Emily Guy Birken

Emily has written 4 PF books: "The Five Years Before You Retire," "Choose Your Retirement," "Making Social Security Work for You," and her latest "End Financial Stress Now."

Emily Guy Birken's bio

Latest articles by Emily Guy Birken

How to Stay Calm During a Market Fluctuation

If you're tempted to bail on investments when you hear scary financial predictions, it's important you learn how to keep your cool.

How to Keep Office Solicitations From Busting Your Budget

Office solicitations are a sneaky budget buster. It's time to stop letting them drain your savings.

How to Use Budgeting Skills to Improve Your Time Management

Managing your time requires some of the same skills as managing your money. Here's how to master both.

4 Mindful Spending Habits That Will Save You Money

These mindful spending strategies can help you resist those impulse buys.

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.

How the Sandwich Generation Can Protect Their Retirement

Being part of the sandwich generation isn't easy, and it can take a real toll on your retirement fund. Here's how to protect it.

6 Items You Need to Be Prepared to Replace

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

5 Ways Gig Economy Workers Can Save for Retirement

Even if your full-time job consists of several gig economy jobs, you can successfully save for retirement — here's how.

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.