I’m the eldest sibling and feel financial pressure during the holidays. I’m making less money this year and don’t want to let my family down.
The author (not pictured) had to figure out a holiday budget this year. I take the role of being the “eldest sibling” seriously. As the oldest sibling, I want to be a good example for my younger brother, look out for my family’s needs, and be reliable and responsible. For me, financial success is the…
I’m vegan, but the rest of my family isn’t. So, I’m relying on these 8 tasty Trader Joe’s finds this holiday season.
I’ve discovered some of Trader Joe’s best vegan holiday staples. As the only vegan in my family, the holidays can be challenging — I want everyone to enjoy the festivities without having to sacrifice their favorite foods. Luckily, the variety of seasonal products at Trader Joe’s simplifies hosting without compromising anyone’s dietary preferences. Here are…
A self-made millionaire who ‘hates real estate’ shares the investment strategy he used to get in without having to manage property
Brennan Schlagbaum quit his CPA job in 2021 to run his business, Budgetdog, full-time. Brennan Schlagbaum recognizes the advantages of real estate — from the tax benefits to portfolio diversification — but he’s not willing to buy and manage an investment property. He says he has his hands full with simply maintaining a primary residence:…
A world-renowned chocolatier shares the 2 store-bought chocolate brands he buys for himself
Chocolatier Christophe Rull shared his favorite store-bought chocolate brands. Christophe Rull is a world-renowned chocolate master, a cast member of Netflix’s “Bake Squad,” and the executive pastry chef at Los Angeles’ iconic Hotel Bel-Air. So, when it comes to anything sweet, we definitely trust his opinion. Rull is developing a chocolate program at the hotel’s…
Parents, I know Elf on the Shelf is a hassle, but I promise you one day you’ll miss it
The author loves spending the holidays with her family, even as traditions change over the years. My kids are 14 and 16 now, but they held onto their belief in Elf on the Shelf for over a decade. When they were preschoolers, I’d set up elaborate displays showing Jingle and Garland (each kid had their…
4 mistakes you should never make when hosting for the holidays, according to etiquette experts
There are a few mistakes that should be avoided when hosting for the holidays. Although hosting friends and family for the holidays can be fun, there’s no denying that doing so also comes with its fair share of stress. Without proper planning, things can even get chaotic. To avoid making etiquette mistakes in the process,…
My family didn’t look like everyone else’s growing up. My fourth-grade teacher made me feel included.
The author (not pictured) felt included by her fourth grade teacher. There’s a moment when you receive a compliment, and you shrug it off immediately as though an insect had just landed on your shoulder. That happened to me when I was sitting on the floor of my fourth-grade classroom, painting a poster for a…
My son is a recruited college athlete at Stanford. Imposter syndrome almost led him to drop out.
The author’s son (not pictured) is a college athlete at Stanford. My son has always been an athlete, and sports have always come easily to him. However, he has had a problem with confidence ever since he was 8. That was when he lost the use of most of his body due to Guillain Barre,…
Jingle all the way to the bank-Why actors are turning to made-for-TV Christmas movies for more sustainable careers
On a cold and rainy night in November, over 2,000 people trekked to a nondescript arena on Long Island for some Christmas cheer. They were there for the Great American Family Christmas Festival, an event put on by the cable TV network of the same name. For five weekends, the festival transformed the UBS Arena…
