Personal Finance Journals and Stories

Personal Finance

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Tracking My Spending Daily Changed My Finances—Here's My Journal
Personal Finance

Tracking My Spending Daily Changed My Finances—Here's My Journal

Tracking daily spending for 90 days significantly improved the author's financial awareness and behavior, reducing impulsive expenses by 40% and uncovering emotional spending patterns.

Elliot J. BransonElliot J. Branson
1 May 2025 • 4 min read

Success Stories

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I Hit $1M Net Worth Before 35—Here's the Path I Took
Success Stories

I Hit $1M Net Worth Before 35—Here's the Path I Took

The author reached a $1 million net worth before age 35 through disciplined financial choices, aggressive saving, income growth from job changes and a side hustle, and simple investment strategies such as maxing out retirement accounts and investing in low-cost index funds and a rental property.

Elliot DrakeElliot Drake
10 May 2025 • 7 min read

Financial Challenges

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Living with $10 Left Before Payday: My Story
Financial Challenges

Living with $10 Left Before Payday: My Story

The content discusses the author's experience of living paycheck to paycheck with only $10 remaining before payday and offers practical steps for surviving such situations, including prioritizing necessities, negotiating bill payments, utilizing community resources, and avoiding payday loans.

Elena SchwarzkopfElena Schwarzkopf
2 Apr 2025 • 5 min read

Budgeting Tips

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5 Digital Budgeting Tools I Tested—And the One I Still Use
Budgeting Tips

5 Digital Budgeting Tools I Tested—And the One I Still Use

After testing five budgeting tools over six months, the author settled on YNAB (You Need A Budget) despite its $14.99 monthly fee, as it significantly improved their money management and helped save over $200 per month.

Elliot J. BransonElliot J. Branson
8 May 2025 • 5 min read

Investment Journeys

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My Journey to Financial Stability After Moving Abroad
Investment Journeys

My Journey to Financial Stability After Moving Abroad

After moving from the US to Germany, the author faced unexpected financial challenges such as higher rental deposits, navigating a new banking system with no local credit history, and managing dual-country tax obligations.

Elliot J. BransonElliot J. Branson
12 May 2025 • 4 min read