Money, life, and the stuff no one taught us.
Practical, shame-free guidance for young adults navigating money, big decisions, and building real independence in their 20s.
Work with JalpaFeatured Posts
How Do I Stop Arguing With My Partner About Money?
How do I stop arguing with my partner about money? It's one of the questions I get asked most - and one of my favourite topics to work through with people, because the answer almost always surprises them. Money arguments are rarely about money. That sounds like a...
Why Do I Feel Ashamed About My Spending?
Why do I feel ashamed about my spending? If you've ever asked yourself that question - quietly, privately, in a way you'd never say out loud - you're not alone. Money shame is one of the most common feelings people carry, and one of the least talked about. It shows up...
Do I Need to Pay Tax on Tips or Overtime?
Do I need to pay tax on tips or overtime? Yes - and most people are surprised when they find out. It's one of those questions I hear a lot, especially from young adults working in hospitality, retail, or any job where extra hours and cash tips are part of the picture....
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What is National Insurance and Why is My Pay Less Than Expected?
What is National Insurance and why is your pay less than expected? If you've just started your first job and your payslip has left you confused, you're not alone.. Your first payslip arrives and the number is noticeably smaller than you expected. Before you've spent a...
Should I Start a Pension in My First Job?
Should I start a pension in my first job? Yes. And the sooner the better. That's the short answer. But if you're in your first job and wondering whether it's worth bothering when retirement feels about a hundred years away, here's the longer version - because...
How Much of My Salary Should I Save at 22?
How Much of My Salary Should I Save at 22? How much of my salary should I save at 22? It's one of the most common questions I hear from young adults starting out. You've got your first proper income coming in, you want to do the right thing, and everyone seems...
How to Budget When You Get Paid Monthly for the First Time
How do you budget when you get paid monthly for the first time? Starting your first monthly-paid job is one of those moments that sounds more exciting than it feels. You've seen the number on your contract. You've done the rough maths in your head. Then the first...
Smart Money Moves for Young Adults Starting Life on Their Own
For young adults moving out for the first time, new graduates, first-job renters, and housemates or flatmates sharing a place, the first month can feel like financial independence comes with fine print. Rent and utility expenses show up on different days, deposits and...
How to Get Through A Recession With Your Finances Intact
A recession affects households, employees, freelancers, and business owners in very ordinary ways. The drama tends to live in headlines, while the reality shows up in higher bills, cautious employers, and a low-level sense of uncertainty that never quite switches off....