How to Handle Your Finances Like an Actual Adult

May 30, 2018

Congratulations! If you’re one of the many who have graduated or will be graduating in the coming weeks, your transition to adulthood is just beginning. Now that you’re on your own (or will be soon), you’ll have to find a job, figure out where you want to live, find roommates — the list goes on and on. But you know what’s typically missing from that ever-growing list? Taking your money seriously.

Making your finances part of your adulting routine may seem daunting, but with the right tools and tips, you’ll be a pro in no time. See below for five easy and helpful things you can do starting now.

1. Know where you stand, so you can know where you want to go. You have the job and are living on your own — now what? Understanding your financial profile and figuring out where you want to be is a great start. Graduating school comes with a great amount of responsibility as well as new and exciting financial steps for you to take to reach your financial goals. Everyone should have the power in knowing where they stand in order to make well-informed decisions with their money today, tomorrow, and even a few years down the road. Start small and take the first step of writing down your recurring monthly expenses, including rent, car payments, and groceries. Road mapping your monthly expenses will help you track against your financial goals, identify ways to save and, in turn, pave a clear path to having control of your money in the future.

2. Turn to technology for help.Money apps can help you take complete and total control of your finances and give you a clear and holistic view of your financial health. You can download tools like Turbo and Mint, two money management apps that provide you with a complete picture of your financial life and help you manage your day-to-day spending (and even show you how you stack up against similar people). Whether it’s utilizing the savings feature with Mint or using Turbo to calculate your debt-to-income ratio to determine if you’re living within your means, both help you understand where your money is going.

3. Start thinking about (and managing) your debt-to-income ratio. Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is an important number not only to potential lenders but also to you because it can impact future financial purchases. This number shows how much money you owe, what your net worth is, and if you can afford to take on more debt. DTI is your total monthly financial obligations, or debt, divided by your total take-home pay. It is a key financial health indicator that shows if you’re living within your means. The lower your DTI, the stronger your financial health. Here are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind: With a ratio of 35 percent or less, your debt is at a manageable level and lenders will find you an attractive applicant. With a ratio of 36-49 percent, your debt is being managed adequately but you have room for improvement. Lenders may require more information to determine if they approve your application. With a ratio of 50 percent or more, you need to take action. This number indicates that you do not have much leftover money after paying your monthly bills, and lenders may not be willing to approve you to take on any more debt.

4. Track all of your $$ (even that side hustle) for tax time. Now that we live in the on-demand economy, making supplemental income is easier than ever. Whether you decide to drive for a ridesharing service or offer professional expertise through websites like Thumbtack or Taskrabbit, it’s important to keep tabs on all of your money coming in. While most budgeting apps can help you with this, it’s tough to track down all of the right forms come tax time. New apps, such as Turbo, can help automatically import all of your income streams — e.g., a full-time job with a W-2, a side gig with a 1099, or non-taxable military income — for both yourself and your spouse or partner directly from TurboTax. If you manage finances for your family, you can also add in any additional self-reported income for your family members to see a complete picture of your financial situation. For newly married (or engaged!) couples, understanding your true household income can help determine where you stand on qualifying for a loan for your first house or help you file your taxes as a married couple for the first time.

5. Cancel those unnecessary subscriptions and memberships. Now it’s time to think about all of the subscription services you belong to, such as streaming networks, magazines, music services, meal prep, gym memberships, and personalized boxes. How can you cut out the redundant services and keep what’s necessary? With services like Hulu, Netflix, HBONow, Showtime, Amazon Prime, and more, you’re paying for different types of content but likely have some overlap. Take a moment to review your bank account monthly statements and take note of all the different monthly subscriptions and memberships you pay for (that can range from $6 to $45 per month). Do you use all of them? There is probably at least one you can cancel or think about taking a break from.

What are your best money tips? Share them with us @BritandCo.

(Photo via Getty)

PlantYou’s Food Hacks Can Save You Over $1K On Groceries

It's no secret that groceries feel more expensive than ever right now, and compounded by the fact the average American home throws away 322 cups of food a year, I'm determined to use up every bit of the food, sauces, and other cooking basics I buy. That's how I found Carleigh Bodrug. Her PlantYou page, and her Scrappy Cooking series (plus her new cookbook!), makes creating delicious recipes easier, and more fun, than ever.

What is scrappy cooking?

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"Scrappy Cooking is the concept of transforming the world’s most commonly wasted foods into delicious recipes — and starting is as easy as chopping up a broccoli stem into a stir-fry," she tells me over email. "Seriously, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Look at the plants you have that you bring into your home every week, and see if there are ways to repurpose them."

With the help of Carleigh's Instagram page, I turned some broccoli stems into French fries and used up the last of my peanut butter for a noodle salad sauce. If you want to turn your groceries into a one-of-a-kind meal but aren't sure where to start, Carleigh recommends looking at every single aspect of the plant.

"Whenever I bring a plant into my home, I think about what part of the plant is discarded, and then I research whether or not it’s safe to consume (this part is important)!" she says. "Once I identify it’s edible, that’s where the fun begins. A great example of this is something like celery, which I buy often. I was discarding the celery leaves for years, only to find out they taste almost exactly like parsley and make a great base for a tabouleh style salad."

Is PlantYou vegan?

