The biggest game changer in my relationship wasn't getting married — it was opening a shared bank account

Tech Insider : Business
Woman wearing pink longsleeve shirt and glasses sits on a picnic bench with man in yellow shirt and sunglasses
Each week, the author and her husband transferred a set amount into a shared bank account to go toward living expenses and savings.

Courtesy of Melissa Noble

When both of my parents died, I ran from grief by burying myself in work. I had to learn work-life balance all over again.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Matthew Lovell and his parents
The author struggled after the death of both of his parents.

Courtesy of Matthew Lovell

I lived in a converted toolshed after the 2008 recession. It taught me resilience, and now, I run multiple businesses.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
a man drilling a roof on a toolshed
The author (not pictured) lived in a toolshed when he had no other options.

NataKor/Getty Images

I quit vaping only 6 months ago and have saved over $900. It hasn't been easy, but I'm feeling healthier.

Tech Insider : Business
a man vaping
The author quit vaping because it was too expensive.

Ricardo Rubio/Europa Press via Getty Images

My dad died unexpectedly. Picking up one of his hobbies has helped me feel more connected to him.

Tech Insider : Business
View from behind of woman painting on a canvas.
The author (not pictured) picked up painting after her father died unexpectedly.

RECVISUAL/Getty Images

We're high earners with student debt and kids. Here's how we continue to build wealth.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
Couple posing for photo
The author and her husband are HENRYs: high earners, not rich yet.

Courtesy of the author

I quit my job to pursue a better opportunity, but then I was fired. I'm now forced to rethink my whole career.

Tech Insider : Business
a man packing up his desk and looking distraught
The author lost his job and had to start over.

Lacheev/Getty Images

I was the 'ugly duckling' in middle school. It took me until my 50s to finally feel beautiful.

Tech Insider : Business
Christina Daves in middle school next to a headshot of her today
The author felt unattractive as a teen.

Courtesy of Christina Daves

I never expected to sell pencils. The brand I've built has grown into a $1.7 million sustainability business.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Michael Stausholm posing with pencils
Michael Stausholm bought a pencil that could be planted by MIT students.

Courtesy of Michael Stausholm

I'm in my 40s, single, and childless, so I moved in with my 90-year-old grandma. It isn't always easy being her caregiver.

Tech Insider : Business
hand holding
The author is caring for her 90-year-old grandmother.

seb_ra/Getty Images

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