Latest posts
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We’re a Six-Figure Family and I Still Shop at Aldi
Making more money didn’t make me stop caring about grocery prices—and that’s kind of the point. We’re a six-figure family, and I still get excited when strawberries are $1.99 at Aldi. I still compare prices. I still look for coupon codes before I buy something online. I still make coffee at home instead of spending…
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Things I Happily Spend More Money On
Because Being Good With Money Doesn’t Mean Being Cheap I recently wrote about the 15 things I refuse to spend money on. I don’t buy coffee out regularly. I don’t spend a fortune on my kids’ clothes. We use hand-me-downs. I shop at Aldi. I don’t believe my kids need a brand-new backpack every September…
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Don’t Let the AIA Billing Form Scare You: It Gets Easier
The first time I opened an AIA billing document, I honestly thought, “There is no way I’m ever going to figure this thing out.” Rows, columns, retainage, previous applications, percentage complete, stored materials… it felt like I was trying to read a foreign language. If you’re a new contractor breaking into commercial construction, you’re probably…
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Things I Refuse to Spend Money On
The Choices That Helped Our Family Build Wealth Every family has different priorities. These aren’t rules everyone should follow—they’re simply the things I’ve chosen not to spend money on because I’d rather put that money toward investing, travel, experiences with my kids, and building financial freedom. Here are some expenses you’ll rarely find in our…
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101 Ways to Save $100 This Month
Small Changes. Big Savings. Lasting Wealth. Let’s be honest—saving money doesn’t always require giving up everything you enjoy. In fact, many of the best money-saving habits are surprisingly simple. A few small changes can easily add up to $100 (or much more) in just one month, and if you invest those savings instead of spending…
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How Much Should You Spend on Your Mortgage? A Simple Rule Every Homebuyer Should Know
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, upgrading to a larger home, or investing in real estate, one question always comes up: “How much house can I actually afford?” Just because a lender approves you for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should…
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15 Bills You Should Negotiate Every Year (And Exactly What to Say)
If you’re trying to improve your financial literacy, stick to a budget, or work toward financial independence, here’s one of the easiest ways to save money that most people completely overlook: Negotiate your bills. Most of us spend hours clipping coupons or driving to a different grocery store to save a few dollars. But we…
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Throw an Amazing Summer Party on a Budget: 25 Money-Saving Ideas for the 4th of July, Labor Day & Backyard BBQs
Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. The kids are outside, the grill is on, and there’s always an excuse to get family and friends together. But let’s be honest… Hosting can get expensive. Between food, drinks, decorations, and activities for the kids, a single backyard party can easily cost several hundred…
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My Homeowners Insurance Just Went Up 18%—Here’s What I Did Next
A few days ago, I opened my homeowners insurance renewal and immediately noticed something that made me do a double take. My premium had increased from $1,700 to $2,000 per year. That’s an increase of nearly 18%. The first thought that crossed my mind was, “Did I accidentally lose coverage? Did I file a claim…
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Money Saving Tip: Shop Around for Your Home and Auto Insurance Every Year
If you’re looking for one of the easiest ways to save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year, here’s my advice: Shop around for your insurance. Homeowners insurance. Auto insurance. Umbrella insurance. Boat insurance. RV insurance. Even life insurance. Many people stay with the same insurance company for years because they assume loyalty will be rewarded.…