21 Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Your 30s

Your 30s are a crucial decade for building a strong financial foundation. Avoiding common pitfalls can set you up for a secure future. Here are 21 financial mistakes to steer clear of in your 30s. 1. Not Having an Emergency Fund Failing to save for emergencies can leave you vulnerable to unexpected expenses. Aim to … Read more

Budgeting Basics: 12 Tips for Managing Your Money Wisely

Embarking on a journey to master budgeting requires evidence-based strategies supported by research to manage your finances effectively and achieve your financial goals. Here are 12 research-backed tips, along with actionable steps to implement them, for mastering budgeting and maximizing your financial well-being: Set Clear Financial Goals Define specific, measurable financial goals that align with … Read more

Financial Freedom: 17 Steps to Financial Independence

So, you’re looking to kickstart your journey towards financial freedom. Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got just the guide for you. Achieving financial independence might seem like a lofty goal, but with the right steps and mindset, it’s totally doable. Let’s dive into these 17 steps that can help pave your way to financial … Read more

Smart Money Moves: 14 Habits for Building Wealth

Building wealth requires smart financial habits and strategic planning. These 14 actionable tips offer insights to help you navigate your journey to financial independence effectively. Leverage Tax-Advantaged Accounts Take full advantage of tax-advantaged accounts like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and 529 college savings plans. These accounts offer tax benefits that can … Read more

Banking on Equality: Financial Inclusion in a Divided Economy

As wealth inequality widens, this gap underlines a shortfall in financial accessibility for vast segments of society. The need for a more inclusive monetary system is increasingly urgent. The government and financial institutions must play a pivotal role in bridging this divide. While financial inclusion remains crucial in addressing these systemic inequalities, it also serves … Read more

Escape the Low-Wage Trap: Navigating Career Advancement in an AI-Driven World

Broken pathways hinder economic opportunity in the United States. Career navigation is critical in addressing stagnant wages and inequality among low-wage workers. The issue disproportionately impacts women and people of color, who find themselves overrepresented in lower-paying roles. Despite decades of economic progress, the wage gap persists, posing significant challenges for these workers and the … Read more

Revitalizing Main Street: Biden’s Small Business Strategy

In a significant move to bolster small businesses, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced a series of new federal initiatives. The moves promise critical support to small enterprises across the United States.  The initiatives, focusing on financial aid and accessibility, aim to strengthen the backbone of the American economy by empowering small businesses to navigate funding … Read more

The Retirement Crisis: Social Security’s Dwindling Funds Threaten Benefits

America’s aging population faces a grim reality as Social Security trust funds teeter on the brink of depletion.  Fund reserves for Social Security and Medicare will be exhausted by 2034, posing challenges to maintaining benefits for current and future beneficiaries.  The situation presents a dire financial crisis for millions of retirees, as cuts to payments … Read more

Preparing for Prosperity: Are Millennials Ready for Boomers’ Trillions?

As Baby Boomers approach their later years, transferring their wealth to younger generations is set to mark one of the most significant financial shifts in history. This unprecedented change is more than a transfer of assets. It represents a critical juncture for families grappling with the logistics and implications of wealth succession.  It raises crucial … Read more

SafeMoon Execs Face Charges in Major Crypto Scandal, Raising Concerns Among Investors

SafeMoon, a name once synonymous with skyrocketing crypto gains, is now the center of a major scandal. U.S. authorities have charged the top executives with fraud. SafeMoon’s Downfall SafeMoon executives have been indicted for fraud. The company’s once high-flying token has plunged, causing concerns among crypto investors. Who’s Been Charged? Founder Kyle Nagy, CEO Braden … Read more

Divorce After 50: Is Gray the New Black?

Long-term marriage vows were once seen as unbreakable, yet people over 50 are increasingly parting ways. This surge in ‘gray divorce’ presents challenges and implications extending well beyond the couple.  Grey divorce refers to the growing number of older couples, usually over 50, getting divorced. The term is becoming far more commonplace as the rate … Read more

Health Care Costs are Making America Sick

Rising healthcare costs and the burden of medical debt are not just straining personal finances; they are impacting health outcomes and quality of life. As many Americans grapple with these challenges, healthcare affordability is now a national crisis.  This alarming trend underscores a deepening problem for millions of citizens. Even those with insurance are not … Read more

Aging Americans Forced to Work Longer: Is 70 the New 65?