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Yes, a lot of PlantYou's recipes are vegan, and they're all plant-based! Some of Carleigh's favorite recipes include mocha chocolate granola with spent coffee grounds, "chips" made out of beet greens, and pickle juice as a marinade (which is something I learned Chick-Fil-A does!). These recipes might sound intimidating or time-consuming, but that's exactly why Carleigh's PlantYou social media exists.

I can speak from experience that the videos are easy to both understand and put into practice. (Plus, the recipes are super versatile, because "when you’re cooking with just plants, if you screw something up, you can almost always fix it!"). But there are a few steps that always make these scrappy processes easier.

"The low hanging fruit to reducing food waste in your kitchen actually starts before you grocery shop," Carleigh says. "I always recommend people sit down for an hour one day a week, and make a really basic meal plan, outlining what they plan to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then, before they head to the store, shop their fridge and pantry to avoid duplicate buying. Now it’s time to compile a shopping list, and only buy what you have a plan for! Done right, this will take care of 80 percent of your food waste."

What can I buy to save money on food?

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In addition to meal prepping (check out our favorite apps to reduce food waste, too!), the PlantYou chef + author recommends having a few recipes that use up a bunch of ingredients in one go. "It’s really important to lean on staple recipes that allow you to 'clean out the fridge,' which is really what my new Scrappy cookbook is about," Carleigh Bodrug says. "I wanted to arm people with great base recipes (like stews, curries and stir fries), where they can interchange the vegetables and produce items they have on hand every week to reduce waste and save money."

"By using up leftovers, repurposing ingredients, and being more mindful about the food you’re bringing into your home, you'll notice a decrease in your grocery bill," she continues. "The average American family of four wastes over $1700 worth of groceries per year — which is like a phone bill every month! Not only does being Scrappy benefit your wallet, but it also feels great knowing you're making healthier choices and contributing to a more sustainable planet."

Okay, so you know what you want to eat, and you've budgeted for groceries, what now? "I look for ingredients that are versatile and can be used in multiple recipes to minimize waste," Carleigh says. "Quality, longevity, and sustainability are key factors in my purchasing decisions."

What is the proper way to store food?

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After you've whipped up recipes like the Fiesta Fries below, it's important to store them properly to ensure they're fresh for as long as possible. "Use quality food storage and meal prep containers, and keep fruits and vegetables separate to prevent them from spoiling," Carleigh tells me. "Different types of food will require different conditions for optimum long-term storage. This applies to fresh produce, as well as dry and canned foods."

We all have days we don't want to cook (PlantYou's Carleigh Bodrug included), which is the perfect opportunity to support a local business. "On days when I don't feel like cooking, I usually rely on quick and easy options like smoothie bombs from my freezer, which are in my new cookbook," she says. "I also often have homemade soup ready to go that I’ve made in advance or have frozen in the freezer. Sometimes, my husband and I opt for ordering in from local restaurants in our small town in Ontario, especially on Friday nights after a long work week. It's a convenient way to support our favorite vegan small businesses while enjoying a hassle-free meal."

PlantYou's Fiesta Fries — Delicious Loaded Fries You Can Make Today!

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Ingredients:

6 medium-size Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced to desired size, around 1/2 to 3/4 inch recommended
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups Vegan Ground Beef or your favorite vegan ground beef substitute
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, pinto beans, or red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 yellow or red onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 to 2 tablespoons water or extra-virgin olive oil

Suggested Toppings:

1 tomato, diced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced Handful of fresh cilantro (optional)
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup Sunflower Cream Sauce

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F, and line a baking sheet with a reusable baking mat or parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with the garlic powder and salt and toss until coated.
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and roast for 35 minutes, or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine the ground “beef” with the black beans, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and the water. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the onion starts to turn translucent.
Assemble on a serving platter with the fries on the bottom, topped with the ground beef mixture and your desired toppings.

Excerpted from PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet by Carleigh Bodrug. Copyright © 2024. Available from Hachette Go, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Carleigh Bodrug is the CEO and Founder of PlantYou, a New York Times Bestselling cookbook author and self-taught plant-based chef, famous for her simple take on low-waste and vegan recipes. Boasting over ten million followers between her social channels, Carleigh has gripped social media with her simple and delicious low-waste recipes that make plants the star of the show.

Her latest book, PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet, is out NOW!

Check out our Weekend Scroll for more delicious recipes!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Your May Horoscope Is Here–See What's In Store For Your Sign

In May 2024, a unique opportunity for personal growth and transformation awaits. As the communication Mercury regains momentum after last month’s retrograde and we emerge from the eclipse season, a new chapter is about to begin. This is your chance to gather the scattered pieces and rebuild a stronger, more enlightened version of yourself. Taurus season continues beckoning us to review our comforts, values, love stories, and finances. Although we live in uncertain times, note that no external source can dim your light as long as you remain heart-centered and in flow with your happiness.

