence this decision.

Discover valuable money lessons from Netflix’s Bridgerton in our latest blog post. Learn how to manage debt, the importance of planning for the future, the power of negotiation, and investing in relationships.

Discover the value of a financial reset and learn essential steps to review your budget, savings, investments, and debt. We’ll guide you through reassessing your financial goals and updating your plan for the rest of the year.

Discover the power of sinking funds—a dedicated savings strategy tailored to your financial goals. Learn how to allocate funds effectively and choose the right account for your needs, whether it’s a checking, savings, or high-yield savings account.

Comparison, fueled by social media, can steal joy and impact financial health. Embrace uniqueness, recognize curated narratives, and prioritize genuine sources of happiness for contentment and well-being.

Reaching your first $100K in net worth can feel like a daunting task, but it’s a crucial milestone on your financial journey.

Learn the differences between Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and mutual funds in investing, covering trading methods, costs, minimum investments, tax efficiency, and transparency, with examples like VTI and VTSAX, to make informed investment decisions for your financial goals.

Discover the financial highlights of my March journey, from celebrating my 30th birthday to achieving a new net worth milestone of $230K. Dive into insights on income, investment contributions, spending breakdowns, and future goals, and join the conversation as we navigate personal finance together.

Learn how social media exacerbates “money dysmorphia,” impacting mental health and financial well-being, and discover practical strategies to combat comparison and prioritize financial progress.

Unlocking Dream Destinations Without Breaking the Bank – Practical Strategies for Smart and Affordable Travel