The classic goal of ending your work life at 65 with financial peace of mind is slipping away. Previous generations looked forward to winding down in their mid-sixties. Now, a growing number of workers find themselves compelled to stay in the labor force longer than they ever anticipated.  Mounting costs of living, dwindling savings, uncertain … Read more

The Domino Debt Effect: Crippling Student Loans Are Threatening Family Life and Long-Term Financial Freedom

The American dream, once painted with the promise of education and prosperity, is being overshadowed by a looming cloud of student loan debt.  This financial burden is not only altering the course of individual lives but is also reshaping family dynamics and the pursuit of financial independence.  The rise in student loan debt is a … Read more

How I Made $1,400 With Textbroker

How I Made $1,400 With Textbroker

Mama Say What?! is the new name for Thrifty Guardian. Textbroker is a great way to start out when you’re first looking to freelance as a ghostwriter or content developer. Generally, there’s a lot of freelance work out there, if you can find it. Many sites like Upwork, promise the concept of getting some side … Read more

Americans Seek Urgent Money-Saving Solutions Online as They Face More Economic Hardship

home jobs

Americans have become increasingly concerned about saving money, with over 12,800 citizens searching for monthly tips to hold onto their cash. Among them, Oregon is most concerned.  As part of their recent merger with Thrifty Guardian, news outlet Mama Say What?! conducted a study that indicates that money-saving searches are spiking in Oregon as of … Read more

Connecticut Residents Lead the Country in the Search for Higher Income and Alternative Ways to Make Money

As Americans continue to face the threat of rising prices at the gas pump, checkout counter, and mortgage hikes, many are turning to the internet to explore alternative means of making money.  According to a recent study, residents of Connecticut have been increasingly interested in how to make money quickly, with a massive spike in … Read more

Sharp Decrease in Home-Improvement Sales Could Mean East Coasters Are Freeing Up Cash to Counter Inflation Costs

The high volume of home renovations undertaken during the pandemic may finally have peaked, as Home Depot announces its first drop in sales in years.  This dip, paired with the findings of a recent study on home improvement investments across America, may indicate that folks on the East Coast, in particular, are stepping back from … Read more

Californians Devote Largest Portion of Income to Housing Costs, but Relief Is on the Horizon

California homeowners may feel the sting of sustained inflation as they continue to spend the most significant percentage of their income on homeownership costs.  The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) released on August 10 demonstrates the massive imbalance of contributors to last month’s inflation – shelter costs being by and far the most significant factor … Read more

Investment Confidence in Gold on the Rise Amidst Continued Inflation

Where to sock away your money when inflation is at its peak? The goods are in gold, according to recent research.  A new study by Retirement Living reveals that as Americans grapple with the impacts of inflation on their traditional investments like stocks, bonds, and 401ks, they’re beginning to turn their mind to precious metals … Read more

Record-Breaking Interest in Home Equity Line of Credits Among Americans Indicate Rising Fear of Recession

A recent study released by RubyHome indicates that Americans are searching the internet for the term HELOC, short for Home Equity Line of Credit, at the highest rate in internet history. This new data comes off the tail of U.S. housing mortgage rates rising dramatically and the latest announcement by the Federal Reserve approving another … Read more

SurveySavvy Review

Mama Say What?! is the new name for Thrifty Guardian.

What if I told you I’ve found a survey site you could sign up for? Better yet – what if I told you I’ve found a survey site that can earn you hundreds without wasting your time? It’s SurveySavvy!

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Is InstaGC as Instant as Implied?

earn extra cash

Mama Say What?! is the new name for Thrifty Guardian. Is InstaGC worth my time, or is it just another scam survey site? Let’s discuss… As you hopefully already know, I wrote about how to make money via InboxDollars. I made over $50 in just about an hour with minimal effort. $50 might not be … Read more

How to Find Odd Jobs in Your Neighborhood

Mama Say What?! is the new name for Thrifty Guardian.

