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 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.

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.

Here's How Billionaires Are Preparing for the End of the World

If you're rich enough, you can live out the end of the world in true luxury.

8 Things to Carry That Could Help Someone in an Emergency

Just keeping a couple items in your purse or pocket could make you a superhero to someone in an emergency.

5 Ways to Embrace Having to Work in Retirement

Retirement isn't always a permanent send-off from the working world. If you have to return to the daily grind, there are actually some pluses.

Why Health Care Should be Part of Your Retirement Savings Plan, Too

Retirement planning isn't just about saving for the fun stuff. In fact, one major piece may be missing from your retirement plan.