Purchasing a home is often regarded as one of life’s most significant milestones, requiring meticulous planning and financial discipline. While most prospective buyers focus on saving for a down payment or securing a pre-approval, they may overlook seemingly minor financial decisions that can have profound consequences on their ability to purchase a home. In this article, I’ll share three real-world examples from my clients that illustrate how small, seemingly inconsequential choices can derail the homebuying process.

Wildfires are devastating. For many in Southern California, the recent Pacific Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires have upended lives, destroyed homes, and displaced families. Recovery from such an event is overwhelming, but with clear steps and strong community support, it is possible to rebuild.

In 2003, my family lost our home to the Cedar Fire in San Diego. It was a total loss. The weeks and months that followed were marked by grief, resilience, and a steep learning curve about navigating disaster recovery. Rebuilding took over two years. That experience shaped how I approach challenges and inspired me to share actionable steps for those currently facing the unthinkable.

This article covers the three critical steps to take immediately if your home is destroyed, actionable ways to get involved in helping wildfire victims, and the role of community-driven initiatives in disaster recovery.

January 10th, 2025, marks Quitters Day, the day when most New Year’s resolutions falter. For many, the resolve to spend less, save more, or live more intentionally begins to waver just ten days into the new year. But on TikTok, a cultural shift appears to be holding strong.

In 2024, the platform celebrated "Consumption Core," glorifying luxury shopping sprees, indulgent meals, and aspirational lifestyles. Yet as 2025 begins, TikTok feeds are dominated by No Buy 2025, Project PAN, and other movements championing financial restraint and sustainability. Viral trends like Amex Wrapped—a tongue-in-cheek audit of annual spending—highlight this pivot from excess to mindfulness.

As TikTok faces growing regulatory scrutiny and the looming threat of a ban in the United States, the platform’s shift toward practicality raises questions. Are these trends a genuine reflection of generational maturity and financial realities, or a calculated move by TikTok’s algorithm to retain relevance?

If you’ve ever walked around New York City, you’ve probably noticed the ubiquitous green awnings and scaffolding lining buildings. They’re so common they’ve almost become part of the city’s identity. But have you ever wondered what these structures are for and how they might affect you?

These buildings are part of New York City’s Façade Safety and Inspection Program (FISP), a crucial system designed to ensure the safety of pedestrians and the structural integrity of buildings.

On December 5, 2024, the New York City Council passed the "City of Yes," a comprehensive zoning reform plan designed to address key challenges facing the city, including sustainability, economic opportunity, and housing affordability. Touted as the most ambitious update to the city’s zoning code since 1961, the initiative aims to reshape the urban landscape to meet the demands of the 21st century. However, its potential impact on local neighborhoods and the concerns of community stakeholders underscore the complexities of implementing such sweeping changes.

The U.S. economy finds itself in a curious state. On paper, Americans have never been wealthier. Disposable personal income—what’s left of an individual’s income after paying mandatory expenses like taxes—is at record highs, and homeowners hold more equity than at any time in history. Yet millions of people are feeling the pinch, struggling to make ends meet despite what should be an era of financial prosperity. How can both realities exist at the same time?