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My Two Cents

Financial-advice columnist Charlotte Cowles answers readers’ personal questions about personal finance. In addition to “My Two Cents,” Cowles writes about work and parenting for the site. Previously, she was a senior features editor at Harper’s Bazaar, a senior editor at the Cut, and the editorial director for MM.LaFleur. Her work has also been published in Glamour, Art in America, Politico, and other venues.

personal finance

What It’s Like to Plan Vacations for Billionaires

 A travel agent for the ultrawealthy on hacking restaurant reservations, getting last-minute tickets, and why yachts are the new hotels. By Charlotte Cowles

More From ‘My Two Cents’

  1. ‘How Can I Afford to Pay $8,000 for Bachelorette Parties?’Remember, this period in your life is finite.
  2. ‘I’m 8 Months Pregnant and I Just Got Laid Off’Rally your support system. This is what it’s for.
  3. Why You (Probably) Shouldn’t Get a PrenupAdvice from a prenup expert who thinks most couples should steer clear.
  4. ‘Do I Need to Pay My Husband Back for My Medical Bills?’You don’t owe him money. But you do need to acknowledge that you made some mistakes.
  5. ‘What Happens If I Just Don’t Pay My Taxes?’It’s bad, but not THAT bad.
  6. The Only (Sort of) Fun Thing About TaxesYes, you can write those drinks off your taxes! (Sometimes.)
  7. ‘I Inherited Millions From My Mother, and Everyone Knows’Most people probably aren’t thinking about your money — they just want to be there for you as you grieve.
  8. ‘My Boyfriend Sucks at Gifts’It’s time to bring this up with him more directly. But remember — gifts are supposed to be fun.
  9. The Matchmaker Who Doesn’t (Always) Work With Millionaires“I want to work with all sorts of people, not just wealthy ones.”
  10. ‘People Can Do Everything Right and Still Be Broke‘Dasha Kennedy creates safe spaces for women left behind by traditional financial advice.
  11. ‘Saving Money Is Ruining My Social Life’Don’t lecture your friends on their finances. If they want to change, they will.
  12. ‘Do I Need to Attend All of My Boyfriend’s Friends’ Weddings?’Start by examining your priorities.
  13. ‘Why Am I So Bad With Money?’Forget the big picture. You need to take small concrete steps.
  14. How to Deal With ‘Inflation Creep’The sneaky, maddening phenomenon of not being able to afford your life anymore.
  15. A Late Person’s Guide to Being on TimeBecause running late gets expensive.
  16. Is a ‘Money Diet’ As Terrible As It Sounds?Here’s how to cut back on spending without depriving yourself.
  17. How to Donate Money Even If You Don’t Have a Lot to GiveFive steps to effective giving.
  18. ‘How Do I Get Through the Holidays When I’m Already Broke?’You can still enjoy yourself! You just need a plan.
  19. How Can I Offer My Brother Money Without Insulting Him?Be honest and clear, and make sure he feels heard.
  20. How to Buy the Best Gifts With Less Money and TimeIt’s simple: Ask people what they want.
  21. ‘Do I Need to Buy Gifts for My Boyfriend’s Family?’Not necessarily, but it’s a good idea to rethink your gifting plans in general.
  22. What It Takes to Run a Day-Care Center“I’m absolutely exhausted. I don’t know anyone who works in child care who isn’t.”
  23. ‘I Regret Letting My Dad Pay for My Wedding’Talking with a bride-to-be who wishes she’d never cashed the check.
  24. ‘Do I Need to Pay for My New Stepkids’ Stuff?’They shouldn’t feel like an obligation. Here’s how to be supportive in a way that feels fair.
  25. ‘Should I Sell My House and Move Back to New York?’It’s time to step back and research your options before you make another move.
  26. ‘What’s the Best Way to Split Expenses With My Partner?’Now that you’ve figured out which costs to share, it’s time to find a budgeting system that works for both of you.
  27. ‘I’m a New Parent and Our Finances Are a Mess’You need a loose, forgiving plan that helps you feel more in control.
  28. 3 Women on How Much It Cost to Get Married in 2022“My sense of money got so warped that it stopped being real to me.”
  29. ‘What If I Never Own a Home?’Homeownership isn’t all it’s cracked up to be — especially in this market.
  30. ‘What Happened After I Quit’Five women reflect on the financial fallout of their own “Great Resignation,” a year later.
  31. ‘Should I Let My Estranged Dad Pay My Student Loans?’If you can, just take the money and run.
  32. ‘How Do I Tell My Friends About My Six-Figure Inheritance?’To start, ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by telling them.
  33. ‘I’m Finally Making $55K, But I’m Scared It Won’t Last’The best antidote to anxiety is to create a safety net.
  34. ‘I’m Good at Saving, But I’m Still Miserable’Not to oversimplify matters, but what if you thought about money less?
  35. I Know I Should Invest My Money, But It Makes Me AnxiousActually, putting your money in the market is the less risky option in the long-term.
  36. My Fiancée Has a Ton of Debt. Should We Do a Prenup?First, make sure you understand what prenups can and cannot do.
  37. What Can We Learn From Recessions Past?Advice for handling the next downturn based on previous ones.
  38. ‘I Can’t Stop Worrying About Money, Even Though I Have Enough’Your anxiety is valid. You just need a plan for dealing with it.
  39. How to Find a Financial AdviserAnd how to know if you really need one.
  40. ‘I’m Retiring From Sex Work With $1 Million. What Next?’Your financial situation may be unusual, but changing careers is not.
  41. ‘How We Paid Off $200,000 in Debt in 5 Years’Julien and Kiersten Saunders wanted more control over their time and their money. Now they want you to follow their lead.
  42. ‘I Inherited Money, But I’m Already Blowing Through It’First, you need to acknowledge that you are the person in control here.
  43. How to Prepare for a RecessionBecause you probably should.
  44. ‘I Love My Teaching Job, But It Doesn’t Pay Me Enough’Your options aren’t easy. But neither is squeaking by without enough money to do the things you want.
  45. ‘I’m Getting Married and Having a Baby. How Should I Plan?’There’s a lot you can do to prepare. Here’s where to start.
  46. What Should I Be Doing About My Student Loans Right Now?We don’t know exactly what Biden will do, but paying them down probably shouldn’t be a priority.
  47. ‘Help! I Have a Shopping Problem’You need to meet your urge where it really is — in a desire for connection or recognition or safety.
  48. ‘My Boyfriend Lost $14K Trading Crypto, and He Won’t Stop’I’m no professional, but this sounds like a gambling addiction, and you should be very careful.
  49. How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into Your Full-Time JobVivian Tu, better known as @YourRichBFF, on quitting her day job to be a full-time “finfluencer.”
  50. ‘Is It Worth Trying to Save Money When I Make So Little?’Focus on a savings habit instead of a savings goal.
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