Emily Guy Birken's blog

Weight Watchers for Your Wallet

There are a lot of parallels between losing weight and saving money — in fact, some of the best financial advice comes from dieting.

How Traditional Banking Practices Can Make You Poor

Traditional banking practices benefit the banks, not the customer. Discover how, if you're not careful, banks can hurt your finances.

Why We Take on Credit Card Debt

Why some of us take on so much debt — and how others manage to avoid it so well — can seem mysterious. Discover some of the reasons.

The Power of the Customer in Banking

When big banks make big changes we don't like, it's easy to feel helpless. But the truth is that raising your voice can make a real difference.

Arguing Over Money Drives Your Kids to Credit Card Debt

Discover how your relationship with money can affect your kids' relationship with money — and how to make positive changes for you and them.

Why People Go Crazy on Black Friday

From buying unplanned items to straight-up attacking other customers, people can go a little wild on Black Friday. Discover the reasons why.

How Rewards Cards Make Money

If you think you're gaming your credit card company, think again — you might be one of its biggest money makers. Learn how to avoid the trap.

Open Secrets: Surprising Things Your Spending Reveals

Credit card companies, banks, retailers, and insurers may know more about who you are than your parents do. A lot more.

Why We Spend More When We Pay With Credit Cards

It's true — people spend more with credit cards than cash. Learn the psychological reasons why we tend to pay more when we use plastic.

4 Ways Credit Cards Manipulate You Into More Debt

We humans aren't always rational. Learn four psychological tricks credit card companies use to capitalize on your irrationality and maximize your debt.

Tips for Finding Legitimate Work-From-Home Opportunities

Working from home is the dream, but sifting through phony job ads can be a nightmare. Here's how to find the legit ones.