Vice Column

Dear Vice Column,  I'm a 24-year-old software developer who has just started my career and have $100,000 in student loan debt. I want to pay off my debt quickly but also want to save for a down payment on a house and a wedding. I'm not sure how to balance my competing financial goals and I don't even have a romantic partner, mostly because I live at home with my conservative parents.  - Love-Struck Developer Dear Love-Struck Developer, It seems like you're feeling a bit stuck in terms of your finances. Don't worry, you're not alone! Many recent graduates face similar challenges, especially when it comes to balancing debt repayment and saving for the future. First things first: you should be proud of yourself for even considering how to prioritize your financial goals at such a young age. You're already ahead of the game! When it comes to balancing competing goals, it's important to remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint. You don't need to ac...

Dear Vice Column,  I recently inherited $500,000 from my grandmother's estate, and I'm not sure what to do with it. I work as a teacher and make a modest income, so the money could really change my life. However, I've never been good with money and am worried about making the wrong investment choices. Plus, I have an invasive thought about splurging and cloning my dog to help stave off the inevitable pain of losing him — he's two-years-old and in good health. - Lost-and-Found Teacher with a Clone Dream Dear Lost-and-Found Teacher with a Clone Dream,  Take a deep breath and appreciate this unexpected windfall. It's important to approach this with a clear head and a plan. The first step is to consider your current financial situation. Do you have any debts or outstanding loans that need to be paid off? If so, use a portion of the inheritance to pay them off, as this will save you money in interest payments in the long run. Next, consider setting aside some of the mone...

Dear Vice Column,  I'm a 29-year-old graphic designer who wants to advance in my career and increase my earning potential. But I find myself wasting time binge-watching TV shows and scrolling through social media instead of working on my goals. I also have a sweet tooth and can't resist buying gourmet chocolates and pastries.  - Dessert-Loving Designer Dear Dessert-Loving Designer, When faced with the daunting task of trying to increase your earning potential, it's not uncommon to procrastinate and lose focus, especially with the plethora of distractions we have at our fingertips. However, there are steps you can take to upskill yourself and stay motivated. As a graphic designer, it's essential to continually develop new skills to stay competitive and advance in your career. One way to do this is to take advantage of online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy or edX. These platforms offer a wide range of courses and certifications in graphic design, UX design and...

Dear Vice Column,  I recently started my own business selling handmade crafts online, but I'm struggling to stay focused and motivated. I have a tendency to procrastinate and get distracted by social media, and I need help staying on track. I'm also a self-proclaimed neat freak, and I spend hours cleaning my workspace instead of working.  - Procrastinating Crafter with OCD Dear Procrastinating Crafter with OCD, Starting your own business is a big accomplishment, so congratulations for getting past a the big hurdle of getting started. It can be difficult to stay focused and motivated especially when you have a tendency to procrastinate and get distracted. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to help you stay on track. First, try setting smaller, more manageable goals for yourself. Daily, weekly, and monthly goals are a good way to start. This will help you prioritize your tasks and stay organized. That way, you won't feel overwhelmed and will be able to...

Dear Vice Column,  I'm 31 years old and want to turn my love for travel into a profitable business by starting a travel blog. But I don't know how to monetize it and need some advice on how to get started. I also have a fear of flying and have never been on a plane.  - Travel Blogger with a Fear of Flying Dear Travel Blogger with a Fear of Flying, When it comes to monetizing your travel blog, there are several options available. One of the most popular is through affiliate marketing, where you partner with companies that sell travel-related products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link. You can also sell your own products, such as travel guides or ebooks, or offer sponsored content opportunities to brands that align with your niche. In terms of getting started, it's essential to create high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. This means sharing engaging stories, beautiful photos and videos, and useful ...

Dear Vice Column,  I work a high-paying job in finance, but I'm feeling unfulfilled and want to pursue my dream of becoming a musician. I'm worried about the financial implications of quitting my job, and I need advice on how to make a smooth transition. My guilty pleasure is buying vintage clowns, and I have a collection worth over $10,000. Am I weird? - Clown-Collecting Finance Worker Dear Clown-Collecting Finance Worker, Everyone has their own unique interests and hobbies, and it's important to embrace them. However, I understand that your main concern is how to pursue your dream of becoming a musician while still being financially responsible. So do you really need to be spending more on clowns right now?   It takes a lot of courage to break away from a secure, high-paying job to pursue something that might not have as clear of a financial path. But life is too short to not pursue what makes us happy. Before you take any drastic measures, consider starting your music ...