Evolving Personal Finance » Entries tagged with "values"
Why I Love Personal Finance: Universal Math Meets Individual Values
From about fifth grade forward, I wasn’t a big fan of math. Not to be too Barbie about it, but math class is tough, right? I apparently was fairly good at it, though, because I was put in an advanced math track in school (which just made it all the harder). By the time I got to calculus, I was pretty sick of the whole subject. Then, in my senior year of high school, I … Read entire article »
Filed under: values
Time and Money Spent Reveal Your Values – After You Normalize
I often hear axioms along the lines of “If you look at a man’s checkbook register, you can tell what his priorities are.” Ugh, that sounded a bit dated… “If you log into a person’s Mint account, you can tell what her priorities are.” The point is that you will naturally put money toward the things you value most and skimp on the ones you don’t. Your money tells the truth about what you care … Read entire article »
Filed under: values
The Thinking Person’s Guide to Dave Ramsey: Underlying Principles
As I stated in the overview for this series, in this first post I will share what I have observed are the key foundational views of money on which Dave Ramsey’s entire program is based, the underlying principles. If you disagree with any one of these views, DR’s program is either not for you or you will want to make some modifications to follow it successfully. You Want to Plug in to a Simple, Universal Program DR’s … Read entire article »
Filed under: debt, psychology, savings, values
Inexpensive House, Expensive Car
I’ve been taking frequent walks around our townhouse complex recently and I’ve noticed that there are a lot of pretty nice cars parked in the lots – sports cars, muscle cars, and some luxury brands. Two people just across the parking lot from us own an Audi and a sporty convertible. Beyond just the expensive models, many cars look close to brand new. Another thing I’ve noticed on my walks throughout this year are townhouses up … Read entire article »
First Values and Goals, Then Strategies
When you first encounter the subject of personal finance, you may be tempted to jump right into trying to understand the best debt payoff method, the right retirement savings vehicle, which investments to buy and when, or how to get the best credit card rewards. But without being properly motivated and focused by your own values and goals, hectic personal finance activity won’t result in satisfaction and will possibly burn you out. Before getting into … Read entire article »
The Best Things in Life Are Free
These are all things and experiences that I love that are free (or at least can be free)! sunshine reading (books from the library) the Sarah P. Duke Gardens exercise orgasms friendship church/small group cuddling conversation stargazing the Smithsonian Gmail the Bible sleep podcasts Not surprisingly, many of these line up with my top five values. I feel wealthy when I enjoy these things and I didn’t spend a dime doing it! What are some of best things in your life that are free? photo by Amy Goodrich Photography … Read entire article »
Filed under: luxuries
Living Your Real Life Now
Something I hear often from grad students (and say often myself) is “When I have a real job…” followed by some fantasy about the future like saving for a house downpayment or going on a big vacation or not being in the lab after midnight. Since these sentiments come out of my mouth, too, I obviously understand where they’re coming from. In grad school, like in college, during an engagement, or just before starting a family, there is a sense of now-but-not-yet. I have this life and it’s not quite what I want it to be because there is a waiting period, a working period until I can achieve something that will usher my life into its next stage. But the fact is that just because I don’t have a real job … Read entire article »
Filed under: choices, grad school, values
Where Are My Resolutions?
It seems like the blogosphere has exploded with financial, health, and other goals this week – all for the first, I suppose. I love goals and I love watching other people accomplish them (or admit failure/delay). However, my husband and I haven’t made New Years goals of any sort. And why not? 1) New Years is not my favorite time for goal-setting – my favorite time for goal-setting is immediately. My last two major goal projects … Read entire article »
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