Make Money Make Sense

Winter gets a bad rap when it comes to money. Between skyrocketing heating bills, endless coffee runs, and social gatherings that somehow always include overpriced charcuterie boards, your budget can feel like it’s hanging on by a snowflake. But here's the truth: winter doesn't have to be a financial drain.

Debt isn’t just a number—it’s a weight you carry, a background hum that gets louder when you're trying to fall asleep or swipe your card for groceries. Maybe it's from school, maybe it's from keeping your lights on during a rough patch, or maybe it's from a few too many “I deserve this” moments (we’ve all been there). No shame. What matters is that you’re ready to do something about it.

Oh, February. The month where the New Year's resolution excitement has settled, and reality sets in—those bills you’ve managed to dodge are trotting closer, waving impatiently. Trust me, I’ve been there too, sipping my coffee in one hand, envelopes with heart-palpitating numbers in the other. But fear not! Together we'll navigate February’s finance waters, ensuring your budget is tighter than a toddler's grip on a cookie.

Managing finances often feels like being part of a race you didn't sign up for, and understanding how to navigate the twists and turns can be daunting. But here's the thing; it's incredibly empowering when you start to get the hang of it. Let me take you on a little journey—a journey that started with a single weekend of financial recalibration and ended with saving $500 in interest.

Ah, 2023. What a year it has been so far! From chasing goals, sipping iced coffee while manifesting dreams on our vision boards, to watching those dreams swirl in confusion as life throws every curveball imaginable. If you're anything like me, you've probably set some audacious money goals for 2026, only to occasionally feel (read: frequently contemplate) like throwing in the towel.

If there's one thing I've learned from years of navigating finances, it's that timing isn't just essential in comedy—it's crucial in spending too. Imagine this: A chilly February morning, and I'm nestled in a cozy cafe, sipping my Americano and scrolling through winter clearance sales. My goal? To unearth the best bargains while sidestepping the budget traps that often greet us in this shortest, yet deceptive, month of the year. Let's embark on this journey together and explore what to buy—and skip—in February, ensuring we spend smartly with a touch of humor and a lot of real-world advice.

As the new year yawns into life, a few things typically fill my mind: resolutions I may or may not keep, the joy of new beginnings, and, somewhat less poetically, the strategic shopping calendar I scribble over breakfast. Yes, I confess. I’m one of those people who intensely scrutinizes every deal and sale, combining curiosity and thrift into a sport of its own. Pandemic lessons taught us much about frugality and timing; now, armed with spreadsheets, consumer reports, and the occasional gut feeling, I prepare for 2026. And today, I'm inviting you, dear readers, to join in on this journey of savvy spending.

Ah, late winter. The time of year when the glistening appeal of freshly fallen snow is replaced by the soggy remnants of a long season. Cabin fever seeps in, and just when we think we're over the holiday spending hangover, bam! Sneaky late winter spending traps appear out of nowhere. I’ve been there—more times than I’d care to admit. But fear not, dear reader; we’re about to embark on a journey through these financial minefields with empathy, a dash of humor, and real talk.

Generosity is a beautiful trait. It’s heartwarming to give back, help a friend in need, or support causes close to your soul. But what happens when the goodwill gestures start weighing down your wallet? Growing up, I had first-hand experience watching my parents, who were incredibly generous, juggle finances while still helping others. Their kindness often edged them close to financial instability, and I quickly learned the importance of balancing giving with saving.