Ava Thompson

Ava is a personal finance writer with a focus on helping individuals in midlife and beyond navigate money matters with clarity and confidence. From planning for retirement and managing debt to preparing for healthcare costs, Ava offers practical, compassionate advice tailored to life’s evolving financial needs.

Smart Spending

Why I Choose Generic Brands (And When I Don’t)

I can still feel the smooth, worn linoleum of the grocery store aisle under my sensible shoes. For decades, my shopping trips were a study in muscle memory. My hand...

August 21, 2025

A map of the United States color-coded to show the different minimum wage rates in each state in 2025.

Pocket Watch

State-by-State Minimum Wage Changes to Track in 2025

August 16, 2025

As 2025 approaches, the economic landscape for millions of American workers is set to shift, driven by a wave of…

A close-up shot of several meticulously crafted wooden birdhouses, showcasing their detail and craftsmanship.

Personal Finance

Tax Hacks for Side Hustles Under $5,000

August 11, 2025

For most of my life, tax season was simple. I was a high school history teacher for forty years. Every…

Deals & Discounts

How to Save When You’re Already a Loyalty Member

August 7, 2025

Many of us are diligent members of loyalty programs. We have a keychain full of plastic tags and a wallet…

A twilight blue sofa and a brown leather recliner sit in a cozy living room.

Deals & Discounts

How I Saved $500 on My Furniture with Flash Sales

July 23, 2025

The silence in our new house was the first thing that really got to me. It wasn’t a bad silence.…

A woman and a man are hugging in front of a kitchen counter with a refrigerator visible in the background.

Personal Finance

I Used a 0% Intro APR Credit Card to Pay Off Debt — My Step-by-Step Results

July 17, 2025

I’ve always considered myself financially responsible. My husband, John, and I raised two wonderful kids, paid our mortgage on time,…

A couple sits on their porch, enjoying coffee and conversation, with a lush garden visible in the background.

Personal Finance

I Tried a No-Spend Weekend Challenge for 3 Months—Here’s What I Learned

July 14, 2025

The number on the computer screen just didn’t seem right. My wife, Susan, and I were sitting at our small…

A multigenerational family enjoys a relaxing vacation at a lake house, engaging in various activities like swimming, canoeing, and cooking together.

Personal Finance

How I Took a Family Vacation Without Going Into Debt

July 13, 2025

The photo album on my coffee table used to be a source of quiet joy, mixed with a familiar pang…

A person smiling while using a smartphone banking app, sitting in a comfortable, modern setting.

Personal Finance

8 Times It Makes Sense to Switch Banks

July 11, 2025

Many of us develop a long-standing relationship with our bank. It becomes a familiar place, and the thought of making…

A collection of images depicting various savings challenges, including a jar of coins, a savings thermometer, and food prepared from pantry staples.

Personal Finance

12 Money Challenges to Kickstart Your Savings Goals

July 10, 2025

Many of us understand the importance of saving money. Whether it’s for a planned expense like a home improvement, a…

A person sits at a desk, reviewing documents and writing a letter, with credit reports and a pen visible.

Personal Finance

How to Remove a Collection Account from Your Credit Report

July 10, 2025

Welcome! If you’ve discovered a collection account on your credit report, you might be feeling concerned or even a little…

A stylized, colorful icon representing a coupon plugin, designed with a clean and minimalist aesthetic.

Deals & Discounts

Why I No Longer Shop Without a Coupon Plugin

July 7, 2025

I have a confession to make. For years, probably decades if I’m being truly honest with myself, I thought I…

A person working on a laptop with a smartphone showing an online banking app displaying automated savings transfers and a nearby image representing a savings goal.

Personal Finance

How to Automate Your Savings and Grow It Without Thinking

July 7, 2025

Many of us dream of building a healthy savings account, but life often gets in the way. We forget, we…