First of all, let’s review whether it’s smart to get a refund to begin with. Not really, and certainly not a sizable one. That’s letting the government take your money throughout the year, earn interest on it for itself, and then return it to you without even a thank you. Now, I don’t want to be swung on the other side too far and face owing a substantial amount either. The sweet spot is something that looks a lot like a non-event.

Years ago I took a profile test that identified our professional personality based on two quick questions. When my results came back, my profile was right at the top in bold: Controller. And you know what I bet feels really out of control right now? Being a federal worker. If you’re finding yourself at elevated stress levels due to the circumstances of the current federal workplace, here is a checklist of things you can do that are in your control.

When my sister-in-law and I decided to do a girls getaway, we had a few ground rules: 1.) Direct flights <3hr for each of us, 2) A new location to each of us with lots to explore, and 3) No looking North in a [failed] effort to limit cold weather. With our parameters set, Nashville popped up early as a contender!

A handful of years ago, my wise and brilliant friend told me about her New Year’s Retreat. She took herself away for two days to focus on and prioritize developing her goals for the year, her family’s calendar, and her own wellness. It was one of those moments where you realize you’ve been doing life wrong. This. whole. time. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and the most wonderfully expensive! That new plaid dress for Taste of Scotland, tickets to A Christmas Carol at the Alexandria Little Theatre, and – the big one – holiday gift giving. It can add up quickly and easily, getting swept away by the holiday decorations, marketing enticements, and the ease of tapping that credit card at checkout.

As Thanksgiving looms for the Sandwich Generation, many of us find ourselves not just celebrating with our families, but also navigating the complexities of change for aging parents. This Thanksgiving, consider using the occasion to have meaningful conversations with your parents. Here are some topics and tips to guide your discussions, making the most of this special time together.

It’s fall, y’all, and ghosts and goblins abound! There’s one that lurks around you, though, all year-round – and he is so sneaky. Let’s have a little chat about that sly little gremlin known as lifestyle creep. You know, that insidious phenomenon where you’re just living your best life, and before you know it, your spending habits have ballooned faster than your last self-care splurge.

One intention of the standardized testing program is to track a student’s progress against a baseline. What about adults? You’re doing all your homework—automated savings, maxing out retirement investments, regularly reviewing your insurance coverages – but what does it all add up to? And, at the end of the day…are you on track?

With fifty states, six continents, and countless trips under my belt, here are my personal Top 5 Areas I like to specifically budget for, and sometimes allocate a bit more in order to get the most out of a trip.

Money and dating can be tricky, especially as a financially independent and successful woman. To help take some of the angst out of it, I solicited Erika Ettin’s input. Erika is founder of A Little Nudge, a dating coaching service specializing in online dating.

I had an amazing college experience. And if you have kids, I know you want that for them, too. Yet, the sticker shock of the cost of higher education can be daunting. So, on 5|29, let’s review the 529 education savings accounts with a few commonly asked questions.

In many partnerships, one partner takes the lead and ‘relieves’ the other of the responsibilities in an area of life: laundry, car maintenance, and often money and finances.