Skimm Money: Distracted at work? Same.

Distracted at work? Same.

To say we were a bit preoccupied with unfolding news events last week would be an understatement. No matter what’s swirling — whether it’s a contentious election or a major upheaval in your personal life — getting any meaningful work done when your head is somewhere else can feel like a Herculean task. The truth is, life doesn’t care about your deadlines. Whether it’s a sick kid, looming holiday stress, or that heart-wrenching dog video living on a loop in your mind — there’s always something throwing a curveball at your focus time.

We aren’t going to give you canned advice about how to power through — toxic productivity is a real thing — but we do want to remind you that today is a new week, and there are a few things you can control. First, be honest with your boss if you’re in need of a little grace. (Managers, maybe offer some breathing room, too). Second, take care of your well-being. Donate to a cause you believe in, make plans with a friend, or sign up for your favorite workout class. And finally, forget the “power hour” method for now, and embrace micro-productivity. Knocking out just one small task can go a long way toward not adding a climbing to-do list to your already overwhelmed brain.

— Crossing “wake up” off our to-do lists, Skimm Money Team

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Reality check: We’re about seven weeks away from 2025. Tackle these nine (totally doable) money tasks before the ball drops.

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Reality check: We’re about seven weeks away from 2025. Tackle these nine (totally doable) money tasks before the ball drops.

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No set plans for turkey day? Spend some time abroad in these European destinations where you can fly for less than $601 per person.

This 34-year-old bought two abandoned homes for less than $3,500 and spent roughly $100,000 giving them a glow-up. Check out the transformation (and the location).

If you’ve gone to three stores and still can’t find your favorite conditioner, you’re not alone. It’s become harder to find the stuff you want on store shelves.

Reality check: We’re about seven weeks away from 2025. Tackle these nine (totally doable) money tasks before the ball drops.

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Celebs, they’re just like us… but with lots of rich friends to help get their side hustles off the ground.

No set plans for turkey day? Spend some time abroad in these European destinations where you can fly for less than $601 per person.

This 34-year-old bought two abandoned homes for less than $3,500 and spent roughly $100,000 giving them a glow-up. Check out the transformation (and the location).

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Rate My Shopping Habit

Q: When I'm on the hunt for a bigger-ticket item like a new TV, I'll often spend 2+ hours every day for weeks researching options, comparing deals, and tracking down coupon codes. Even if I know what I want, I can't make the purchase until I feel like I’ve done ALL the legwork. It causes a lot of anxiety, and I know it’s a time suck. When is enough, enough?

— my middle name is Indecision

FEATURED EXPERT:

Rianka Dorsainvil

certified financial planner, co-CEO, and senior financial planner at 2050 Wealth Partners

I'm all about being smart with money, but sometimes decision fatigue gets you stuck on a ride you can’t get off. Here’s what you do: When you set a budget for the purchase, also give yourself a deadline. Take one week to do research. Then, narrow it down to your top two or three choices and make a decision based on the best deal available right then. You can’t predict the future. (Related: Endless Options Have Ruined Online Shopping and Caused Decision Paralysis)

Also, check the return policy before you buy. Making sure you have a safety net could help ease your angst and avoid being paralyzed by indecision. (Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Time to Buy Everything)

Time is currency, and that stress and extra hours spent hunting for a marginally better price aren't worth the few dollars you might save. You're not just buying a product; you're buying the joy or convenience, etc. it offers. If you still need motivation, the latest Love Is Blind episodes have dropped, and you don’t want to miss who says yes at the altar.

Tell us:

Is spending hours a day deal hunting worth it or a total waste?

Submit your money or work question for our panel of experts. Don't worry, it's anonymous.

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

Clue: The profit from selling something (e.g. stocks, a home, or even concert tix) for more than you originally bought it. You typically have to pay taxes on the profits, which vary depending on how long you owned this thing and how much $$ you made when you sold it.

A Couple Finds Their Nest Near Family

Samantha, 30, and Jon, 35

Boulder, CO

Last year, we moved from Brooklyn, NY, to Boulder, CO, to be closer to family and find a place we could call home long-term. We had a long list of nonnegotiables: No stairs leading to the yard (we have a corgi with physical limitations), walking distance from bars and restaurants, and a two-car garage. A community that shares our values and beliefs was also important. (Related: Check out the average cost of living in Boulder)

We felt pressure to buy immediately thanks to  the competitive housing market and talking about looming interest-rate increases. So, we put offers on six different houses over the course of three months, and every time we were outbid by more than $100,000. It was  demoralizing. Our initial budget was $750,000, but we ended up closing on the seventh house we bid on for $800,000 with a $10,000 credit. We’re currently DIY-ing some renovation projects (thank you, #Ikeahacks) and thrifting furniture.

The Math

💸$4,226 a month

📐 2,500 square feet

🛠️ Utilities: $150 a month

🛏️ 3 beds, 2 baths

🌳Outdoor space: 6,000 square-foot yard

One thing about our house that makes it special: I [Jon] love my office. My desk faces a window with a large tree in front of it. I get a great view of the Rocky Mountains in the winter when the tree loses its leaves.

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