Money Management

Top 10 Personal Finance Articles of the Month — February 2021

It’s time again for one of my favorite features here on Dyer News: a look at the top 10 personal finance articles of the month. We’ll start off by looking at both the nature of success and the shame that often surrounds matters of money. After that, we’ll highlight two examples of evolving finances followed by a pair of posts involving money decisions. Lastly, we’ll close things out on the topics of investing, inflation, and purchasing power.

As usual, this month’s list includes a couple of Dyer News Top 10 mainstays as well as a few first-timers. Without further ado, below is my list of the top 10 personal finance articles published in February of 2021, along with their title, author, and the site they originally appeared on.

Success and Shame

How Do You Define Success? — Jewels, One Frugal Girl

No matter who you are, we all want to be successful in life and with our finances. However, the definition of success can vary greatly from person to person. Moreover, as Jewels points out, the way you think about success can have a big impact on your ability to find contentedness.

What is the Opposite of Success? (It’s Not What You Think) — Derek, Life and My Finances

Speaking of success, if asked, most people would likely identify the opposite as “failure.” Yet, that response may be overly simplistic to the point of falsehood. Instead, Derek reminds us that it’s failures of all kinds that help lead to our ultimate successes.

Should We Talk About Shame and Money? — A Dime Saved

These days, people are shamed for all kinds of reasons, including several that involve money. Ironically, while those participating in such activities may think that they’re merely helping people to correct their behaviors, that’s likely not the case. In fact, as this post from A Dime Saved shares, shaming people for money matters may be a reason why financial topics remain taboo in our society — which, in turn, could lead to even more bad money habits.

Evolving Money

The Millionaire Definition Hasn’t Changed, But Its Meaning Has — Physician on FIRE

A million bucks really doesn’t go as far as it used to. As funny as such a phrase may sound, it’s actually true. With that in mind, Physician on FIRE looks at the term “millionaire” over time and how it compares to the current day.

From Frugal To F*** It: The Evolution Of My Thoughts On Spending Money — A Purple Life

When it comes to spending money, how would you describe your habits? If you’re like most, it’s also possible that your spending patterns have changed over time for a variety of reasons. Now, as a recent retiree, A Purple Life shares a humorous look at how her spending philosophies have gone from one end of the spectrum to the other.

Financial Decisions

My Moving Dilemma: Is it Still Downsizing if it Costs More? — Kyle Burbank, Money@30

For those pursuing a minimalist lifestyle, a downsize may be called for. As an added benefit, such moves typically come with monetary savings as well — unless they don’t. In Kyle’s case, he recently found himself weighing the virtue of relocating to a space that’s both smaller and more expensive.

Can You Pay Off A Car Loan Early? How To Know + When It Makes Sense — Jen Smith, Modern Frugality

In most cases, paying off a debt you owe as soon as possible is in your best interest. Because of this, those currently financing a vehicle may wonder if it makes sense to pay off their loan early. As Jen explains, the answer may depend on a few factors.

Personal Finance Tips

The Stoic Path to Wealth: Ancient Investing Strategy for the Modern World — Darius Foroux

February 2021 was among the wildest months for the stock market — well, at least in some corners of it. Of course, as attractive as short-term gains from, say, Gamestop short squeezes may seem, true wealth is more often gained over time. Instead of gambling it all on such speculation, Darius proposes the Stoic form of investing along with other tips such as the 90/10 rule.

Money Saving Tips to Combat Inflation in 2021 — Gary Weiner, Super Saving Tips

Inflation is one of those facts of life that’s often forgotten about until enough time has passed that its effects can truly be seen. Unfortunately, that means many consumers are falling victim to it and could be losing as a result. To help combat the impacts of inflation this year, Gary offers a few useful tips.

A False Sense of Purchasing Power — Joshua Becker, Becoming Minimalist

When it comes to buying a car, home, or other large purchase, the most basic question we ask ourselves is “can I afford it?” As it turns out, that question depends on who you ask as some lenders may be happy to base your loan purely on how much you currently make. But, as Joshua notes, this approach may distort how much you really can afford, leaving the potential for financial strain on your end.

Thanks for checking out my top 10 personal finance articles published last month and congratulations to all of the bloggers who made the list. To find more of these great articles on a daily basis, be sure to follow me on Twitter @jondyer9 and of course visit DyerNews.com.

Other Articles by Jonathan Dyer