Dear Dave, I’m a sophomore in college studying agriculture business. I grew up on a farm, and recently I decided it’s time to sell a small cattle herd my dad helped me start growing when I was a kid. I don’t have any student loan debt, and I’m paying for school with lots of scholarships and some help from my parents. I can sell the herd for about $20,000, and I was wondering how you think I should invest that money for the future. Colby Dear Colby, You know what? I think the best investment Colby can make right now…

Image by Content Pixie on Unsplash Discipline often gets mistaken for sheer willpower or rigid self-denial. But if you look closely at highly disciplined people, you’ll find that their success isn’t rooted in suffering. It’s built on intention, structure, and small, repeatable habits. These are the people who seem to hit deadlines without drama, keep their promises to themselves, and stay consistent even when motivation wears off. While discipline might seem like an innate personality trait, it’s actually a skill—one that anyone can build. And the good news? You don’t have to wake up at 4 a.m. or become a…

Image by Alexander Mils of Unsplash When we hear the phrase “financial freedom,” most of us picture someone earning six figures, investing heavily, and vacationing on a private island. It doesn’t sound like something achievable on a $50,000 annual salary—especially not in 2025 when inflation is still stubborn, and rent continues to skyrocket. But here’s the thing: financial freedom isn’t always about luxury. For some, it means being debt-free. For others, it’s not living paycheck to paycheck. And more people earning around $50K a year are learning how to define and reach that freedom on their own terms, without windfalls,…

Image by Pixabay of Pexels In a world run by digital wallets, budgeting apps, and automatic transfers, you’d think the idea of stuffing envelopes with cash would be long gone. But in 2025, the old-school practice known as cash stuffing is trending again, and news flash: it’s not just among budgeting enthusiasts. A growing number of Americans, particularly younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials, are embracing this tactile, visual method of money management in response to growing economic anxiety and digital overload. Cash stuffing might seem simple, even outdated, but its effectiveness is what’s turning it into a personal…

Image by Jacek Dylag of Unsplash The phrase “financial infidelity” might sound dramatic, but for many couples, it’s a very real—and often overlooked—form of betrayal. While we tend to associate infidelity with emotional or physical affairs, lying about money, hiding spending, or secretly accruing debt can be just as damaging to the trust in a relationship. So what happens when you come home with a shopping bag (or five), stash them in the closet, and hope your partner doesn’t ask questions? Is it simply a harmless habit, or are you stepping into the territory of financial infidelity? Let’s explore what…

The Sharpe Ratio is a critical financial metric that evaluates the risk-adjusted return of an investment, such as a mutual fund. Developed by Nobel laureate William F. Sharpe in 1966, this ratio helps investors understand how much excess return (over the risk-free rate) they are receiving for each unit of risk undertaken. In the context of mutual funds, the Sharpe Ratio is instrumental in assessing whether the returns are a result of prudent investment decisions or excessive risk-taking. Understanding the Sharpe Ratio At its essence, the Sharpe Ratio provides insight into the performance of an investment compared to a risk-free…

Image by Piggybank of Unsplash Money can be a touchy subject in any relationship. While we’ve made progress talking more openly about salaries and spending habits, there’s one financial number that still seems taboo: credit score. It might not come up in early conversations, but experts say it probably should. Your partner’s credit score isn’t just a reflection of their financial past—it could affect your ability to buy a home, lease a car, or even qualify for a decent interest rate on a joint credit card. And if you’re considering building a life together, avoiding the conversation could mean walking…

Image by Karolina Grabowska of Unsplash For a concept that’s supposed to be helpful, budgeting sure comes with a lot of emotional baggage. Many people associate the word with sacrifice, stress, and failure. It’s no wonder that, despite countless apps and expert advice, sticking to a budget often feels like punishment rather than power. The truth is that budgeting isn’t just about numbers. It’s about identity, emotion, and control. For many of us, it triggers a deeply personal relationship with money that’s shaped by upbringing, past mistakes, and even shame. But what if budgeting didn’t have to feel restrictive? What…

Image by Beatriz Perez Moya of Unsplash For many millennials, the road to the altar is paved not with roses, but with repayment plans. Gone are the days when marriage came first, and financial stability came later. A growing number of millennials are flipping that script, choosing to delay marriage until they’ve paid off student loans, credit card balances, or other debts. For some, this signals maturity, financial responsibility, and a desire to build a strong foundation before making lifelong commitments. For others, it raises concerns about whether love and partnership are being sidelined by economic anxiety. So the big…

Image by Karolina Grabowska of Pexels For decades, love stories, both fictional and real, have followed the same narrative arc: two people meet, fall head over heels, and build a life together, often overcoming financial struggles along the way. But today, many women are rethinking this story. The idea of sacrificing personal financial security for the sake of love doesn’t hold the same romantic appeal it once did. Instead, more women are choosing financial stability, even if it means walking away from a promising relationship. This shift isn’t about greed or gold-digging. It’s about self-preservation, freedom, and a growing awareness…