Emily Guy Birken's blog

How to Use Bucket Budgeting to Overhaul Your Finances

Bucket budgeting brings the appeal of the classic envelope system to the modern age.

How Scarcity Marketing Tricks You to Spend More

By next week, this post will have slipped off the front page. Click now or you'll miss your chance to learn how scarcity marketing nudges you to buy more.

5 Creative Ways to Relieve Stress During Tax Season

Tax season can be a major source of stress, but here's how to make it a little more relaxing.

What You Need to Know About Working While Collecting Social Security

Many people look forward to drawing Social Security benefits while still working and drawing a paycheck. Of course, there's a catch.

4 Money Lessons We Can Learn From Past Presidents

This Presidents Day, use your long weekend to mull over some pertinent money lessons from our past presidents.

5 Everyday Routines of Wealthy People

There's no one trick to becoming fabulously wealthy, but a structured daily routine may be a step in the right direction.

Here's What Happens If You Don't Leave a Will

More than half of Americans haven't created a will. Don't let your legacy be the burden of choices and decisions you leave behind.

4 Money Fights Married Couples Have (And How to Avoid Them)

Nothing throws a wrench in the works of marriage quite like money troubles. Learn how to avoid these common financial fights.

8 Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

A pre-owned car can save you a lot of money, so long as you ask some key questions before buying.

4 Money Lessons You Can Learn From the Joneses

The Joneses seem like they have it all. It turns out they have some valuable money lessons to offer, too.

How to Claim Social Security Benefits While Living Abroad

If your retirement plans involve spending your golden years abroad, you should know how to take your Social Security benefits with you.

4 Ways to Make Debt Repayment Fun

Paying off debt can be fun — yes, fun — with just a little bit of creative thinking and some basic gamification.

What Every Retirement Saver Should Know About Required Minimum Distributions

Uncle Sam hasn't forgotten about your tax-deferred retirement accounts. When you turn 70½, he'll come knocking.

Stop Using These 5 Excuses Not to Budget

Stop making excuses about why you can't budget and start managing your money today. It's easy once you start!

How to Afford Your Kid's Braces or Expensive Dental Care

Your kids may be small, but their dental care costs can be huge. Here's what a dentist has to say about taming these big bills.

4 Easy Ways to Get Richer In 2018

A new year is a fresh start for your finances. Make these small money moves now, and you'll end 2018 richer than you started it.

4 Money Resolutions Anyone Can Conquer

With a new year comes a slew of hard-to-keep resolutions. Reaching these money goals only requires a little bit of work up front. It's easy!

5 Questions Your Financial Adviser Should Ask You

When you're looking for a good financial adviser, you shouldn't be on the only one asking the pressing questions.

5 Best Neighborhood Features for New Families

You're hunting for the perfect home for your growing family. The house isn't the only key feature; pay attention to the neighborhood, too.

3 Ways Your Body Sabotages Your Money

You might think your brain is behind the wheel of your money decisions, but watch out — your own body might be spending more than you think.