Key Astrological Dates Of Taurus Season In May 2024

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5/1 Venus square Pluto
5/7 Sun sextile Saturn
5/8 New Moon in Taurus
5/13 Sun conjunct Uranus
5/15 Mercury enters Taurus
5/17 Mercury square Pluto
5/18 Venus conjunct Uranus, Sun conjunct Jupiter
5/20 Gemini Season Begins
5/23 Full Moon in Sagittarius, Venus enters Gemini
5/26 Jupiter enters Gemini

What To Expect In Your May Horoscope For 2024

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We enter this month with an intense exchange between Venus and Pluto. As they form a square on the 1st, it can manifest as power and control issues between love and values. This is the moment to embrace change involving your desires. The split between wanting stability with Venus in Taurus and the radical energy of Pluto in Aquarius can lead to a powerful transformation in your love story while opening the path to realizing your worth. There is a part of you or the relationship itself that needs to evolve to attract a healthier outcome. Hold still, and don’t react. Just observe your environment. Take this as a sign to reevaluate your priorities in your relationship and everything else that can deflect you from living authentically. On the 7th, things will lighten up as the Sun is in a supportive position with Saturn, the planet of structure and stability. Clarity will set as the Sun lets you see your life direction while Saturn supports your future ventures. This will all unfold in time for the new moon in Taurus to happen on the 8th. Finally, we are officially out of the eclipse mist and equipped to potentially set a different course to invoke success. The best part is that this new moon energy will be grounding and quiet, giving you the space to set clear intentions to support your needs instead of what you want. Remember that your “wants” will only take you so far, while honoring your needs will attract a better flow.

On the 13th, a day filled with potential breakthroughs awaits. The Sun will merge with Uranus, the rebel planet, invoking themes of innovation and freedom from the old constraints. This can manifest in your desire to change or break from the usual routine. Transparency and honest discussions will open that door for you. This day can be filled with serendipitous events as you trust in yourself and try something new. It's an amazing opportunity to begin brainstorming ideas or troubleshooting what is holding you back from living the life you want.

Our thinking process will slow down when Mercury, the communication planet, enters Taurus on the 15th. Our conversations will be more down-to-earth and intentional. The way to master this planetary transit these next few weeks is to become simpler and more organized. Focusing on one thing at a time will grant you the desired results.

Focusing initially on this recent Mercury shift will be tricky as it squares off to Pluto on the 17th, staging a distress signal involving the FOMO. Pluto in Aquarius adds traction in the desire to evolve and look ahead to what’s next. At the same time, Mercury in Taurus promotes grounding and the desire to build solidity with our ideas. This planetary square can be gritty, leading to communication blunders or an inner mental conflict leading to a self-limiting belief. Let go and know that masterpieces of any kind were not created overnight. You are on the right path, and as long as you have self-acceptance, everything will fall into place as it should.

Your Astrological Forecast Continued For May 2024 Horoscopes

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Expect an overflow of changes and certainty on the 18th with the celestial bodies of the Sun, Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus in the sign of Taurus. Taurus is the sign that desires stability, finances, love, and sensuality. This day will highlight all these themes, pulling you into making the necessary decisions involving love and self-security. Your love story from earlier this month will continue today as Venus joins Uranus, igniting a new flow in your relationships and shifting your narrative. What part of your love life needs reinvention? This is the day you will get answers about its direction and what you can do to attract the changes you want. The Sun merging with Jupiter will ignite an unfamiliar wave of optimism and the desire to take a leap professionally or romantically. This is also a great day to begin a new project or relationship or renew your vows.

Now expect the fun to start as Gemini season begins on the 20th! Your hard work this month will pay off, and there will be a new wave of confidence or inspiration to expand your outlets involving your ideas. Remember that curiosity is vital to fully embracing this air season. Be like Alice in Wonderland and jump into the rabbit hole of possibility.

What’s more, this upcoming Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 23rd will ignite fuel to your fire involving what needs to be done for you to break free from the mundane. It is time to reflect on your past perspective and old beliefs and release them once and for all. This May 2024 full moon will be ceremonial as you will feel a surge of optimism and feel comfortable with letting go. The best part of this day is that Venus will also enter Gemini, infusing the collective with a central focus on the betterment of humanity. While also learning the importance of embracing a love of all shades and shapes. This will be a positive phase in your life experience, and celebrating this milestone in your personal development with those who share your values will grant you that dash of magic you need.

We conclude this month with a momentous event. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and optimism, enters the sign of Gemini on the 26th and will remain in this sign for the following year. Moving forward, we are not being led by blind faith. We will embrace ideas and conventional thinking. Listening carefully and being open-minded to others' insights will ignite even more inspiration than you ever thought possible. Setting aside the conforms and old doctrines of what worked before will push you ahead of the curve.

Read Your Sun, Moon, & Rising Signs For Your May Horoscope For 2024

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Aries

Get ready to claim your power and momentum. After last month's solar eclipse, you are more than equipped to take charge of a matter on the back burner. On the 1st, Venus crossing paths with Pluto intensely can throw a curveball involving plans that involve networks or friendships. Remember to hold steady and not stress the results. Everything falls into place when you remain centered and calm. A second wind approaches when the New Moon in Taurus happens on the 8th extending you an opportunity to revamp your finances while powering up your self-esteem. Begin an abundance practice or begin a new mood board to help you get started while enabling you to hold onto your long-term vision. When Gemini Season begins on the 20th, this is your opportunity to share your ideas and strengthen your connections in your immediate environment. It is more lighthearted and joyful. These next three weeks will be creative and fertile–take advantage, and you might make a masterpiece. Witness a spiritual breakthrough and celebrate your past lessons involving your life experiences as the Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 23rd prompts you to reflect on your future direction. Practically, this is the moment to finish that book, launch your podcast, or make an aspiration of yours finite and see through to its completion.

