Do you have unclaimed money sitting around just waiting for you?

Believe it or not, you just may. And you could find it sitting in your state treasury.

When a business or other entity tries to issue a payment to you, but they are not able to reach you, they don’t just get to pocket it. They have to deposit it with your state.

Maybe you moved and they didn’t know  your new address. Maybe you were set up on direct deposit and switched bank accounts. Whatever the reason for the discrepancy, the money must eventually makes its way to the state for safe keeping.

How to Get What’s Yours: Unclaimed Money

To check and see if you have any funds waiting, you can use the interactive map on this page to find your state’s searchable unclaimed money database.

From there, you’ll be able to search your state’s treasury to see if there is any money waiting in your name. If there is, it will pop up with some basic information, including the last address on file and the name of the company that originally issued the payment.

You will not know exactly how much you have waiting for you, even if something pops up. In my home state of Pennsylvania, the treasury classifies funds as “over $100” or “under $100.” You won’t know the exact number until you receive the funds.

Before you receive the funds in the mail, you have to fill out some paperwork. There are typically two options. You can either receive your payment by check or ACH transfer.

Request your unclaimed funds by ACH transfer

The procedure is going to vary by state, but generally speaking, receiving your unclaimed funds by ACH transfer is easier and faster.

You can fill out your banking information online, and the money will be digitally deposited into your bank account. You may have to provide some additional personal information to use this method, such as your Social Security number.

Request your unclaimed funds in paper check form

If you want to get a paper check instead, you typically have to print out a claim form from your state treasury’s website or request that a hard copy of the form be mailed to you.

You’ll then have to verify that you are the person who is owed money by providing your personal information, and in some cases you’ll have to sign the supporting documentation in front of a notary.

After the treasury has received your paperwork, they will issue you your long, lost check.

How to Avoid Scams Related to Unclaimed Money

Way back in the day, my ex-partner received a letter in the mail. In this letter, the company told them they had unclaimed funds amounting to around $2,000.

To claim them, all they had to do was fill out the enclosed paperwork certifying that the company sending the letter would get a 15% cut. That would have been around $300.

THIS WAS A TOTAL SCAM.

The company wasn’t entirely wrong — my partner-at-the-time did have unclaimed money waiting for them with the state treasury amounting to the same figure that the company’s letter laid out.

But the company didn’t disclose that they could get the money on their own.

Without paying anyone commission.

All they had to do was go to to the state’s website and filing the paperwork themselves.

Which they did. It turns out that big check was an insurance claim that they had fought for and subsequently given up on, even though the insurance company really and truly owed the payout.

The insurance company eventually figured that out, too, though I’m not sure how they “lost touch” with them since they had held continuous policies with the same insurance company ever since.

The moral of the story is two-fold:

1. Check your state treasury’s for unclaimed money regularly. Just because you don’t have money in there today doesn’t mean you won’t in six months.
2. Never ever release personal information or pay someone a commission to file simple paperwork for you. If they say they’ve got money for you, there’s no reason you should have to pay them to access it. Do some digging, find out where the money is and go get it yourself.

The post How to Claim Your Unclaimed Money and Avoid Scams appeared first on Femme Frugality.

In 2022, I abruptly deleted Twitter, leaving my massive following on the platform behind.

The other social networks I didn’t completely abandon? I became increasingly disillusioned with them during the early pandemic years, as I watched them morph from tools of community-building and connection to increasingly algorithmic feeds.

These feeds seemed to be pushing us to extremes, somehow further apart in our realities than we already were. They showed me content it decided I might like to see instead of the content I had told it I wanted to see through my follows.

I’m still on some of them, but far less than I used to be. I’m not alone. Social media usage peaked in 2022, studies show, and more people are spending less time on these platforms today.

The new app that got me excited to check my notifications again

Apparently, the way to get me to open an app in 2026 is to appeal to my nerdy little heart. Last year, I learned about an app called iNaturalist. It’s like Pokémon, but in real life.

