The Money Muse

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Follow along as I share strategies and lessons to help you take control of your financial future.

  • Planning a considerate bachelorette trip

    Planning a considerate bachelorette trip

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

  • $245K at 30: Q2 2024 financial recap

    $245K at 30: Q2 2024 financial recap

    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…

  • Why a Married Couple Might Choose to File Taxes Separately: Benefits and Pitfalls

    Why a Married Couple Might Choose to File Taxes Separately: Benefits and Pitfalls

    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.

  • Money Lessons from Netflix’s Bridgerton

    Money Lessons from Netflix’s Bridgerton

    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.

  • The Value of a Mid-Year Financial Checkup: How to Hit Reset on Your Finances

    The Value of a Mid-Year Financial Checkup: How to Hit Reset on Your Finances

    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.

  • Comparison is robbing you

    Comparison is robbing you

    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.

  • Your first $100K: Reaching the boiling point

    Your first $100K: Reaching the boiling point

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

  • What’s the difference between an ETF and a mutual fund?

    What’s the difference between an ETF and a mutual fund?

    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.

  • $231K at 30: Q1 2024 financial recap

    $231K at 30: Q1 2024 financial recap

    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.

  • What is money dysmorphia?

    What is money dysmorphia?

    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.