Taurus

Happy birthday, Taurus! As your season unfolds, you'll feel confident and truly in your element. The New Moon in your sign on May 8th extends a fresh start in how you present yourself to the world, signaling a moment of self-renewal and how you will share your radiance with the world by sharing your gifts. A pivotal moment arrives on the 13th when the Sun aligns with Uranus in your sign, marking a bold move aligned with your passions. However, be mindful of impulsivity during this exciting time. On the 18th, when Venus joins Uranus in your identity and self-expression sector, your love life receives an unexpected boost of support. This contagious energy invites you to leap and confidently achieve your wants. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on May 23rd illuminates your 8th, urging you to release past fears and confront them head-on. This period offers opportunities to settle debts and receive unexpected financial blessings. It's also a time to deepen the intimacy with a partner or yourself.

Gemini

Prepare for a journey of growth and transformation. As the month begins with Venus square Pluto on the 1st, you'll feel pressured to confront your limiting beliefs head-on. This intense transit catalyzes the importance of staying true to yourself, empowering you to embrace your rebellious spirit and make your mark on the world. The New Moon in Taurus on the 8th plants a seed of innovation deep within your subconscious, allowing you to realign with new dreams and aspirations that resonate deeply with your soul. As Gemini season begins on the 20th, you'll feel renewed energy and perspective, infusing you with a fresh outlook on life and how you wish to share your ideas to the world. Despite Mercury, your ruling planet, being in Taurus, this grounding influence provides you with the stability you need to make tangible progress toward your goals. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 23rd will illuminate your love life and partnerships, urging you to take your connections to the next level. Reflect on what needs to evolve within yourself to create space for deeper, more fulfilling relationships. Embrace this opportunity for growth and transformation as you navigate the workings of love and self-discovery.

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Cancer

Your focus turns towards your networks and friendships. The Sun sextile Saturn on the 7th presents an opportunity to ground your ideas and turn them into reality with the support of your current connections. With confidence and determination, you can contextualize and bring your passions to life, making it an ideal time to pitch ideas or seek career opportunities. The New Moon in Taurus on the 8th, highlighting the sector of friendships and networks, energizes you with motivation and grit to renew your aspirations and long-term dreams. This lunar event empowers you to set new goals and strengthen your bonds with like-minded individuals who share your vision for the future. However, beware of potential miscommunications and blunders on the 17th, as Mercury squares Pluto. Emotions may run high, particularly in professional networks or friendships, leading to unforeseen arguments if not handled carefully. Stay mindful of your feelings and strive for open, honest communication to gracefully navigate this transit. As the Full Moon illuminates your health and daily life sector on the 23rd, it invokes the need to prioritize your physical well-being and letting go of old habits. Take this opportunity to care for your body and release any burdens weighing you down daily. Revive your mind-body-spirit connection through release work, allowing yourself to let go of what no longer serves you in your immediate surroundings.

Leo

All eyes are on you and your next move in the career and public life. The month kicks off with Venus square Pluto on the 1st, increasing pressure in your romantic or professional partnerships. This clash of beliefs regarding structure and risk may challenge you, but trust your inner voice to navigate any decisions. Impulsive actions should take a back seat during this intense period. The New Moon on the 8th allows you to plant a new seed regarding your career vision. Whether you're ready to go public with an idea or strive for tangible results, this is the moment to elevate your manifestation game and set your intentions for success. The 18th initiates a significant moment for you as Venus conjuncts Uranus. This could potentially bring a career advancement or a shift in status, such as marriage or its dissolution. As long as you grow, your love can strengthen. Embrace the unexpected as you navigate this transformative period in your life. As the Full Moon on the 23rd illuminates your romantic life, children, and creative pursuits, something within you is ready to be birthed into existence. Whether it's a boost in self-esteem, the completion of a project, or even news of pregnancy, receive the potential for new beginnings. If family planning is on your mind, this lunar phase offers favorable energy to start your journey.

Virgo

Your focus shifts toward spirituality, dreams, and belief systems as you contemplate and reflect. With Venus square Pluto on the 1st, you may experience a shakeup in your process of the mind-body connection, prompting you to confront mental conflicts and past fears head-on. Mastering this ability to combat inner turmoil will pave the way for growth and expansion as you understand how your thoughts shape your reality. The New Moon in Taurus on the 8th brings fresh air, allowing you to make heartfelt wishes and set intentions aligned with your true desires. Whether launching a passion project or setting a new course for your dreams, this lunar event empowers you to manifest your aspirations confidently. There's also a boost of support in manifesting future love or renewing present partnerships. On the 18th, as Venus conjuncts Uranus, expect unexpected changes in your life situation, whether it's a new romantic relationship blossoming or your dream project taking shape. It's a period of excitement as you witness your paradigm shift unexpectedly. As the Full Moon in Sagittarius illuminates your home and family sector, it's time to reevaluate your emotional needs and address unresolved issues with loved ones. Whether you decide to move, renovate, or let go of the past, this lunar event will allow you to express your vulnerability and create a sense of emotional clarity. Embrace this clearance as you witness your dreams come alive in your inner and outer worlds.

