Brian Bienkowski has been writing about personal finance for over 15 years covering debt recovery, fraud, and credit topics. He has worked on several personal finance books and guides that help consumers navigate the US credit system. When he’s away from the keyboard he enjoys craft beer and fishing — and once enjoyed a cold Sweet Water IPA after catching a sailfish.
Nearly everyone thinks college is worth it, but that doesn’t mean you need to go into debt to get a degree.
Not bad for a person who never heard of a 401(k).
But it wouldn’t go away until she turned and faced the truth with help from a friend.
His frugal living couldn’t save one thing, and that nearly cost him his life.
She even analyzes her smallest purchases.
It’s also about tension, conflict and controlling your “money blueprint.”
From that day on he vowed to learn more about money management.
Some say he went off the deep end, but he didn’t care.
People doubt she can do it, but she has a plan.
Now his goal is to build his own financial kingdom.
It took tough love, but he paid off his debt and prospered.
He believes people waste too much money on stuff they don’t need.
His father used them, and Matt remembers them well.
So, she did the unlikely — and things changed.
He went from being unemployed to a millionaire in five years.
It took hard work, sacrifice and a lot of sweat.
She made mistakes but worked hard to fix them. As soon as she graduated, she started saving for retirement.
She went from living alone in an empty apartment to finding success and happiness.
He also helps other military personnel improve their money management skills.
He got a late start on his career and financial goals, but he’s making a comeback.
But in order to reach his goal, he worked and saved big time — and also lived like a pauper.
She went from an “utter failure” to a successful businesswoman.
He also paid it all off — but it cost him some memories.
He went looking for an apartment but found something else…
He worked nights and weekends to become an entrepreneur.
But even with that experience, she still suffered through her own debt issues.
Look no further for deep discounts on electronics, toys and appliances.
It’s a cliché but it worked for Lance and his wife.
She believes couples should be completely honest about their finances.
And she hopes it will help other women improve their finances.
He works two full-time jobs and still makes time to write about money.
He and his wife “took action” after receiving a year-end tax document.
He made it happen by working hard and not buying into the “consumer culture.”
Now he teaches students and his former coworkers about personal finance.
He was a born saver and hustler — even if it meant cleaning up poop.
He and his wife eat healthier now and save more money.
With employment opportunities scarce for a literature major, she discovered a new calling
She stopped making excuses and started her own financial and personal revival.
The debt she accrued wasn’t her fault this time, but it was her responsibility.
She put every extra penny toward her student loans and carefully tracked her spending.
Once they relocated, they set their sights on their retirement goals.
She started blogging at 16 years old, and a few years later became a full-fledged entrepreneur.
They remind the My Family On a Budget writer of his money mistakes.
And he embraced the personal finance community as he paid down debt.
It helped him adjust his lifestyle, pay off more debt and save for an emergency fund.
It left the Notorious D.E.B.T. writer and her husband hopelessly in debt — but they’re making a comeback.
He and his wife decided a retired life on the road meant more to them.
His collection of action figures, games and comics defined him, but he transformed.
It not only helps him stay debt-free, it also protects him.
Her financial mess gave her new hope.