RELATED: Poké Ball Cupcakes

You take photos of whatever you might see in the natural world around you. If it’s wild (as in, not domesticated or human-planted), other people can verify the species. Once you have two verifications, your observation can be used by real-life scientists as they do research.

As of today, I have over 100 observations of 87 species. Each time I spot a new type of bird or butterfly, I get a little jolt of excitement as the equivalent of my Pokédex goes up.

(They do not use the Pokémon analogy. That’s all me.)

 

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Letting my freak flag fly

Back in my peak Instagram days, I’d sometimes post interesting bug finds. Cicada casings that only graced the area once every 17 years. Moths with stunning designs on their wings that looked like a floral print on a couch from the 1970s.

They were not my usual frugal travel pics. I once expressed to my sibling that every time I posted a bug pic, I’d lose some followers.

Maybe don’t do that, then.

Was the reply.

But on iNaturalist, this curiosity is rewarded. I can post all the interesting and ugly bugs I want. And they’re celebrated. Alongside the beautiful birds.

I’ve even learned some stuff about fungi — including the fact that we really don’t know all that much about fungi compared to other biological kingdoms.

Connection to humans and the wider natural world. For free.

I like this app a lot. It’s free. And while they do sometimes ask for donations, there aren’t any ads.

There’s interaction with other humans, verifying each other’s results or cheering them on in their observations. Maybe even helping a scientist out.

I’m not just watching some mindless reel designed to suck me in and distract me into the next advertisement. It makes me stop in wonder and awe at the real world around me, dragging me out of the digital that’s imposed itself on our lives like some type of reverse AR.

I’ve learned a lot about creatures I wouldn’t have noticed before, and just how widely flora and fauna have spread from their original habits with human migrations.

Some people even accidentally come across super rare finds that disprove the assumed extinction of species. I have not been one of those people yet.

But I’m keeping my eyes open.

The post My Favorite (Free) Social Media App Lately appeared first on Femme Frugality.

Pittsburgh keeps showing up on lists of affordable American cities. For parents, that reputation is more than a talking point.

It’s the difference between stretching every paycheck to cover housing and actually having room in the budget for summer camp, braces, and the occasional Pirates game.

But affordability on paper does not automatically translate into a smart purchase. Buying a family home here still takes strategy, especially if you want to keep your monthly costs low enough to breathe.

Here is how Pittsburgh parents can approach the process frugally, from understanding what homes actually cost right now to tapping the assistance programs that too many buyers never hear about.

Get a feel for the market

Start with a clear picture of the market you are walking into. According to Movoto’s Pittsburgh market trends data, homes in the city sold for a median price of $249,900 in February 2026, and properties are averaging around 68 days on the market.

For parents, that second number matters as much as the first. A market where homes sit for two months is a market where you can take your time, bring your kids to a second showing, and negotiate on inspection findings without fear of losing the house to a same-day cash offer.

Compare that to the frenzied coastal markets where families waive inspections just to compete, and Pittsburgh starts to look like a place where careful buyers are rewarded rather than punished.

That median price also hides a lot of useful variation. Pittsburgh is a city of roughly 90 neighborhoods, and the gap between the trendiest zip codes and the quietly family-friendly ones can be six figures. Areas like Brighton Heights, Carrick, Stanton Heights, and Lincoln Place have long offered solid housing stock, yards, and proximity to parks at prices well below what you would pay in Squirrel Hill or Point Breeze.

The frugal move is to shop the neighborhood tier just below the one everyone talks about. Browsing homes for sale in Pittsburgh side-by-side across a few of these areas makes the pattern obvious quickly.

With roughly 3,500 active listings across the city, there is enough inventory to compare similar three-bedroom homes in four or five neighborhoods before you ever schedule a showing, which is exactly the kind of homework that keeps you from overpaying for a location premium your family may not even use.

