So I’m back to catalogue a bit of what I’ve been up to during these changing times. And I’ll add, dear reader, that I hope you’ve been okay. It’s important to set boundaries with our time, and to care for ourselves, and no one needs to channel superheroes. So my blog falling away is a result of me following my own philosophy. (On a side note, did I also just channel Lady Whistledown?)

Okay, now here we go…

Editorial updates

I’ve been doing lots of reporting and writing.

For instance, I’ve done stories for Men’s Health on the ways people can be attracted to each other. For example, romantic and sexual attraction often are discussed, but people also can feel non-sexual physical attraction, intellectual attraction, and aesthetic attraction. Check out my author page on menshealth.com to read this series, and more content, and see answers to frequently asked questions.

I’ve also done as-told-to stories on interesting people for AARP The Magazine, including this one on a veterinarian who treats the pets of unhoused people.

When it comes to personal finance, I’ve reported on everything from the facts about investment banking (for Insider) to what to know about Bitcoin IRAs for Insider (yes, this is a thing). Feel free to read these articles via my author page at Insider.

And my “Market Mindset With Leslie Quander” podcast has been airing and features some guest interviews. There I spotlight the mindset of investing and considerations for meeting your goals, along with market news. Watch episodes on Gokhshtein Media’s YouTube page (or some via my media page here), or recent streamed episodes via my Twitter. (Edit: As of August 2022, this show has concluded.)

Social media and speaking

I have a fairly new TikTok account, and I’m thankful to have reached millions of viewers. Because if I can help anyone remember life’s lovely moments, or that mindset matters, or that they’re not stuck, or that people do care, that’s meaningful. (I’m @lesliequander everywhere, in case you want to follow along.)

I also spoke on a fun panel at the 2021 conference of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, giving the inside scoop on things that irritate editors. Because, look, there are things you need to know to stand out in a good way.

By the way, I have more to say about mindset, wealth-building, the pursuit of dreams, and best practices for breaking into media outlets. So, if you’re interested, check out my speaking page to learn how to request to book me as a speaker, moderator, or host.

Consulting life

Right now, I’m loving my consulting life. (Learn more about what I do.) At the end of 2021, I decided to leave my consulting post at Sisters From AARP, where I worked as senior editor and reported stories; edited writers; advised on brand strategy, product development, and communications; and developed and hosted live social media events. (That’s not even the whole list!) I’m glad to have been able to contribute. You can see my stories, including tips on how to move forward after divorce, how to cope with failure (I may post more on this actually), and various personal finance items as well as celeb and author interviews on my author page.

I’ll wind down here and will conclude with this: The quiet times in certain settings definitely have their place. After all, we don’t have to share everything.

Sometimes we need to slow down and recharge. Because if we want a wealth mindset and life of abundance, self-care is key. And we don’t need expensive activities to do it—which is a good thing for our wallets! 

Feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel for tips on creating wealth and establishing a wealth mindset—and a mindset of contentment.

Lately, I’ve been juggling various projects and deadlines, including reporting and writing, editing, social media management (including hosting live events and co-moderating rooms on Clubhouse), and more. And this work encouraged me to think about self-care and its importance. I was tired for a minute there, ya’ll. And it’s harder to meet our goals when we’re not operating at full strength.

But taking time for self-care—whether it’s going for a walk, praying, watching a favorite TV show, or something else—helps us to recharge and be better prepared for the road ahead.

Note: The activity examples I shared above are free. We don’t have to spend money for self-care, though if that’s your thing (say, if you like manicures or fine food), and you’ve met your other financial goals, that’s an option, too.

To this point, I recently posted a video on my YouTube channel to share three timely tips for self-care that I’ve learned through my wellness reporting, research, and personal experiences. Because if we’re feeling overwhelmed, we don’t need to push ourselves beyond our limits. We don’t have to finish everything right now. And it’s okay—and even good—to slow down. Or make time for another activity that brings us joy.

For more tips, including a major thing to know to find a self-care practice that works for you (go to the 1:51 time stamp!), plus how to fit this time into our busy lives, please watch the YouTube video.

And feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel for tips on creating wealth and establishing a wealth mindset—and a mindset of contentment.

Also feel free to follow me on Instagram, where I discuss this topic in a follow-up post.

During these sometimes tiring times, self-care really can support our journeys into wealth and abundance. So I’ll conclude this post with a question: Will you join me in taking time for yourself this week? I’m confident we can do it—even for just a few minutes.

The cryptocurrency market—which is volatile and includes risks and benefits—can be a modern pathway to potentially building wealth.* And I want to share as much info (for people to consider for themselves) as I can.

