Author: Plutus Foundation

We hope everyone is keeping cool and enjoying this summer heat. We had to take a little break from our summer fun and share these great articles with you. Enjoy!

Here’s what we wanted to share with you this week.

Why More Money Won’t Lead to Financial Independence. [Darius Foroux] — “I used to have goals like, “I’d like to earn a million bucks in a year!” But as I started to study Stoicism and Mindfulness, I learned to practice non-attachment to outcomes. I gave up on those types of goals. Let me tell you why.” More money, More Problems. (Submitted by J. Money.)

5 Main Causes of Overspending. [Smart Money Chicks] — “If you’re an over spender, you’re not alone. According to NerdWallet, over 64% of Americans have credit card debt or have had credit card debt in the past. Why do some people constantly find themselves overspending while some are naturally born savers? The actual causes of overspending highlight that these problems run deeper than we think. Let’s pinpoint the 5 main reasons for overspending and actionable ways to stop these habits from taking over your bank account.”  Which one are you? (Submitted by Tarsha.)

When I Asked for More Than My $43,000 Salary, They Accused Me of Loving Too Lavish a Lifestyle. [Too Ambitious] — “Meet Emma, a project coordinator from Atlanta, Georgia who, after a year working at her company, taking on more and more responsibilities, asked for more than the $43,000 she was offered.” This seems fair, but what happened next is all too common. (Submitted by Harlan.)

It’s good to be back, Apexians! It’s Tarsha on behalf of the Plutus Foundation team. We hope you enjoyed last week’s selections. We took our time this week to share some of our favorite articles and hope you will enjoy them as much as we do.

Here’s what we wanted to share with you this week.

Why Is Student Debt a Problem? [Arrest Your Debt] — “A significant portion of this money is owed to the federal government, with other institutions supplementing the balance. Students now owe close to $30,000 by graduation, creating a strain on their incomes.” Don’t let student debt consume you. (Submitted by Tarsha.)

Lessons Learned from Talking Money Part 1, Remembering Asha. [All Options Considered] — “There were so many things we still want to discuss with Asha, but her remission didn’t last as long as we all had hoped. But one thing is clear – There’s great value in feeling heard and understood and being able to talk openly about things that matter including health and money.” Have these conversations when you can. (Submitted by Harlan.)

Time and Money: Money Bought Me Time. [One Frugal Girl] — “While my dad was sick, I never had to weigh the importance of a job against my desire to be with him. When my kids were small, I didn’t have to choose between them and a career I needed to pay my bills. The greatest gift of financial freedom is the time it gives us. I am so grateful for the time it gave me this last year to be with my dad!”. Time is money, or is it? (Submitted by J. Money.)

Aloha, Apexians. It’s Harlan on behalf of the Plutus Foundation team. We’re super excited to be here on Apex Money, sharing some of our favorite finds from far-flung financial friends every Wednesday, beginning today! Thanks for your patience with us as we work out the Kinks.

Here’s what we wanted to share with you this week.

But I Don’t Want to Be Frugal. [Clipping Chains] — “If you are new to this game, I recommend you find the bottom. See what it feels like to cut back to bare bones, because you’ll know how lean you can get when necessary. But then find a life you enjoy, and make the financial frame fit the picture. Get a coffee, but not every day. Enjoy the occasional meal out, but learn to cook your own food too. Find joy in simplicity.” Balance, you really got me. (Submitted by J. Money.)

Income Streams – Why Is It So Important To Have More Than One Today? [Wall St. Nerd] — “Every beginning is difficult. Nevertheless, you should just do it. Start with your skills – turn them into money! For example, work part-time as a freelancer and build a second leg to stand on.” Take one sunny afternoon, or several, to diversify your income. (Submitted by Tarsha.)

Wait… Did I Just Lose All My Money Investing in the Stock Market? [Bitches Get Riches] — “But despite your goals, the value of any stock you own can fluctuate up and down over months and years. To a large degree… that doesn’t matter at all. What matters is the price at which you sell a stock compared to the price at which you bought it.” I’ve been watching my portfolio tank all day and all of the night. I’m moving some of my cash alternatives into equities right now. That’s all I can do (other than building new income streams and adopting a more frugal lifestyle; see above). (Submitted by Harlan.)