Actually visit the neighborhood

Before you settle on a neighborhood, spend real time in it with your kids. Walk to the nearest playground on a Saturday morning. Time the drive to school and to work at actual rush hour, not at 2 p.m. on a Sunday.

Resources like Kidsburgh round up family activities, programs, and events across the region, which makes it easier to test-drive a neighborhood’s family life before you commit a 30-year mortgage to it.

A house that saves you $40,000 but adds 40 minutes of daily driving to activities your kids love is not always a bargain.

Research home buyer assistance programs

Pennsylvania also does more for budget-conscious buyers than most parents realize. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency offers several down payment and closing cost programs, and the standout for families short on savings is the K-FIT program.

The K-FIT program provides eligible borrowers with 5 percent of the lesser of the purchase price or appraised value, with no maximum dollar limit. It is structured as a second loan that is forgiven at a rate of 10 percent per year, so after a decade in the home, you owe nothing on it and make no monthly payments along the way.

On a $250,000 Pittsburgh home, K-FIT assistance could cover $12,500 of your upfront costs, which for many families is the entire difference between buying this year and renting for three more. Borrowers need a minimum credit score of 660 to qualify.

PHFA’s Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan is another option, offering up to 4 percent of the purchase price or $6,000 — whichever is less — as a zero-interest second loan repaid over ten years.

Prepare your finances for your family home purchase

Even with assistance, most families still need to build some cash cushion for closing costs, moving expenses, and the repairs that inevitably surface in Pittsburgh’s older housing stock.

The good news is that a down payment fund grows faster than you would think when the whole household is pulling in the same direction. Small recurring wins, like the strategies in this roundup of ways to save $50 to $500 per month, compound quickly.

A family that frees up $300 a month banks $7,200 in two years. Doing it through recurring cuts rather than one-time windfalls means those savings keep flowing after closing, right when property taxes and maintenance costs start showing up.

Account for maintenance expenses

One last frugal note that is specific to this city: Pittsburgh homes are old. Much of the housing in the city proper stock predates World War II, which is part of the charm and part of the risk.

Budget for a thorough inspection and do not skip the sewer line scope, because replacing a collapsed terra cotta line can cost more than a used minivan. Ask about knob-and-tube wiring, check the age of the roof and furnace, and factor city and Allegheny County property taxes into your monthly math rather than treating them as an afterthought.

None of this should scare you off. It just means the cheapest house is not always the least expensive one to own, and parents who buy with clear eyes end up with the thing frugality is really about:

A home the family can afford to enjoy.

The post A Pittsburgh Parent’s Guide to Buying a Family Home Without Breaking the Budget appeared first on Femme Frugality.

Did you know that….

• 45% of American entrepreneurs are women?
• Since 2012, overall business growth has sat at 19%, but those owned by women have grown by 26%?
• Annual revenues of women-owned businesses have grown by 23% since 2012?

Pretty neat stats! (You can catch more of them from AEO.)

Unfortunately, women-owned businesses still have a harder time accessing capital and credit, which makes getting off the ground more difficult. Today, we’ll talk about some ways you can access funding, and some strategies to lower overhead when you’re building in a cash crunch.

Accessing funding

Getting access to credit is more difficult when you’re a woman starting a business. If you’re looking for a lender who will work with you, SBA lending to women-owned businesses has increased by about 70% since 2020.

Plus the SBA runs Women’s Business Centers across the country. These centers offer advice and training resources. A lot of times these resources are free, but when there is a charge it’s usually pretty low-cost.

There are certain VCs that specifically invest in women’s businesses, like Backstage Capital and the Female Founders Fund.

Another resource to explore is grant funding. Grants are money you don’t have to pay back — either through loan payments or returns for investors. If you’re an entrepreneur working in a creative field, Danielle Desir Corbett puts together a fantastic newsletter with a plethora of grant funding opportunities.

