Author Archives: Laura Schmits

Snowball vs. Avalanche: How Should I Pay Down My Debt?

When you’re looking ahead to 2023, paying down debt should be a top priority when it comes to your New Year’s resolution. With rising interest rates, debt is now more expensive than ever and can prevent you from getting ahead and reaching long-term goals. So if you’re dreaming of a fully-funded retirement or a luxurious,Continue reading “Snowball vs. Avalanche: How Should I Pay Down My Debt?”

3 Steps to Start Planning Your New Year’s Resolution 2023

Every January, millions of people make a New Year’s resolution to better themselves in some way. But it’s not enough to set a goal; you need to have the right strategies and tactics in place if you want to make sure that your goals become a reality. Maybe you want to move more, connect withContinue reading “3 Steps to Start Planning Your New Year’s Resolution 2023”

Save Money, Get Rich: Personal Finance in 5 Steps

If you find yourself reading this post, chances are you’re ready to take control of your finances once and for all. Maybe you’ve found yourself Googling phrases like, “how to manage money” or “how to learn about personal finance.” But let’s be honest, the results are overwhelming and the information available can be confusing. Don’tContinue reading “Save Money, Get Rich: Personal Finance in 5 Steps”

5 Reasons Why Self-Care for Teachers Matters More Than Ever

I still remember the day I found myself crying in front of my 7th graders, shocking them all into momentary silence. It was at the height of the pandemic, and I had been teaching to students in person in the class room as well as a handful of remote kids on Zoom at the same time for seven months at that point.

Allowance Experiment: Are Three-Year-Olds Too Young?

I expected a tantrum. I expected a massive, double meltdown in the toy aisle that I would have to ride out. But miraculously, that didn’t happen. What I didn’t expect was that they would still be talking about those dinos days later and asking when I would go back and buy them.

Top 7 Steps to Take When You Lose Your Job

Take a look at today’s headlines. No, really, I’ll wait. What did you see? Words like “recession” and “record-high inflation” probably jumped off the screen, creating a sinking feeling in your stomach or raising your level of anxiety. Are you worried about possible lay-offs? Are rising interest rates making the dream of home ownership seemContinue reading “Top 7 Steps to Take When You Lose Your Job”

How Much Do You Need in Your Emergency Fund?

I’d like to tell you a story about the worst year and a half of my life. And yes, before you start to wonder, it was the same year and a half that was everyone else in the world’s worst as well. But for me, it was an entirely different reason. It all began inContinue reading “How Much Do You Need in Your Emergency Fund?”