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Libra

The focus turns inward as you invest time in inner work, seeking to align with your true path and live authentically. It begins with Venus square Pluto on the 1st, a pressure-filled transit that urges you to prioritize your happiness over others' expectations. While this may feel uncomfortable, especially in your partnerships, it's essential to clear out any lingering resentment and nurture the unseen aspects of life, including fears, intimacy, finances, and resources. The New Moon in Taurus on the 8th provides a fresh start, allowing you to set intentions for how you want to show up in your intimate connections and be more intentional in your life. As Gemini Season begins, you'll feel light and optimism in your love life. Clarity and inspiration guide you towards passion-filled pursuits, encouraging you to align more closely with your heart and take chances in dating or exploring new depths in partnerships. However, the Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 23rd may bring challenges in communication and mental overwhelm. It's important to prioritize tasks and avoid diving headfirst into new endeavors. Take the time to reflect on what truly aligns with your heart and reach resolutions where miscommunications occurred. This busy period calls for careful consideration of your priorities, ensuring that you conclude rather than start anew for now.

Scorpio

This month shines on your romantic and business partnerships as you navigate moments of renewal and growth. Whether finally calling someone bae or healing from a recent breakup, this period prompts a deep reflection on your beliefs surrounding connections and staying true to your vision. The month begins with Venus square Pluto on the 1st, adding intensity as you confront unresolved issues rooted in your family dynamics that influence your approach to relationships. This is a time for conscious awareness and understanding, recognizing that the past does not define who you are or what you deserve in love. On the 8th, the New Moon in Taurus marks a new phase in your love story, offering opportunities to create a fresh path in existing or new partnerships. Manifest your desires on this day, but take the time to reflect on what you truly want and need in relationships. As Venus conjuncts Uranus on the 18th, expect a twist of fate or serendipitous encounter that guides you toward the right partner or life path. Trust the Universe and allow your energy to align with your desired reality. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 23rd provides a chance to tie up loose ends regarding finances and develop a healthier relationship with money. Take this opportunity to understand the root causes of any financial patterns, whether excessive spending or frugality and create space for abundance and stability in your life. Assess what is missing in your life to make meaningful connections and cultivate lasting prosperity.

Sagittarius

The focus turns to your health and well-being, prompting you to engage in release work and eliminate toxic surroundings or situations from your life. Whether it's a change in the workplace or establishing boundaries, now is the time to energetically and physically pinpoint your needs. When Venus squares Pluto on the 1st this will be a pivotal moment for you to realize the root cause of your mental conflict while also developing better skills involving your long term aspirations. Starting over or learning something new will place you ahead of the curve and ensure success. The New Moon in Taurus on the 8th will help you revive your body by establishing a new exercise routine or wellness practice. With Taurus' stability, consistency is key to attracting the desired outcome. Redecorating your surroundings or clearing your work desk can bring abundance and clarity to your core needs. As Gemini season begins, it's a chance to revitalize your relationships and discuss their direction. This period is favorable for romantic pursuits or forming new business connections. On the 23rd, the Full Moon in your sign puts you in the spotlight, urging you to embrace your true self and share your story with those who resonate with your values. It's a time of evolution and growth as you step into a more authentic life path and make peace with what you need to let go involving your old self.

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Capricorn

As someone driven by ambition, this is a period for you to reflect on what truly fulfills you and embrace the idea of having fun. The Venus square Pluto on the 1st prompts you to examine your self-esteem as you navigate this new course in life. It's essential to shift your focus from the need for status to the joy in relationships and heartfelt connections. By aligning with the heart, you deepen your bonds with others and ignite inspiration for creative pursuits. The New Moon in Taurus on the 8th offers an opportunity to plant a new seed in your love life or creative endeavors. This is a favorable time to set intentions and perform manifestation work, whether attracting a future love partner or beginning a new creative venture. Embrace this energy to ignite a new phase filled with love, joy, and creativity. As Gemini Season begins, the focus shifts to the organization and daily rituals, prompting discussions about what truly brings you joy rather than simply what makes sense. Consider starting a somatic healing or meditation practice to help navigate these changes with ease. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 23rd invites you to look inward and declutter your subconscious realms. While your dream life may be vivid and stimulating...journaling, meditating, and relaxation techniques can help you identify and release any emotional baggage or limiting beliefs. Embrace this opportunity to clear the path for personal growth and transformation.

Aquarius

The focus will be on your family and home life, prompting you to reflect on your emotional security and find comfort in slowing down. With Venus square Pluto on the 1st, pressure arises regarding your place within the home and defining your sense of security. This transit encourages you to let go of outdated outlooks and make room for deeper emotional connections with family. The New Moon in Taurus on the 8th offers a fresh start in your home dynamics. It allows you to renew your perception of family values and perhaps even consider a move or set new roots for generational healing. This is an ideal time to turn over a new leaf and embrace positive changes in your home life. When Gemini Season begins, expect to dive deeper into your true passion pursuits. While the new moon in Taurus may prompt a need to slow down and reflect, Gemini Season brings a new vision and energy to your creative process. Embracing a lighthearted approach, like a child, can lead to breakthroughs and fresh insights. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 23rd encourages you to tie up loose ends in your friendships as you explore new ideas and possibilities. This lunar event extends a chance to reconnect with old friends, seek resolution, or pick up where you left off. Through this healing process and understanding, you'll gain clarity on your aspirations and begin to see the bigger picture of your place in the world.

