I write and edit academic, creative, and informational texts for all audiences. My specialty is making complex ideas understandable to the average reader.
7 Types of Financial Professionals and When You Need to Hire Them
There are lots of different kinds of financial professionals, and most people don't need all of them at any given time. Here's a rundown on what they all do and how to know when you need to hire one.
Net Neutrality Explained – What It Is and Why Internet Regulation Matters
Net neutrality has been in the news a lot lately, but most Americans still don't understand what it is. Here's a quick rundown on what net neutrality means, why it matters, and how new net neutrality rules could affect what you see online.
6 Ways to Build Credit Without a Credit Card
A lot of Millennials are choosing to avoid credit cards - which makes it harder for them to build up the credit history they'll need to get a mortgage later on. Fortunately, there are a few ways to build credit that don't involve credit cards.
How Feeling Poor Hurts You – and How to Stop It
Over the last few decades, economists have learned a fair bit about how money affects your happiness. One of their most interesting discoveries is that it’s not just how rich you are that matters; it’s how rich you feel.
6 Types of Unexpected Expenses and How to Plan for Them
As the writer and cartoonist Allen Saunders once said, “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” There's no way to predict when disaster will strike - but there are ways to keep it from wreaking havoc on your wallet.
8 Things You Should Always Buy Online
Online shopping has its upsides and downsides. There are some products it makes more sense to buy in a store – but for others, you’ll almost always get the best deals by shopping online. Read on to learn which ones.
8 Things You Should Never Buy Online
There are some products that experts say just aren’t worth buying online – no matter how good the price. Learn why these 8 items are always best to buy the old-fashioned way.
Best Insect Repellent
When mosquitoes, ticks and other insect pests are relentless, OFF! Deep Woods VIII is the most effective repellant. If its key ingredient, DEET, is a turn-off, we also name some alternatives that work nearly as well for adults and even young kids.
5 Benefits of Baking Your Own Bread at Home and How to Get Started
Homemade bread costs about half as much per loaf as store-bought, and it’s tastier and healthier, as well. Here's how to fit baking into a tight schedule and turn fresh-baked bread from a once-in-a-while luxury to a regular habit.
Portable Charger Reviews
Portable chargers from Anker and TravelCard are your best bet if you want to make sure that your mobile devices won't run dry when an outlet is nowhere to be found. They are well-made, reliable and draw the lion's share of positive reviews.
What Is Slow Food – Join the Movement for Healthy Meals on a Budget
The Slow Food movement aims to highlight the problems with fast food and offer up a healthier, more satisfying alternative. With Slow Food, you can learn the joys of a more leisurely way of eating that's better for your health and for the planet.
What “True Cost to Own” Means and Why It Matters for Big Purchases
“True cost to own” calculators are a common tool for new car purchases - but not enough people do the cost-to-own math for other big purchases, like appliances, computers, and tools. Learn why cost to own matters, and how to calculate it.
What Is a Living Wage? – Minimum Income for Basic Needs Above Poverty
To understand the ongoing debate over raising the minimum wage, first you need to understand what a living wage really is. And as it turns out, that’s not at all a simple question to answer.
10 DIY Projects You Can Make Out of Free Wooden Shipping Pallets
Discarded shipping pallets are a treasure trove for DIYers on a budget. They offer an abundant source of free or nearly free wood that can be used in a variety of home projects - and a chance to pat yourself on the back for helping the planet by reusing resources.
Earplug Reviews
To keep the sounds of modern life at bay, or for just a night of quiet sleep, Moldex disposable earplugs rate best. For concert goers, Etymotic earplugs turn down the volume without squelching the sound quality. Mack's earplugs are a top choice for swimmers.