If you’re into the market, you may find yourself in a similar position of wanting to share news with friends or loved ones. But these conversations can be complicated.

For instance, your contacts may not understand the financial and tech possibilities of cryptocurrency—which, by the way goes beyond Bitcoin and includes a variety of altcoins like Ethereum, Cardano’s ADA, and even Dogecoin (created as a meme). Or maybe your contacts just aren’t fans of the market. After all, some people—maybe even you, dear reader?—may have (falsely) heard that crypto is nothing but a scam. Or that it’s only used for nefarious purposes. 

Nevertheless, if you understand the market, it may be worth trying to explain the landscape to others. Because, yes, there are some scams of which to be wary. But as Bitcoin has been surging to all-time highs this year—and mainstream media sites share news while celebs tweet about the space—it offers yet another chance to set the record straight. 

Plus, as we see companies like Tesla and firms like MicroStrategy pouring billions of dollars into cryptocurrency, many of us don’t want our loved ones left behind. So, since I’ve written about the possibilities that cryptocurrency presents—and continue to co-moderate public conversations on this topic with other knowledgeable people—I wrote about tips for having these conversations for Gokhshtein Media, where I’ve recently become a contributor.

One tip: Lead with facts instead of feelings. While it may be tempting to share emotions, sharing facts gives your loved ones a chance to evaluate information and news from their own perspective. 

Also use plain language. (This also is helpful when discussing a variety of subjects.) In general, by avoiding jargon and complex phrases—our cryptocurrency community has coined lots of them—you can help people understand your messages.

For more tips, please read the full story. I’m glad to contribute to this site and team and look forward to sharing more news on crypto in general.

P.S. Are you the one who has doubts or questions about cryptocurrency? You’re not alone. For background, feel free to check out my blog post on how not to have regrets in this space. Or feel free to comment here or follow me on Instagram and Twitter to stay tuned about my articles and talks on this topic!

*Note: When I share info about investing or finances, it is not financial advice. It’s so important to do your own research and evaluate your own financial goals. If you have questions about your specific situation, consider talking to a certified financial planner. It is possible to learn if you take time to do it.

Even during the best of times, dating can be hard. And finding things to do that are fun and unique—whether you’re just starting to see someone or already in a relationship—takes a little effort.

But this year, the fact that we’re social distancing amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and that we don’t have access to many of our usual activities, has added a whole new layer to planning. 

Still, if you’re dating or in a relationship, and date night is something that matters to you, try not to let the time slip away. Even if you do modified activities this year—to social distance away from other people—planning special time to spend together can bring a chance to connect. And while fancy dinner or a party scene may not be on the menu, there are lots of other options.

Now, true, a bigger date night (like going to a local hotel) can take some planning. But even small efforts can make a difference. Even if you can’t go out to a fancy restaurant, having a set activity to do at home can build connection. And help things stay fun and spontaneous.

Even if you do modified activities this year, planning time to spend together can bring a chance to connect.

So, in light of these facts, I’ve been writing about dating options for Men’s Health. My latest story focuses on 26 social-distance-friendly dates for Valentine’s Day, but I can confirm that these ideas can be adapted for any day.

For instance, we may not be booking spa experiences like before, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pamper each other. So try having a spa day at home where you do massages or even skincare steps…together.

Or take an online fitness class. Eventbrite, where I also contribute as a writer, has lots of options if you search—and many of them are free or low-cost. Plus this kind of date lets you interact with other people if you’d like, just from a distance.

Another option? Play games—and not the emotional kind. Whether you’re channeling The Queen’s Gambit and take up chess, or you play cards, you can connect by learning more about how your date strategizes…and even how they handle conflict. Bonus: If you play a portable game like cards, or a communication game like Truth, you can play outdoors at a park or a beach (if one is close to you), and add an afternoon or evening stroll to your activities for the day.

One more? Build something together. This one takes a bit of preparation: You’ll need to buy or order a model or a puzzle from Amazon or a similar source in advance to build together at home. If building things isn’t your date’s cup of tea, you may also decide to build a meal by cooking together or having a friendly cooking contest at home, using ingredients in your kitchen to come up with something unexpectedly great. And hey, if your concoction is erm, less than great, you can always laugh about your bonding experience while you log onto Uber Eats.

So check out my story and feel free to try out a date idea that you think you both will appreciate. Longer-term couples may feel more willing to try certain things, but there are options for everyone at every stage of dating. So enjoy the days you have together.

