Posts by Katy Willis

December 31 can erase perks you already paid for. Many health plans reset deductibles and out-of-pocket caps, while dental and vision allowances disappear if you don’t use them. Flexible spending accounts may also forfeit unused money unless your employer offers a grace period or carryover. Preventive services like vaccines and screenings are typically covered at […]

Plenty of people claim Social Security and keep a foot in the workforce. A few shifts a week can help with bills and keep skills sharp. But if you’re under full retirement age, the “earnings test” can trim the checks you see during the year. It’s not a penalty forever, and it’s not a tax. […]

You don’t have to live with drips, drafts, or dead alarms. Most states require landlords to keep rentals safe and livable, and many basics such as plumbing, heat, locks, detectors, and common areas are covered by housing and health codes. Rules do vary by state and city, so always check your lease and local code, […]

You don’t have to overhaul your meals to spend less on electricity—just swap how you power the same recipes. Kitchen appliances run daily, so small changes add up fast: pick a different mode, use a smaller heater, or let a built-in feature do the work. Many of these tweaks even make weeknights easier (think faster […]

A new analysis finds that in 41 states (plus D.C.), the typical retiree will run out of money leaving an average lifetime gap of about $115,000. Only nine states buck the trend, where projected retirement income plus savings are expected to cover lifetime costs and even leave a cushion. Below are those nine “surplus” states, […]

Working for the ultra-rich can feel normal one minute and very strange the next. Staff see the routines, the rules, and the small moments guests never notice. Many of these stories are simple: a request, a habit, a quiet comment that sticks. I have a family member who is a hotelier who caters to some […]

When the chill sets in, nothing beats a big bowl of chili — smoky, spicy, and endlessly cozy. Whether you like yours meaty, creamy, or full of beans, these recipes bring the heat in all the best ways. Grab your spoon, pull on your comfiest jumper, and let’s dig into some chili magic. 1. Quick […]

Fall is officially pumpkin season, and these recipes prove it—sweet, savory, and everything in between. Some of them bring a little pumpkin spice magic, while others let pure pumpkin flavor shine. Either way, you’ll find cozy, crowd-pleasing ideas for breakfast, dinner, and dessert. 1. Pumpkin Bread This two-ingredient loaf bakes up soft, moist, and lightly […]

I once watched a whole kitchen hand over their aprons at the same time. A new manager at a busy restaurant screamed at a skilled lead cook for arriving on time (instead of early for prep he wouldn’t even get paid for). The rest of the line quietly untied their aprons and walked out together, […]

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan résumés for relevance before a human ever sees them, but you don’t have to write like a machine to get through. The goal is clean structure plus natural language that mirrors the job, clear headings, specific skills, and proof of results. Use one column, standard section names, and keywords that […]

A few tiny tech habits can claw back serious time, no new software required. Focus on tools you already touch daily: your OS, email, calendar, chat, browser, and documents. The right shortcuts reduce clicks, cut context switching, and prevent rework from formatting, filing, and follow-ups. Pick three tactics below, practice them for one week, and […]

Working from home can save money, no commute, fewer lunches out, but hidden habits can quietly raise costs or reduce take-home pay. The biggest leaks come from taxes you didn’t plan for, energy and internet you don’t actually need, subscriptions you forgot to cancel, and benefits you’re not using. Fixes are mostly simple: set a […]

Want extra income without doomscrolling for gigs or driving all over town? These low-tech, close-to-home side hustles can be done on foot, by bike, or via public transit. And yes, you might have to use your phone to take orders or your car to get to a client, but it’s not all scrolling, driving, and […]

A small, smart toolbox saves you money, prevents emergencies from escalating, and helps you handle “little fixes” without risking your security deposit. You don’t need pro gear—just reliable basics and a clear idea of what each tool is for. The picks below cover common renter headaches like wobbly furniture, crooked frames, slow drains, and stuck […]