Pisces

This month, your mind is buzzing with ideas and while igniting endless discussions with those in your immediate surroundings. It's a stimulating period that can enforce the need to learn a new skill or share your ideas with others to witness your dream come alive. The new moon in Taurus on the 8th opens up endless possibilities for sharing your vision and setting intentions related to your passions. By immersing yourself in your local community and remaining receptive to information from all sides, you'll find yourself increasingly inspired in the long run. On the 18th, Venus conjuncts Uranus, bringing unexpected brilliance and otherworldly ideas your way. While this transit may feel overwhelming, jotting down your stream of consciousness can help you make sense of it later. Be open to initiating outings, as they may lead to romantic connections, but be mindful of potential situationships. Trust your intuition to navigate any curveballs Uranus may throw your way. This period will be essential for you to learn the importance of asserting boundaries and holding true to your beliefs. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 23rd closes a chapter in your career. This lunar event may bring a promotion or signal the need to move on to something that brings you fulfillment. Take stock of where you are in your career path and assess opportunities for progression to help you maintain confidence and clarity moving forward.

What do you think of your May horoscope for 2024? Maybe it’s written in the stars, or maybe it’s... just a coincidence. Our resident astrologer is weighing in on *all* of YOUR big questions, from your career and personal development to your wellness and love life. Fill out this form to get the expert advice you’ve been dreaming of in an upcoming astrology feature!

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How A Money Date Can Help Unlock Financial Wellness For You & Your Partner

Talking money doesn't have to feel monstrous — especially if you make it fun by setting a money date. No matter your current relationship to money, this should be a time that you set aside to demystify the basics, build a healthy relationship with money, and learn ways to grow your wealth. This intentional time together allows you to give your full attention to how you relate to money and how to create the habits and lay down a healthy foundation to create financial wellness. Hopefully, you'll walk away from your money date with a confident, stress-free relationship to money.

What is a money date?

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko / PEXELS

A money date can take on many forms, but it should always align with where you are in life. If you're single — or choose to keep money separate in your relationship — then a money date can be carving out time for yourself to create a comfortable space and review your priorities, values, and overall financial goals and hopefully actually set a plan in motion to achieve those. If you're in a relationship with combined finances, a money date can also be a way for you and your significant other to come together to talk about money and what matters most to each of you in a way that makes you comfortable and makes finances more approachable. TBH, even a group of friends can also get together with the purpose of focusing on money and topics that can help each of you gain better insights and strategies into reducing financial stress and building financial wellness and wealth.

How do you plan a money date?

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A good starting point is to simply just...begin. One step leads into the next and before you know it, you've built life-long healthy money habits. But what does "beginning" actually look like? If you have a S.O., it's important to quickly chat with each other and establish the importance of money dates. Let them know that you want to work together to build healthy conversations around your goals and values with an emphasis on money and how that plays into your financial success. If you want to create a group of friends to have more structured conversations together, then think of 5-7 people that you think would be interested in the topic, add value to the conversation, and benefit from the discussion. And yes, even if you decide you want to focus on your money individually, you still need to structure it just like you structure time for your workouts!

No matter who you have your money date with, my best advice is to keep it consistent and have some guidelines. Being consistent means that you plan accordingly and you do the work if you want to enjoy the benefits. Set a time for individual or couple conversations — once a week for an hour is reasonable. For a group, once a month is more realistic. It will be more productive if you have the conversation in a place where you don't get distracted and where you have privacy as money can be a sensitive topic. Over a cup of coffee on the deck or a glass of wine on the couch, whatever works best for you.

What should you talk about on a money date?

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There are a number of topics you should cover during a money date, which is why I suggest scheduling yours for one hour a week, same day, same time, and same place. You're establishing a habit and this is the best way for you to be consistent and reach your goal of financial health and wellness. The topics will be broad and then there should be opportunities for you to dig further down. My favorite break the ice question to get things started? Ask someone what's important to them about money.

Starting with this question will bring down some barriers and take the focus off how much money you have (quantitative) to what is important to you (qualitative). There will be plenty of time to go over numbers, but the first money date should be focused on dreams, goals, and values.

It's also critical to avoid money shaming during your conversation. Think about your relationship with money. How did you grow up learning about money? Did your parents fight about it? Was it a taboo subject that nobody spoke about? Or was there a scarcity of money? Think about it — these memories we have about money and our first introduction to money can have a negative affect on us that we don't even realize until we start to ask these questions. By starting conversations with qualitative questions first, you will quickly find out what your differences are and what the pain points are and help you identify the areas that you will need to discuss and work through more carefully.