Recently, I was talking in a Clubhouse group that I co-moderate about regrets with cryptocurrency, which is decentralized digital currency (including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, and thousands more). My regret, if I had one, would be that I didn’t find out about cryptocurrency earlier. You see, Bitcoin launched in 2009, and people began trickling in. But when some people were getting into crypto even into 2013 and 2014, I was investing in, and spending on, other things.

I did get to the market eventually, and even had some help from friends. And I think things work out how they are meant to, in general, so regrets don’t really matter. 

“Don’t let lack of knowledge—of this or any financial sector—be the reason you miss out on info.”

Right now—even as Eitcoin and Ethereum have hit new all-time highs in 2021, institutional investors have bought serious amounts of bitcoin, and the markets receive media attention—I think we still have opportunity in this crypto space. As the value of the U.S. dollar has fallen against certain other currencies, and inflation abounds, cryptocurrency can show great promise when it comes to value, utility, and more.

For instance, while Janet Yellen, Ph.D., Treasury Secretary and former chair of the Federal Reserve, noted that cryptocurrency can potentially be used to fund illicit activities (which, really, so can cash), she provided additional comments in a January 2021 statement to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance following her confirmation hearing. “I think it important we consider the benefits of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, and the potential they have to improve the efficiency of the financial system,” Yellen noted in her written response to the committee.

So as we continue to watch this market, and its potential, there’s still time to learn and get into it if you feel so inclined. And to potentially build wealth. If you’re already invested in stocks, for instance, cryptocurrency can be a way to diversity an overall portfolio. But don’t let lack of knowledge—of this, or any financial sector—be the reason you miss out on info.

For my part, I’ve been co-moderating and speaking in related rooms on Clubhouse, alongside knowledgeable people, and also would love to have you join future events. (Examples below! If you’re on Clubhouse, you can follow me @lesliequander.) I also continue to read and learn.

The bottom line: Consider researching cryptocurrency for yourself. I say often, like many others in this space, that we should do our own research. This is a key part of learning in crypto and beyond. And it’s completely okay if you decide this market is not for you. But maybe take a bit of time to figure out if it might be.

Plus, there are solid resources to learn about the overall market, if you decide to, including prices, history, and some key terms. One additional place to start is coinmarketcap.com, which includes current overviews of the market, specifics on individual cryptocurrency history and performance, and even a learning section. And if you decide to buy, please know that you can start with only a few dollars, as it’s possible to buy “pieces” of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency.

Reminder: I never give financial advice. Your money is yours, and this market is volatile and has real upsides and downsides. So consider your personal situation, and whether you’d buy in with money that you can afford to lose.

So what do you think? Have you heard about cryptocurrency? Are you interested in this topic? Feel free to follow me and learn about the benefits and risks, potential utility, and more.

And if you see this post and have general questions—or would like me to speak on it for your organization—please feel free to email me, message me on Instagram, or comment. Thanks for stopping by!

The year 2020 was unlike any other. The difficult times affected people around the world. But, for many of us who remain, it also had beauty. Sunsets. Phone calls with loved ones. The ability to wake up to new days.

In 2021, I hope you can still dream big—even if it scares you. Then reach for it anyway.⁠⠀

We can certainly note what we’ve experienced. For me, it’s also important to remember that I am still here. And that I have much to be thankful for.

So, as we enter a new year, I am wishing you joy, good health, peace, and success. And I thank you for reading my work across publications and websites, and for staying in touch here and on my Instagram, YouTube, and other pages.

In 2021, I hope you can still dream big—even if it scares you. Then reach for it anyway.⁠⠀

Look, sometimes we can talk ourselves out of opportunities, because we think we’re not ready. But we may not ever be 100 percent ready. So let your heart dream in the coming weeks. Reflect. Research. Ask for help from your loved ones—or even a professional, mentor, or other coach—if you need it. Then take steps to make it happen. ⁠If you’re afraid, acknowledge the fear, but still do what you can. For me, doing this has been a gift. Though it has not always been easy.

As 2020 proved to us, life is unpredictable. But growth is possible.

As I close this post, I also want to share: If you’re working toward something—whether it’s writing, financial goals like saving money, a mindset shift, or something else—and you haven’t seen the results you want yet, please know that with faith and hard work, things can change. Suddenly.

The journey will have hard spots. But, to make it to the place you dream of, keep believing in yourself and do the work along the way, if you feel led to a particular result. ⁠

Please feel free to comment or contact me if you have thoughts about this post or questions about how you can work on your goals for the new year. Best wishes for 2021, no matter what.

If you’ve ever wondered if you should take cryptocurrency seriously, you should.

