When I first dipped my toes into the world of investing, I felt like a broke outsider staring through the glass at a private club. I thought investing was for people in tailored suits with Wall Street addresses, not for someone scraping together a few extra dollars at the end of each month.

When I first became a parent, I’ll admit—I felt totally lost in the baby aisle. Every package seemed to scream “must-have,” and my wallet screamed back, “please don’t.” I vividly remember standing in Target, staring at three different baby monitors, wondering if my child’s future depended on picking the “right” one. Spoiler: it didn’t.

I used to think I was being smart every time I chased a bargain. There’s a rush that comes with finding something cheaper than everyone else, like you’ve cracked some secret code to life. But over the years—and through more than a few disappointing purchases—I’ve learned that “cheap” often comes with a hidden price tag. It might show up as frustration when something breaks too soon, or even bigger bills later on when you have to replace it. In this piece, I’ll walk you through what I’ve learned firsthand about spending wisely, why the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest, and how to build a shopping philosophy that feels good for your wallet and your peace of mind.

Ah, home maintenance—the task we often push aside, hoping that ignoring it somehow makes it disappear. But if your experience is anything like mine, you'll know that's not quite how it works.Over the years, I've learned that tackling some simple do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can not only keep your home in tip-top shape but also save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.