After that, the first step in any of the following topics is to gather the information. Bring all the details with you to the date. There will be time to dig in deeper, have discussions around it, and make a decision or two — although don't worry about solving it all in one date. The point here is to make process based on the information you have at hand. The areas that you should address include the following:

Cash Flow: What's coming in (salary, income) and what's going out (expenses). There's no way around it — your expenses must be less than your income to be financially successful. Budgeting is usually the first place to start, but can also be the most difficult. It's okay to skip this one for now and come back to it if needed. Think of this as taking charge of your money one step at a time!
Debt: Credit cards, car loans, mortgages, student loans... no matter what type you have, debt can be challenging and ultimately set you back years financially if you don't address it the right way. There's definitely a difference between good debt and bad debt, and knowing which one is which is important to help you understand the best way to tackle this.
Retirement: It can be hard to think about retirement when you're in your earning or accumulation years. The key is to set up an automatic process where the money goes into your retirement accounts before it ever hits your bank account. You won't miss it if you don't see it.
Insurance/Protection: There are many reasons to transfer risk away from you onto an insurance company. Start with the basics — life, auto, home, and consider your company's benefits here as well.
Investing: The time value of money and compound interest are your best friends. Automating monthly deposits into your investment account is a great way to build wealth over time.
Estate Planning: Nobody likes to think of this one, but it's important to address. Retirement accounts and insurance falls outside of the will so be sure to update your beneficiaries annually(who you want to get your money if something were to happen to you). You will need at least the three basic documents as well - will, (who gets your money, assets and personal items) power of attorney (who can make financial decisions for you if you are unable to do so) and health care proxy (who can make medical decisions on your behalf)
Education: If you have kids and want to plan for the growing costs of college, 529s custodial accounts and other investments are available to help do so.
Philanthropy: Are you charitably inclined? Do you have causes that are important to you? Did you know that there are other ways to donate other than writing a check? You can also donate stock (Most who donate stock will donate appreciated stock, or stock that has gone up in value).

What happens after your money date?

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Having an easy way to approach your money and having a system to manage your money will help you reduce stress around money and build confidence to move forward successfully. With the above plan, you can address both the quantitative side of your life as well as your qualitative side of your life to build wealth well. It's critical to explore the emotional side of money and what it means to you so you can better understand the best way for you to approach the dollars and sense of it.

If you're single and are thinking about when to start a money date — the best time to start is now. You're not too young and you're not too old. If you start today, you're one step closer to reaching financial peace of mind. Step one is set up time for your first date.

If you're in a relationship, the best time to start a money date is when you're beginning to discuss building a future together. When you have an SO, it takes the complications of money one step further as you each have a history with money that you bring to the table and to the relationship. Unchecked, it can cause challenges when it may be too late. Building habits early on and normalizing conversations about money will help you to implement the steps and actions that are needed to realize your goals together.

Having money dates on a regular basis will keep you consistent, disciplined, and focused financially. The benefits to a money date (and a lifelong process of money dates) is financial confidence — knowing where you stand, having the choice to do what you want with your time and money, and building a healthier, wealthier you. Money touches every aspect of your life, but money dates help you feel less stress, more in control, communicate better, and make better decisions in all of those aspects. By addressing this now, you're navigating complicated but important differences that you will want to work through together and start setting up healthy money habits now for your future.

Looking for more tools to help you jump start your road to financial freedom? Look for courses, classes, podcasts, books, spreadsheets, websites, instagram accounts that focus on to help address all things money. Check out my blogs on http://www.themoneydatebox.com where I share strategies and tools to help you get smarter about your money.

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6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation

I'll admit it: while I don't miss school at all, I was wildly unprepared for what it would feel like to NOT get a summer vacation. Three whole months with nothing to do but read, watch movies, and play outside? I took it for granted! That's why I love watching nostalgic summer movies from the '90s and '00s because they give me that same vacation feeling — without any of the schoolwork that comes with being a kid. Here are 6 of the best nostalgic movies you can stream right now! Plus, our most-anticipated upcoming summer moviestoo.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants — Rent On Amazon

Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is one of the best movies of all time, and I will stand by that statement for the rest of my life. The cast! The denim! "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield! The story follows best friends Tibby (Amber Tamblyn), Carmen (America Ferrera), Lena (Alexis Bledel), and Bridget (Blake Lively) as they spend their very first summer apart from one another. Tibby stays home to work (both at a minimart and on her documentary), Carmen visits her dad in South Carolina and learns he's started a whole new family, Lena's visit to Greece pokes at a decades-old family feud, and adventurous Bri bites off more than she can chew at soccer camp in Mexico.

There are so many relatable aspects of this nostalgic movie, and story doesn't shy away from how much growing up can suck. It taught me what it looks like to be there for my friends, how to navigate complicated relationships, how to build my confidence, and how to confront grief and anger. Plus, the movie takes you to four totally separate locations, and it's left me dreaming about Greece on more than one occasion.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is available to rent on Amazon Prime and stars America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn.

Aquamarine — Stream On Disney+

Image via 20th Century Fox

If you didn't have a mermaid phase as a child, did you really grow up in the 2000s? Aquamarine is just one nostalgic movie I can attribute that aquatic craze to, and the story follows BFFs Claire (Emma Roberts) and Hailey (JoJo) as they make the most out of the end of summer vacay. Hailey's mom is moving them to Australia, and when she prays to the ocean gods for a miracle, the girls find Aquamarine (Sara Paxton), a mermaid who's trying to escape an arranged marriage.

This is just another film that emphasizes how deep, selfless, and beautiful female friendships are. Hailey and Claire are willing to do whatever it takes to help Aquamarine, even when it puts them in danger. And for her part, Aquamarine teaches Hailey and Claire (not to mention me!) how to make the most out of spontaneous adventures. Plus, it gave us so many iconic fashion moments like A's seafoam dress. Thank goodness for that.

Aquamarine is available to stream on Disney+ and stars Emma Roberts, JoJo, and Sara Paxton.

