Emily Guy Birken's blog

How to Decide If a Membership Is Worth the Price

Before you sign up for another monthly payment, make sure that membership is worth it.

How Recent Grads Should Prepare for Student Loan Payments

Now that college is over, it's time to start paying those student loans. Here's how to budget for those payments without feeling too overwhelmed.

How to Get Your Spouse on Board With Budgeting

You and your spouse may be on the same page with beliefs, and parenting methods, but are your financial goals in line?

Why Behavior Nudges Don't Always Lead to Healthy Habits

Behavior nudges have proven successful in many scenarios, but they aren't perfect. Here's why they may not be the best bet for changing your habits.

Do You Need Wedding Insurance?

You hope your wedding day goes off without a hitch, but some things you just can't control, so you might want to consider wedding insurance.

How Too Many Small Decisions Can Cost You Big

Small decisions might not seem taxing separately, but collectively, they can really weigh you down. Here's how.

How to Keep Home Improvement Projects From Busting Your Budget

You might have a set home improvement budget, but scope creep can easily bust it wide open. Here's how to prevent that.

How Habit Boredom Makes You Abandon Your Goals

Before habit boredom gets in the way of your goals, learn how to preserve that ambition.

How to Use Financial Anchors to Make Better Money Decisions

Using this mental trick can transform you into a money master.

6 Items You Need to Be Prepared to Replace

Looking to upgrade your appliances and furniture? Here's when to do it.

How Reflecting on Possessions Can Help You Resist Impulse Buys

The key to resisting impulse buys could be as simple as thinking about items you already own.

How Constant Rejection Can Actually Lead to Success

Believe it or not, back-to-back rejection can lead you straight to success.

How Keeping Up With the Joneses Can Actually Save You Money

Your budget can easily go off the rails if you're spending money just to keep pace with your friends, but in some cases, it can actually help you save.

How Projection Bias Could Be Destroying Your Finances

Grocery shopping while hungry is more than just a bad habit. It's wrecking your finances.

How to Survive Working From Home When You're an Extrovert

Don't let remote work put a damper on your social life. You can survive and thrive as a work-at-home extrovert.

4 Myths About Economic Behavior We Don't Believe Anymore

We all remember the marshmallow experiment from Psychology 101. New studies show those famous findings are full of fluff.

6 Things Buyers Will Hate About Your House

You may love your '90s-chic, paisley-print wallpaper, but potential homebuyers probably will not.

How to Prepare for Unpaid Maternity Leave

Paid maternity leave is not a given. You can still make ends meet to afford and enjoy your time with your new little one.

Should You Fix Up Your Car, Or Get a New One?

Your trusty old ride has seen better days. But should you pay for a fix-up, or shell out for a new vehicle?

5 Smart Money Moves Your Kids Can Make Over Summer Vacation

Summer vacation is here! Between the ice pops and video games, there are some great opportunities to teach your young ones about money, too.