Barry Sizemore

Tight budgets create emotional pressure over time because they leave little room for normal human variation. When every dollar is tightly assigned and closely monitored, even small, everyday decisions can start to feel loaded. Over time, this creates a constant background tension around spending...

Are you considering taking up scrapbooking as a hobby, but have no idea where to start your journey? Browsing through the supplies at a scrapbooking store can be overwhelming as you stare at thousands of options. With so many items to choose from, it's easy to purchase supplies you may not need...

It's a no-brainer to travel much lighter these days to avoid the extra fees that many of the airlines are charging for overweight luggage. Typically, they allow a 50 to 75 lbs. weight maximum per bag. With large suitcases weighting up to 20 lbs. empty, that does not leave a lot of room for...

Not only is furniture restoration a great hobby to take up, but it's also extremely beneficial for the environment if approached correctly. When you choose to restore furniture instead of buying new, you're helping the environment in several ways - most of the time. But you need to ensure that...

Willpower-based budgets rarely last because they depend on constant self-control to override normal human behavior. At first, this can feel motivating—there’s a sense of discipline, structure, and control. But over time, the effort required to say “no” continually becomes mentally exhausting. For...

Many people do everything “right” with money and still feel worn down by budgeting. They track expenses, follow rules, avoid impulse purchases, and stay disciplined month after month—yet the process feels restrictive, mentally exhausting, or quietly demoralizing. In real life, this often looks...

There are trips you enjoy, trips you remember, and trips that quietly become part of who you are. Attending the Winter Olympic Games belongs firmly in the third category. It’s not just about watching elite athletes compete on snow and ice. It’s about standing in the cold with strangers from every...