editor's note
Spring is almost here. I’m planning on doing some major cleaning. My inspo? This article about a man who made $521 from decluttering his home. Also on the agenda, figuring out a good budgeting tool to replace Mint now that the platform is down to its final days. I also want to apply that “try something new” attitude to my to-do list as well. On my “wanna try” list: The Pareto productivity method. Maybe it’ll help me find that hour we lost last week.
— Anna Davies / Money Writer / New York, NY
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When should I start teaching my kids about budgeting?
FEATURED EXPERT:
Ashley M. Fox
Financial educator and founder and CEO of Empify and The WealthBuilders Community
When they understand that the things they want cost money. Start by saying things like, “Hey, we're going to save this money now so that you can buy candy later.” It’s about connecting money to what they want. You can't tell a 6-year-old to save for college (she doesn't even know what that is). But you can say, “Let's save now so that we can buy more L.O.L. Surprise! dolls later down the line for your birthday.”
As they get older, depending on their age, show them what you're doing [with your money] and do it with them. Allow them to do things like make deposits so that they can experience that process with you. Once they’re in middle school, talk about what bank accounts are. Talk about what your paycheck looks like, and how you prepare in advance for what's to come. When your child is in high school, tell them about student loans and credit cards.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. You can read an extended version here.
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Ready for some pre-weekend good news? In just one year, UNICEF gave more than 37 million children access to education. And that’s only one of the ways they’re helping build brighter futures.
The even better news: Anyone can have a positive impact as part of the UNICEF community. From providing school supplies to advocating for children’s rights, whether you’re raising your hand, lending your voice, or offering your skills, you can help make a difference. Start here.
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An inside look at how women are building wealth.
“I recently opened a Roth IRA and started to invest. I learned the importance of having a Roth IRA, thanks to Skimm Money, and realized how easy it is to open one up. I'm excited to be investing for my future.”
— Esther C (CA). Because saving for retirement isn’t limited to just a 401(k). Tax-free growth for the win.
Scored a raise, saved up for a big purchase, or reached another money goal? Tell us about it here. Quotes are edited and condensed for clarity.
for the group chat
The money stories everyone’s talking about.
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Here are 17 foods you should buy when they’re on sale, according to a New York Times Cooking editor.
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You may have just been given a “dry promotion.”
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Especially if it gets you a discount on rent.
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action items
How to win at work, according to successful women.
Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton is the founder and CEO of the self-care brand Chillhouse. Founded in 2017, her New York-based company now consists of a spa in Soho and a line of wellness products ranging from press-on nails to bath soaks. Below, Ramirez-Fulton shares her advice for having tough conversations at work, overcoming imposter syndrome, and unwinding after a stressful day.
Advice for what to do when you…
Have to give difficult feedback…
I vacillate between being super gentle and being super straight with people. Ultimately, it depends on my mood and the situation. If it’s the first time providing feedback, I lead with a lot of empathy. If it’s a constant state of needing to provide feedback, that’s when I tend to get more blunt. I never like to get to the point of being passive aggressive, so it’s better to be one or the other.
Need to focus…
No meetings, put a hard block on your calendar, bring out the green tea, get the notepad out, and put those headphones in. Keep your phone at arm's distance, mute your Slack. Do whatever it takes. But most importantly, NO MEETINGS.
Fail...
Cry. And then remember the mantra, “Que será, será.” That failure is there to set you up for success for the next thing.
Have imposter syndrome...
If you’re invited to the room, you belong there. No if, ands, or buts.
Want to unwind after a stressful day...
Easy dinner at home, wine, face mask, two hours of mindless TV, magnesium, and bed.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. You can read an extended version here.
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