Micawber’s Favorites – June 10, 2017

Here are links to several of my favorite recent personal finance articles:

The Best Gift My Emergency Fund Has Ever Given Me by Cait Flanders

In this courageous article Cait talks about making the decision to get help dealing with her anxiety after many years of struggling with it on her own. Although this was a difficult decision for her having an emergency fund made it much easier financially. Having watched people close to me struggle with anxiety I appreciate Cait’s openness about her struggles and her willingness to share her decision to get treatment.

Here’s to All of You Trying to Make the Most of a Bad Situation by Joshua Becker at becomingminimalist

Life is not fair. As Becker points out many people face serious struggles and yet fight heroically to improve their lives. These people are often almost invisible, but they shouldn’t be. They deserve our notice, respect, and help. As Becker says, “We see you and we applaud you.” This article is a great reminder to notice those around you who are struggling against long odds and give them the help and support they need.

I’m Worthless: from -$142,598 Net Worth to Zero by Double Debt Single Woman

Speaking about making the most of a bad situation… Can having a net worth of zero really be something to celebrate? It can when a few years ago you were over $140,000 in the hole. Tony Robbins once said that he could tell you the secret to happiness in one word. And what is that one word? Progress. Where you are doesn’t matter as much as where you have been, and if you are moving in the right direction. In this article the author explains the steps she took to becoming worthless and how she can now look forward to a bright financial future.

Axioms for Graduates by Jim Blankenship at Financial Ducks in a Row

New graduates might not have a lot in the way of financial resources but they have something even more important – time. And since getting off on the right financial foot is important Blankenship offers some simple but sound financial advice for new graduates.

Jacqueline Novogratz and Patient Capital

This is a short 3-minute video where Novogratz explains how she is using “patient capital” to help people in developing nations permanently escape poverty. Charity can be a lifesaver in emergencies but it has proven extremely ineffective as a long-term solution to poverty. And what does work? Treating people not as victims but as potential business owners and consumers. The poor don’t want charity, they want opportunity, and Novogratz has been a pioneer in providing it.  

I recently finished Novagratz’ book The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World which I highly recommend. In addition, here are two TED Talks by Novagratz where she more fully explains her highly effective approach to fighting poverty.