On December 16, 2020, Bitcoin, the best-known cryptocurrency (but not the only one by far), hit $20,000 for the first time ever. It then went on to more than $21,000. By the next day, it was at more than $23,000.

After its lows of around $3,600 in March (when the pandemic affected global markets), this all-time-high is major. And it’s particularly interesting for U.S. investors during our current economic times, as the dollar has been down when compared to currencies like the euro. Plus, everyday and institutional investors have been buying Bitcoin. ⁠
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What does this milestone mean? Well, if you’ve ever wondered if you should take Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency seriously, you should. I certainly do.

As I write this post, the global market cap of cryptocurrencies is more than $600 billion, CoinMarketCap reports. Yes, billion with a B. This is clearly something to pay attention to.

For now at least, as news continues to break, be aware that cryptocurrency—decentralized digital currency—exists. (The paper money in the background of the photo in this post is not the only game in town.)

Also remember: Bitcoin is a leader, but thousands of other cryptocurrencies exist at varying price points, including Ethereum (aka Ether or ETH), XRP, Litecoin, and Chainlink.

Also know that the crypto market is volatile and care is needed when investing, as you can see from Bitcoin’s intense price fluctuation just within a day (and during this year). And every currency is not something to invest in. So know that investors can have real gains and real losses.

Note: This blog does not offer investment advice. Always do your own research if you decide to invest in any financial market.
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So have you heard of cryptocurrency? Do you find it confusing?

If you follow this blog and my YouTube channel, you may know one of my core subject matter areas is personal finance. And that I like to share what I know and encourage people that success and a wealth mindset are possible. This post is just a quick look at the landscape; there are many other things to discuss including the importance of blockchain technology, pros and cons of holding or investing in cryptocurrency, and more.

In closing, remember news is happening in this sector, which is one worth tracking. Please stay tuned. And feel free to share your thoughts or questions here, or on my Instagram page.

I get questions on money since I often write about it. So I wanted to share more on my savings savings strategy, as promised in a previous post. It’s my secret to stashing cash for lots of things—though not as secret since I shared in a story I wrote for Business Insider. ⁠

Unfortunately, many things are different now with this pandemic, including our ability to make money in some cases. But I’ve been able to seek out and find new sources of income this year. And still save and invest money in the process.

If you have questions about how to make money as a professional writer, also check out my related YouTube video, where I share five key things to know.

So, if we’re lucky enough to be working or to find other ways to get income, this mind and money trick can be a way to save for education, debt reduction, an emergency fund, investing, a “freedom fund,” and more.

In fact, I’ve saved thousands of dollars like this. We can do it. Even with $20, $50, or $100 at a time.

Please watch, share, and subscribe to my channel. Then consider: Do you view money as a tool? I do. And do you have a plan for how to save money (and potentially invest) in the coming months?

Finally, if you have questions about how to make money as a professional writer, check out my related YouTube video, where I share five key things to know.

Dating in 2020. Is it still possible? How can you adjust? And what exactly should you consider before meeting in person? Things are different now, and there are many issues to navigate, so I wrote about some tips to consider for Men’s Health.

Here’s an experience I had: After mainly staying home during the coronavirus pandemic and not seeing most of my family and friends for months, I reopened dating apps just to check out the scene. Things got a little weird.

The thing is, meeting someone IRL can mean having to be confident in their COVID compliance—and even then, it can still feel off. And I wasn’t the only one concerned about how to navigate using dating apps right now, as dating experts shared with me.

If you’re considering using dating apps, but feel confused without a roadmap, it’s normal. I did some research (for myself, Men’s Health, and humankind), and now I present…a plan that can help.

Some apps are trying to help daters navigate these uncertain times. For instance, Bumble now allows users to show which dates they’d be comfortable with (e.g., over video or socially-distanced with masks) and has encouraged people to date virtually.

Still, this pandemic can feel uncertain when it comes to our health and relationships. If you’re considering using dating apps—or considering meeting someone new in general—but feel confused without a roadmap, it’s normal. I did some research (for myself, Men’s Health, and humankind), and presented…a plan that can help.

For instance, when considering whether you want to meet, it’s okay to ask people questions about habits and preferences that matter to you, including whether they’ve been hanging out in crowds and who else they’ve been seeing. That might be different than what you’re used to, but these times can call for adaptation.

It’s also totally appropriate to be more selective about who you meet in person, and to establish ground rules if you decide to connect. Being more direct and particular about what we want actually can be helpful.

So would you go on a date with a new person now? See my article for more specific tips, as news continues to develop. Feel free to share this story with a friend or even a would-be date. (I’m here to help if you need a conversation starter!) And stay safe out there.