Hi Reader! Ever feel stuck in that “can’t get credit because you don’t have credit” loop? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common challenges young adults face—and the good news is, there are ways to build credit history from scratch without going into debt. In this week’s new video, I break down: ✅ Why credit even matters (yes, even if you hate debt) ✅ How to build credit when you don’t qualify for a card yet ✅ The best beginner-friendly cards for 2025 ✅ And how to avoid the credit card...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! You downloaded the mini eBook. You read the sample pages. So here’s a little reminder from your future self: “Please don’t wing it.” I wrote Smart Start: Your First Money Moves After Graduation because no one handed me a playbook when I entered adulthood. I learned about money the hard way—with late fees, lifestyle creep, and credit card debt that lasted way too long. You don’t have to do that. This book is your shortcut. Your real-world money crash course. The things they...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! This week's money lesson is all about the High Yield Savings Account or HYSA for short. A high yield savings account is a savings account that offers higher yields for your hard-earned money. Traditional and regular savings accounts normally offer .01% while high yield savings accounts offer 3.5% - 5% in interest. Here's what that looks like if you have $1,000 in your bank. *Assumes annual compounding for simplicity Is it worth moving your money to a high yield savings account? I...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader - If you've been quietly asking the same question, don't worry, you are not alone The world does feel chaotic — climate change, inequality, wars, rising prices, political unrest—it can seem almost pointless or even selfish to care about money. But here’s the thing: caring about money isn’t about greed or blind optimism. It’s about agency. Here’s why money still matters—even when everything feels like it’s falling apart: 1. Money Gives You Options In a crisis—natural disaster, job...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader! Yesterday, the Federal Reserve decided to leave the interest rate unchanged. What does that mean for you and your money? It means many things. → When the Fed raises rates, borrowing gets more expensive. Higher credit card APRs Higher interest rates on student loans and mortgages Slower growth in the economy But saving can pay off more! Banks often raise interest on savings accounts, so your High-Yield Savings Account might start earning more. → When the Fed cuts rates, it can...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Sunshine is here, school’s out, and you’re probably wondering… How do we make this summer fun without blowing the budget? I’ve got you! My brand-new video is packed with 20 frugal family fun ideas for Summer 2025 — everything from enjoying your local pool to free local events and nature adventures. 🎥 Watch the full video Leave a comment and let me know how you're staying on budget this summer. X Catherine The Most Helpful Credit Card Tutorial The comments are in. People are saying...
4 months ago • 1 min read
New Video Alert How to Pay Off Your Student Loans in 2025 Hey Reader — First of all, congratulations on graduating! 🎉 You’ve crossed a major milestone, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of. Now, let’s talk real life for a second—because if you’re anything like I was after graduation, student loans are starting to feel very real. I remember staring at my balance and wondering, “How do I even begin to pay this off?” This week's video is all about “How to Pay Off Student Loans Fast...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! Did you know that becoming a mom can reduce a woman’s income for the rest of her life? It’s called the Motherhood Penalty, and it’s one of the biggest contributors to the gender pay gap. According to the National Women’s Law Center, full-time working moms earn just 74 cents for every dollar earned by fathers in similar roles. Why does this happen? Time off: Women are more likely to pause their careers or work part-time to care for children, reducing their long-term income Missed...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader! We just returned from London! We lucked out with beautiful weather to enjoy the blooming parks. We took advantage of its great and affordable public transport system to get around town. We visited a lot of free sites, like the museums, and avoided the costly tourist traps. I'm glad we went now, because with all of this tariff talk, we will be tightening the budget to prepare for all of this uncertainty. We've done the basics, like getting rid of high-interest debt, and we've...
6 months ago • 2 min read