In 2003, my engagement ring was stolen from my own home. I was on work travel at the time, and because I was worried I could lose it – or worse, get mugged while traveling – I left my ring at home in its box on the dresser in our bedroom. During my trip, my…
All posts in May 2026
📸 How I Became an Accidental Entrepreneur
Posted on Author Amanda PoffenbergerPosted in Business, Entrepreneurship, Photography, Side HustleLeave a Reply
What starting a photography business taught me about confidence, pricing, professionalism, and building something real. In 2019, I bought a camera because I wanted better football pictures of my son. I accidentally built one of the highest-rated photography businesses in Ashburn, Virginia instead. And along the way, I learned a lot about running a profitable…
🧐 What is Good Debt?
Posted on Author Amanda PoffenbergerPosted in Debt, Good Debt, Interest Rates, Mortgage, RefinanceLeave a Reply
Did you know there’s such thing as “good debt?” I’ve got a low-rate (2.45%) mortgage and 0% car loan at the momentito, and we’re going to dive deep into why this is to my advantage. 📌 TLDR Situation Typical “Pay It Off” Instinct What “Good Debt” Means Why it Can Be Smarter 2-3% Mortgage Throw…
🧮 Elder Care Finances: When Simplifying Makes Sense
With the unexpected passing of my mother in April 2025, my siblings and I went into full crisis mode for my then-85-year-old father, who was living with both advanced heart failure and lung disease/fibrosis. My father was a retired Marine who served in Vietnam as a radar technician, by the way. He was an amazing…
🔑 My Five Key Personal Finance Lessons
Posted on Author Amanda PoffenbergerPosted in 401(k), Key Lessons, Personal Finance, Psychology of Money, Saving, WealthLeave a Reply
I started my adult life in debt, and turned it around to build enough wealth so hubby and I can both retire by 55. Here’s what I’ve learned. TLDR: Let’s Begin at the Beginning After my father lost his job in the 80s, my mom needed to stop being a stay-at-home mom and (re)enter the…