One of the only downsides to finding a side hustle online is that they typically delay their payout. Remember being a kid, mowing a lawn, and immediately having cash in your pocket? That’s a great feeling, and you can recapture it in your neighborhood right now.

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Say No to Swag – A Swagbucks Review

Mama Say What?! is the new name for Thrifty Guardian. Is Swagbucks worth my time? My dear readers, if there’s one thing I can promise you, I will NEVER choose money over you. Swagbucks Review More than anything, I want to share how to get out of debt, build wealth, and spend more time with … Read more

Disney Movie Club Review – Good Deal or Costly Mistake?

Entrance Walt Disney World

Mama Say What?! is the new name for Thrifty Guardian. While I considered writing some music to accompany this Disney Movie Club review, I felt it was needlessly sadistic to subject you to my singing. Besides, if you’re reading a review of ANYTHING Disney, you likely already get more cutesy music in your life than … Read more

What Happened to Ebates?

budget apps

Mama Say What?! is the new name for Thrifty Guardian. If you have an Ebates account, you may have noticed something new in the banner area – Ebates is now Rakuten. Why Did Ebates Change Its Name? According to the Ebates/Rakuten website, “taking the Rakuten name most accurately reflects who we are today: a company that gives … Read more

A Review of InboxDollars

shutterstock_1906133176 (1)

Mama Say What?! is the new name for Thrifty Guardian. Looking for a review of InboxDollars? You’ve come to the right place! Today over my lunch hour I made $50! And now I’d like to show you how to do the same. What Is Inbox Dollars? InboxDollars was founded in 2000 by Daren Cotter and … Read more

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have in Your Wallet?

Folk wisdom on credit cards ranges from “stay away from them” to “sign up for as many as you can, as early as you can.” With this level of cultural consensus, it becomes a daunting task to figure out how many credit cards you should have to maximize your financial health. How do you go … Read more

Administrative Errors Responsible for 1 in 4 Americans’ Low Credit Reports

After surprising news exposing a prominent banking institution for charging fake fees earlier this month, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is in the news again. Still, this time, their data is showcasing a significant gap in credit report accuracy. According to a recent study by FCRA by Fair Credit, one-quarter of all credit reports … Read more

South Carolina, Louisiana, and Nevada Residents in Need of Secondary Income Sources During Inflationary Period

With no end to inflation in sight, Americans are taking to the internet to find ways to make extra cash. Residents of South Carolina, Louisiana, and Nevada are leading the hunt.  US citizens searched the web for additional income opportunities over 133k times in the last year. By comparing the 30-day and 12-month total search … Read more

End of April Sees Massive Spike in Tax Relief Searches

Tax Relief

Americans are looking for a solution to their debt problems this tax season, with a spike of 566 percent in search volume for the term “IRS Fresh Start Program” in late April. According to a study by Ideal Tax, Google Trends reports showing a massive spike in American searches for the “IRS Fresh Start Program … Read more

10 of the Best Apps That Pay You Money in 2023

apps that pay you money

Are you interested in generating additional income? Perhaps you’re ready to start building your portfolio or simply looking for a way to earn additional cash with your daily purchases.  If so, this list of 10 financial apps is for you.  These days, robo-advisors and automated investment platforms are popping up everywhere. AI bill negotiators and … Read more

Tax Deductions for Parents of College Students To Save Money

tax deductions for parents

This post by Riley written for Wealth of Geeks, is a great educational read on tax deductions for parents. In the past 20 years, the cost of attending college has tripled – increasing almost 8 times faster than wages. While public higher education is mostly a state responsibility, the federal government does incentivize continuing education … Read more

How to be Frugal Without Being a Cheapskate

Have you ever thought about living a more frugal lifestyle but feared it would mean becoming a cheapskate? The truth is, there are many ways to save money and still maintain your sense of style and personal values.  From learning what to do with discounts when they arise, finding creative cost-cutting solutions for home decorations, … Read more

Are Family Outings No Longer Affordable?

family outings

This article on family outings was originally published on Wealth of Geeks, we were given permission to republish it here. Having fun has never been more expensive. A new study revealed that classic family outings – baseball games, movies, and theme parks – have become insurmountable costs. These pastimes passed on from generation to generation … Read more