The F. Word
Powered by Stash Wealth
Why You Shouldn't Buy a Home, From Someone Who's Bought Four
We’ve all heard the story: buy a home, build wealth, live the dream. But what if that dream comes with more debt and stress than stability? In this no-BS breakdown, we share the story of someone who’s owned four homes—and why he says it’s not worth it. From endless repairs to hidden costs and the myth of home equity, this article reveals why buying isn’t always the smartest financial move. Learn what most people get wrong about homeownership, the real opportunity costs, and why flexibility (aka renting) might be the ultimate power move.
The 4 Ways to Pay for Home Renovations
Ready to give your home the glow-up it deserves—but not sure how to pay for it? Whether it’s a kitchen remodel, a bathroom upgrade, or a full-on renovation, this guide breaks down 4 smart ways to make it happen. From saving strategically to tapping home equity or leveraging low-interest options, learn how to fund your dream project without wrecking your budget. Because the only thing worse than outdated tile is financial regret.
Is 10% Down Your Homebuying Edge?
Still waiting to save 20% for a down payment? That old-school rule might be holding you back. For high earners, 10% down could be your shortcut to homeownership and financial freedom. This guide breaks down the myth of the 20% rule, why liquidity matters, and how PMI isn’t the villain it’s made out to be. Learn how a 10% down strategy can help you buy smarter, keep your investments growing, and start building equity sooner—without draining your cash flow or delaying your wealth goals.
What To Do If You Haven’t Avoided Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt can feel like quicksand—but it’s not the end of your financial story. This guide shows you how to break free, rebuild momentum, and start growing your wealth again. Learn why paying off credit card debt should come before investing, how to use the snowball or avalanche method effectively, and how to stop high-interest rates from stealing your progress. Whether your debt is “manageable” or feels overwhelming, you’ll walk away with a plan to crush it—and the confidence to never go back.
3 Steps to Quickly Ditching Your Student Debt
Making six figures but still drowning in student loans? You’re not alone. The average high earner carries over $80K in student debt—but it doesn’t have to define your financial future. This guide breaks down a 3-step plan to finally crush your loans, build momentum, and reclaim control of your money. You’ll learn how to master your cash flow, use the Avalanche Method to pay off debt efficiently, and boost your income streams to accelerate progress. No austerity, no shame—just a smarter way to build financial freedom.
Should I Invest or Pay Off Debt First?
You’re in your 30s—it’s time to stop flirting with Lifestyle Creep and start building wealth. But should you invest or pay off debt first? The truth: both matter, but strategy matters more. In this guide, we break down how to crush bad debt, balance good debt, and start investing without missing out on life. Learn how to prioritize debt repayment, maximize retirement contributions, and create a long-term plan that fits your lifestyle. Ready to make smarter money moves? Start here.
Saver Married to a Spender—Can It Work?
Money and marriage don’t always mix—but they can when you find balance. Whether you’re a saver, a spender, or somewhere in between, learning how to manage couples and money together is key to building a strong relationship. With honest communication, shared goals, and the right financial planning for couples, you can turn stress into stability and tension into teamwork.
This guide explores how to understand your financial personalities, align priorities, and create a couples financial plan that works for both partners. You’ll also learn when to call in a financial advisor for couples or even seek financial marriage counseling to keep things on track.
Money doesn’t have to divide you—it can unite you. Discover how thoughtful financial advice for couples can help you build wealth, reduce stress, and enjoy more freedom together.
Have This Conversation Before You Say I Do
Working From Home is More Expensive Than You Think
Working from home sounds like the ultimate win—no commute, no dress code, and all the flexibility in the world. But here’s the truth: remote work isn’t always as cost-effective as it seems. From higher utility bills to tech upgrades and home office expenses, the hidden costs of working from home can add up faster than you think.
Beyond the financial side, there’s also the mental toll—remote work burnout, isolation, and blurred boundaries that make it hard to unplug. And while the flexibility is great, there’s another trade-off: the career impact of remote work. Without face-to-face interactions, visibility and promotion opportunities often take a hit.
If you want the freedom of remote work without the hidden costs, the solution might be balance. A hybrid work schedule can give you the best of both worlds—flexibility and connection—so you can protect your wallet, your mindset, and your long-term career growth.
How to Negotiate a Higher Salary
Ready to finally get paid what you’re worth? Learning how to negotiate a higher salary is one of the most powerful career skills you can master - especially if you’re a high-earning professional in your 30s. The truth is, salary growth doesn’t come from waiting for annual reviews; it comes from knowing your value and confidently asking for it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven salary negotiation tips, real-world examples, and a step-by-step salary negotiation email template you can use today.
Your Secret Weapon to Career Success: How to Network Authentically and Build Meaningful Connections
Think networking is just small talk and name-dropping? Think again.
Your real secret weapon to career success is learning how to network effectively—not by collecting contacts, but by building genuine, long-term relationships that move your career forward.
This guide breaks down networking tips for professionals who want to grow without feeling fake. You’ll learn how to build trust, add value, and connect authentically—even if you’re an introvert. Discover the power of authentic networking: listening first, offering help before asking for it, and creating meaningful connections that lead to new opportunities.
Whether you’re seeking career growth, mentorship, or a stronger professional circle, this article will show you simple, actionable ways to network with confidence and purpose. Ready to stop dreading networking events and start building relationships that actually matter? Let’s get started.
Is $1M Enough to Retire?
Is Lifestyle Creep Sabotaging Your Wealth Potential?
Do This FIRST Before You Start Investing
How to Break Up with Your (Current) Financial Advisor
Increase Your Savings in Under 10 Minutes
When a Financial Advisor Is (and Isn’t!) Worth the Investment
The One Thing You Need To Do With Your Old 401k
Are Prenups the Ultimate Sign of Love?
Think prenups are unromantic? Think again. A prenuptial agreement isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about planning for the best. Far from being a sign of distrust, a prenup can actually strengthen your relationship by encouraging open, honest conversations about money, values, and long-term goals.
This guide breaks down the real benefits of a prenuptial agreement, clears up common prenup myths, and shows why smart couples—especially millennials—are rethinking what it means to protect their love and their finances.
You’ll learn why getting a prenup is less about wealth and more about fairness, communication, and future security. From dividing property and managing debt to protecting future earnings, a prenup offers clarity, transparency, and peace of mind for both partners.
So before you dismiss it as “unromantic,” ask yourself—what’s more romantic than building a relationship rooted in trust, honesty, and shared financial vision?
