Real stories
"How I Paid Off $16,000 in Student Loans"
When Gina Nykerk paid off her student loans, credit card, and car, it was a major Financial Turning Point for her—and and an inspiration for several friends. When I was 23 years old, I paid off all $16,000 of my student loan debt. I can't tell... ➡
Save Like You Mean It
A once-in-a-lifetime trip, a new baby, recharging your career—how do you save for the biggest things in life? Six women share their stories of stamina, smarts, and success.$80,00 for a new life “I ran my photography business from New York City for... ➡
Little Luxuries Lift You Up
Five years ago, the economy, my marriage—and my income—all collapsed at once. Then in my late 30s, with two small children, I could barely afford my mortgage, and I was actually ill from financial stress. My mother insisted: Get a treat now. I... ➡
Saying ‘Yes’ Pays Off
When I moved to Philadelphia a year ago, I was broke—25 years of living in New York, the past five of it as the breadwinner for my family, can do that. Don’t focus on making new friends, I told myself: "Make money" Yet my first move was the... ➡
Why I’m Front-loading School Costs
For families with even a drop of cash liquidity, the question almost invariably comes up: public school or private? For my three-child family—for whom “liquidity” is ephemeral at best—the answer should be “public.” But I’m not doing it. I feel so... ➡
Small Biz Does Good, Locally
As in most American towns, it’s hard to get around Cambridge, Maryland, without a car. But not everyone owns their own vehicle. So three years ago, LaAngela McCoy, 33, bought a cab with savings from her full-time job at a local bank, hired a... ➡
A Financial Planner Admits Her Money Mistakes
Today’s post is part of a new series called “Life by De$ign,” which explores non-traditional choices that women make in order to make their finances work. I’m a 33-year-old financial advisor, and you can call me Joanna. I invest and manage... ➡
Should We Pay to Rebuild?
New Jersey Army National Guard aerial views shows the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to the New Jersey coast. Photo Credit: Reuters The East Coast has barely begun to assess the cost of recovery after superstorm Sandy last month. It will be... ➡
