I think the biggest misconception out there is the notion that someone will "complete you". If that's what you are waiting for, it isn't ever going to happen. The only one that will complete you is, well, you guessed it, you.

Willingness to make an effort to make things better is probably the biggest one for me. Because it is so easy to fall for this false narrative our culture has about "true love" and "happily ever after" and all that bullshit, it's far too easy to start thinking "wow, is this the end?" just because things aren't…

Listen Money Matters is a great DAILY podcast dedicated to personal finance.

My favourite financial podcast is YNAB. Ever since we started using the software we've been able to get a hold of where all the money is going and actually get ahead for the first time in years! The podcasts are short but are a way to remind me that we are on track and to keep working towards financial freedom!!

I do. At a few stations here, they'll put a 'hold' on your debit card for up to $75 + the cost of the fuel. And they don't always tell you upfront that this happens.Or one day they'll do it, and another day they won't. Nothing like going to the grocery store to pick up a few things before payday only to find out your…

$10,000 is "probably more than you earn in one month."

I do my best to stick to a "weekend only" spending schedule. Means no impulse trips to to Target/grocery store/CVS, no "daily deals" emails, etc. It a) forces me to plan out my meals for the week so I'm eating healthier and cheaper and b) forces me to really contemplate what I want to spend money on because if I…

<SPOOKY VOICE> Expense rules.... Expense Rules! </SPOOKY VOICE>

Except iceberg lettuce doesn't really do anything for you... very little vitamins/minerals, although it is very fresh. I love chowing down on lettuce during the summer when it's hot out.

Be sure to mentally prepare yourself for when you get home from a long day at your government job, where people are constantly in and out of your office, and all you want to do is veg out on the couch and watch your trashy reality shows without being bothered, but I've been cooped up in the house alone for 12 hours…

This is horrible advice. In todays world where employees are the single greatest liability a company has, giving indication that you are considering leaving is going to get you fired. Remember, it is no longer the 'personnel department'; it's Human Resources (HR) and you are a resource to be used. If the resource…

Reminds me of a coworker who was taking a trip to San Fran to check out some breweries and national parks. He told me that his girl asked him if she should pack a nice dress to wear. He said, "No, why would you need that where we're going?"

Mashed potato flakes also make a great (gluten-free!) dredge for fried chicken.

Having started this very process about a year ago, I think you missed an important first step: Before you need to start looking for places to cut back (though that is always a healthy step), first get in the habit of paying yourself first and see if, after automatically transferring money to your emergency fund or…

Guitar Center is the worst. They were fine before they were bought up in 2008ish, before, I had spend literally around $100,000 with them over the years (buying for big tours etc), and was in the computer, when they would pull me up, they would give me a decent discount and could haggle etc as they knew I was a…

The problem with that is that people may start arguing with you about it. The keypress tip is both anonymous and not subject to debate. At least on the calls I've been on, when someone says we're off-topic causes an off-topic argument about being off-topic.

Yeah, your experience is different than mine. But it's good to know someone figured it out - maybe I should try again, but shopping at different stores or something.

Not sure I see how this is helpful. For people with social anxiety, this seems like, at best, an efficient way to decide not to approach anybody.

I'll admit I need to do this more—not assume the reasons for the actions of others. Too often I feel horribly guilty when I find out they had a legitimate reason for what they did.