Emily Guy Birken's blog

Why Your Daily Latte Won't Sink Your Retirement Savings

You've heard it before — your daily latte indulgence is destroying your retirement savings. Except, it's really not.

How to Help Your Parents Retire

Your parents have given you so much in life. Pay it forward by helping them plan their best retirement.

Where to Find Emergency Funds When You Don't Have an Emergency Fund

A costly emergency has sprung up. The only problem? You have a second emergency — no money to cover it. Here's where to find funds fast.

How Reliving Past Money Mistakes Hurts Your Financial Future

We've all made money misjudgements in the past. Don't make another mistake reliving them in the present.

7 Money Moves Every New College Student Should Make

You're in college, and you have a lot to learn. Add these key money moves to your curriculum!

6 Age Milestones That Impact Your Retirement

You can drive at 16 and vote at 18. Don't forget, though, that important age milestones come later in life, too.

Money a Mess? Try This Personal Finance Starter Kit

There may be no personal finance starter kit you can order right to your door (yet, anyway), but don't worry: You can build one yourself.

How to Add an Extra Hour to Your Day

There are never enough hours in the day to get things done, but by borrowing some money management skills, you can buy one.

How to Budget Consistently Without a Steady Paycheck

Adapting your finances to the freelance life takes a little finesse. No worries: You can budget like a boss even without a steady income.

It's Time to Drop These 6 Rules of Money Etiquette

Sometimes old-fashioned etiquette is nice, but when it comes to money, sometimes it's completely out of step.

7 Ways Retirement Planning Changes When You're Single

Retirement planning is not one-size-fits-all. And if you're single, you'd be wise to prepare for some unique concerns — and benefits!

6 Reasons You Should Buy the Rental Car Insurance

Think the clerk at the rental counter just wants to sell you insurance? Actually, they may be trying to save you from a headache.

Make the World Better With These 17 Free Ways to Give Back

There are plenty of ways to donate your unwanted belongings and your time without spending a dime.

7 Life Skills Your Kids Won't Learn in School

There are some important lessons kids can't get from a traditional education. Are you showing your kids the way?

How to Tell You've Become a Financial Grownup

You're all grown up! Becoming a financial grownup, however, is another story.

Boost Your Savings by Making Your Money Harder to Spend

We're always trying to protect our money. But too often we forget to protect it from ourselves.

Make Sure You Get Paid and 4 Other Great Tips From Famous Commencement Speakers

It's graduation season! Let's look past the commencement speech cliches and find some true money wisdom famous folks have dished out to new grads.

You Should Ignore These 4 Kinds of Money Advice

Sometimes your paranoia is a good thing — like when it comes to sketchy money advice.

6 Reasons Average People Should Consider a Prenup

Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Even folks with modest means should think about protecting their assets.

How to Prevent a Drunken Online Shopping Spree

Hangovers are bad enough without realizing you also spent all your money on things you don't need.