April is National Financial Literacy Month, so I’ve been reading stories of everyday people working through money struggles. My favorite read this month has been Make Your Kid A Money Genius (Even If You’re Not) by Beth Kobliner. The ability to stick with it and persevere matters more than your IQ and educational background. Studies show that grit leads to a more satisfied life, as well as higher income and net worth. And here’s the best part: grit can be learned, both by kids and adults.
COMMON BUDGET BUSTERS
Ho ho ho: consumer spending this holiday season hit a four-year high. Good news for the economy, right? Perhaps, but at the same time revolving credit (think credit card debt) has hit an all-time high in the U.S., while food pantries are more packed than ever (including with people who have traditionally middle-class jobs).
Friends & Money
In New York it’s impossible to ignore the huge spectrum of wealth and lifestyle choices. You can see this just about anywhere, but it’s amplified in a city: more people, more extremes. The urge to compare, covet, and judge can be quite strong. I think we should all strive to be content with what we have and where we’re at in life, and a good starting point is realizing that when it comes to money, what’s right for you will differ from what’s right for those around you.