40 job applications, two interviews, and one lucky break. This is how Stephen Meaux went from stressed-out teacher to Capitol staffer.

After watching my portfolio plummet, I explain why I'm resisting the urge to sell and instead doubling down on my long-term buy-and-hold strategy.

From rent and groceries to entertainment and investments, this post breaks down a year of spending, analyzing the numbers and offering a transparent look at budgeting in action.

From finance to fiction, this post recaps a year of diverse reading, offering mini-reviews and recommendations for some standout titles, including Black Edge and Billion Dollar Whale

From clueless newbie to confident investor, I started with a mutual fund I didn't understand and a broker I never saw again. Now, I manage my own investments, budget like a pro, and am debt-free.