The cities paying you $5,000 or more to move

LOL ... We're Freaking Out. And Money Memes Won't Save Us.

Scroll through your feed/stories/MoneyTok, and you’ll find all sorts that allow us to groan, collectively, over how stressful finances can be. But are they actually getting us talking about our financial situations (something women especially still struggle with)? After all, most of us are feeling financial pressure more than ever: A Motley Fool Money survey of 2,000 Americans found that over 50% are stressed or anxious about money more than three days a week. Additionally, one 2023 report noted that workers spend about four hours a week on the clock focused on personal-finance matters. (Sure, some of that might be meme-sharing, but still...)

By themselves, memes are harmless — but if they’re the full conversation, they risk turning our very real feelings into bite-size jokes. Will Social Security be around when we retire? Will student loan payments get even more expensive? Could a carton of eggs cost double digits? Hahaha … uh, help? 

What if more of us sat down with friends, peers, or even coworkers to talk about our money struggles or fears? It’s scary but, as anyone who loves her investment group will tell you, it’s also effective. You pick up strategies for tackling debt, saving smarter, and investing intentionally. And maybe, just maybe, the real joke isn’t that we’re all doomed financially. What if the joke is that we save and invest so strategically that we can take care of ourselves no matter what?— Rich in memes, Anna Davies, New York City, writer

Read More

• Here’s How Growing Up With Financial Stress Changed Me

• Tricks to Changing How You Think About Money

• Never Talk About Money? For Women, That Can Spell Disaster

• How Talking About Money Can Actually Be Fun

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I get really panicked about money. I’ll check our accounts multiple times a day, and if my retirement savings is down, I can’t concentrate. Sometimes I even move money around, which I know isn’t good. How do I become OK with the idea that my money may lose value in the short term? – Watching My Retirement Savings: More Dramatic than a Housewives Reunion

First, pat yourself on the back: You’re recognizing your triggers, which is a huge first step, says Shacklett. “At the end of the day, when we're operating from a place of fear, we are most likely not making our best decisions.” Here’s how to get back on track: 

1) Recognize your feelings. Studies show that women tend to be more risk-averse when it comes to their investments than men. (This may actually make them better investors.) But it’s normal to feel uncertain when the market dips. “We'll often do these group sessions at our firm where we explore those feelings and how it's driving your decisions,” says Shacklett. Talking with your partner, friends, or a financial advisor can reframe your fear.

2) Look, don’t touch. Market volatility is inevitable — and you can’t time the market. “Something I like to share with my clients: Six of the 10 best days in the market occurred within two weeks of the 10 worst days,” says Shacklett. “But even we experts who do this all day long won’t be able to anticipate when to get in and out.” Watch the market for trends, but don’t use it to prompt hasty investment decisions. 

3) Have a plan and know your runway. It’s important to know how your account will help you support your goals. Retirement-focused? When you’re younger, “there are reasons to consider learning how to stomach a little bit more volatility in your portfolio,” says Shacklett. As you get closer to retirement, you’ll shift your strategy to protect against downturns. 

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Does the stock market affect your mood?

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Use the letters below to identify the word or phrase. Then, click to reveal the answer.

Clue: A stock or company that's well-established, with a good degree of public confidence and often-solid returns on investments. PS: Here are five of these sorts of stocks (including one you’ve probably never heard of) that investors love.

Get Paid to Move

What it is: MakeMyMove

The key to achieving your financial goals this year might not be a strict budget — it might just be Texarkana. This unique city, sitting on the border of Texas and Arkansas, is offering over $15,000 in cash and perks to entice new residents. And it’s not alone. Many, often rural communities want to boost their populations or need people working in specific industries (like health care workers or teachers) to serve their residents. That’s why they offer cash bonuses, free memberships to local organizations, and more, all funded by economic-development councils. Curious? This website rounds up the latest opportunities so you can explore what’s out there — and maybe find yourself a fresh start in a new zip code.

How it works:

• Create an account (it’s free). Browse listings and “like” your favorites. 

• Read through eligibility criteria. Each program you apply to has different requirements, such as proof you can work remotely or income qualifications if you’re self-employed.

• Plan your going-away party. Where you persuade all your friends and family to move, too.

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