The Cheetah Girls 2 — Stream On Disney+

Image via Disney Channel

At this point, The Cheetah Girls 2 is in the Disney Channel Original Movie hall of fame. The songs are catchy, the sets are gorgeous, and the cast is cheetah-licious! This nostalgic movie follows our favorite girl group: Galleria (Raven-Symoné), Chanel (Adrienne Bailon), Aqua (Kiely Williams), and Dorinda (Sabrina Bryan) as they swap New York City for Barcelona, Spain. They plan to win a local music festival...if the group doesn't fall apart first.

The most iconic part of this movie is definitely "Strut," and women from all over the world have recreated it on their own trips to Barcelona. Work it! Cheetah Girls 2 is the dreamiest summer vacation ever, but it also has so many messages about working hard to follow your dreams. The movie touches on honesty, sacrifice, and what it looks like to be bold, all of which are ideas I STILL need to be reminded of.

Stream The Cheetah Girls 2 on Disney+ now. The movie stars Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Sabrina Bryan.

Holiday in the Sun — Buy On Apple TV+

Image via Warner Home Video

It's always a good time to watch a Mary Kate and Ashley movie, and Holiday in the Sun is perfect for when you have summer vacation FOMO. Mary Kate and Ashley play Madison and Alex, sisters who are overjoyed when they realize their Atlantis Resort vacation comes with their own suite. But when their new friend Jordan is blamed for theft, the twins decide to figure out who's really behind the crime. If you ask me, it's not a Mary Kate and Ashley movie without a little sleuthing!

This nostalgic movie is also a comfort film thanks to MK and A (I was obsessed!). And nothing says summer like the beach — it doesn't matter whether you're laying in the sun or playing with dolphins. There's also just something so sweet about young love, and when those relationships are paired with the twins having to stand up to mean girl Brianna (Megan Fox), it's like the perfect recipe for a 00s movie. Plus One Tree Hill's Austin Nichols?! Say no more.

You can buy Holiday in the Sun on Apple TV+. The movie stars Mary-Kate Olsen as Madison, Ashley Olsen as Alex, Austin Nichols as Griffen, Ben Easter as Jordan, and Megan Fox as Brianna.

The Parent Trap — Stream On Disney+

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

Thanks to Lindsay Lohan movies like Irish Wish, our favorite redhead is back! And every time I think about my favorite Lindsay flicks, The Parent Trap tops the list. Lindsay plays both Hallie and Annie in this Nancy Meyers movie, twins separated at birth who accidentally cross paths at summer camp. Armed with sass, pierced ears, and photos of their parents, the gals decide to swap places and get their divorced parents to fall in love. No big deal.

Movies about sisters always make me a little weepy (I really love my sister, okay?) and I love the extent to which Annie and Hallie look out for each other...after their summer camp feud ends, of course. From rainy days in their cabin to Hallie's California home and Annie's London flat, this film gives me all kinds of wanderlust, but the best part is the cast of characters. Elizabeth and Nick, Chessy and Martin, even the sneaky Meredith all come together to make this nostalgic movie one of the best Disney films ever!

You can stream The Parent Trap on Disney+ now. The movie stars Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson as Elizabeth, Elaine Hendrix as Meredith, Lisa Ann Walter as Chessy, and Simon Kunz as Martin.

Blue Crush — Stream On Peacock

Image via Universal Pictures

I had SUCH a surfer phase in middle school, and watching Blue Crush is sure to bring that back to the surface ;). Best friends Anne Marie (Kate Bosworth), Eden (Michelle Rodriguez), and Lena (Sanoe Lake), plus Anne Marie's sister Penny (played by Mika Boorem) live together in a house on the North Shore. They all dream of becoming pro surfers, and when Anne Marie is invited to join a local competition, she has to face her fear of wiping out head-on.

There is so much to be said for how much these women take care of each other, both physically (they're all helping raise Penny), and emotionally. Plus, Anne Marie's biggest dream also being her biggest fear feels so personal as a viewer because that's exactly what happens in real life: the thing you want the most can also be the thing that scares the living daylights out of you. This summer movie also makes me think about the real-world female surfers who paved the way for the next generation — and I'm sure Blue Crush will be a nostalgic movie that inspires surfers for years to come.

Blue Crush is available on Peacock and stars Sanoe Lake, Michelle Rodriguez, Mika Boorem, and Kate Bosworth.

What's your go-to nostalgic movie? Check out all the 2024 Movies coming out this year!

Lead image via Warner Home Video

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Striped Home Decor Is So In — Here Are 20 Pieces To Shop Right Now

"I feel like there can never be enough stripes, or fringe, or tassels in a house," Emma Roberts said in her Architectural Digestinterview. And same, Emma, same. It's the season for stripes, and they're blowing up in the best ways. Stunning color combos are turning this classic pattern into a modern must-have. I literally want to drape my house in all of them. But a little goes a long way when it comes to making an impact with bold stripes. Here are fun ways to bring them into your home decor this season.

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What is a money date?

How do you plan a money date?

What should you talk about on a money date?

What happens after your money date?

​Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants — Rent On Amazon

Aquamarine — Stream On Disney+

The Cheetah Girls 2 — Stream On Disney+

Holiday in the Sun — Buy On Apple TV+

The Parent Trap — Stream On Disney+

Blue Crush — Stream On Peacock

Shop Stripes For Your Home Here!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants — Rent On Amazon