Saving on Costs

When I interviewed women entrepreneurs for The Feminist Financial Handbook, one of the key things I heard was that keeping your overhead low early on is absolutely key to success. One of the women relayed renting a physical space for her business, as well as hiring on one employee. The employee in particular was a pricey expense, and one that almost threw her under.

That’s not to say that employing people can’t or shouldn’t be a long-term goal. But a lot of times when you’re first getting started, you may feel like you need to hit that goal off the bat. When you take it on before your business is actually ready for it, the costs might impede the very growth you need to sustain it.

Aside from avoiding over-investing too early, there are other ways to save money. For example, if you need to purchase business insurance, check with your independent agent or the company that already holds your personal lines insurance. They may be able to bundle these insurance policies together so you can score a multi-policy discount.

Similarly, if you are running out of an office, you can bundle business phone and internet together to score lower rates — just like you would at home.

Networking

When you think about money as a small business owner, networking might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the people you network with can have big impacts on your bottom line.

They can connect you with investors. They can clue you in to vendor discounts. They can introduce you to new customers and clients.

Don’t be overly concerned with connecting with the biggest names in your industry at the get-go. Maybe that’ll work out for you, but maybe the power imbalance will result in an opportunity squandered.

Start by connecting with people who are in a similar stage as you are. As you both grow and support each other (remember — this is a two-way street!), you’ll open up doors and opportunities together along the way.

The post Money Tips for Business Owners appeared first on Femme Frugality.

The long-awaited day is here:

The first BCBS settlement payments are finally going out, nearly 4.5 years after the last claimants joined the class-action lawsuit.

People are DISAPPOINTED about the amounts they’re getting. Anecdotally, at the time of writing many people are reporting receiving ~0.005% of the qualified premiums they included in the suit. Anecdotes are not guarantees…it’s just what other people are saying they received so far.

If you have received a payment already, it’s highly likely that you opted to be paid via a prepaid Visa® card. This was advertised as the fastest way to get paid.

But there are some things you should know before you fill up a quarter tank of gas with your settlement money.

What to know about the BCBS Settlement prepaid Visa card

Any time you have a prepaid card, there are some things you need to be aware of. BCBS settlement payments are no exception.

This list is not all inclusive — it’s just top-of-line things I personally think are important to know as a veteran personal finance writer. If you want to get the full scoop, you can dive into the fine print of the cardholder agreement here.

Be mindful of fees

If you think your settlement payment is small now, be careful not to let it sit for too long. Because it could get smaller.

Fees are not uncommon on prepaid cards. The fees on the BCBS settlement cards are not the worst. But they are something to be mindful of.

Monthly inactivity fee

If you let your card sit inactive for 18 months in a row, you will start to be charged an inactivity fee. This fee is $0.75 per month.

Foreign transaction fee

If you spend on your card outside the U.S., you’ll incur a 3% foreign transaction fee. This is not outside the norm — many regular degular credit and debit cards have similar fee structures.

You’re also going to be subject to the card issuers’ (Visa’s) foreign exchange rates. In my experience, card issuer exchange rates tend to be bad. But I can’t speak for Visa’s rates specifically at any given point in time.

The cheapest way to spend your card money is in America, though.

Lost or Stolen Card Fee

If you lose your card or it gets stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. The fee is $5.95.

Be sure to record your card information somewhere safe. If your card does disappear, you’ll need to provide this information to get the new one. You’ll also have to wait for up to 30 days for the replacement to be issued.

What if I don’t want my money on a card anymore?

Now, if you purposefully terminate and destroy the card, you can request that Choice Digital issue you a paper check for the remaining balance.

Be in careful contact with Choice Digital before you do any destruction, though. If you have any phone conversations, be sure to follow up with written correspondence and confirmation.  You can do this by snail mail, but it’s easier and equally valid to do it by email.

Your BCBS Settlement prepaid card does expire.

Check the expiration date when you enter the code to activate your card. If your card expires or is shut down due to inactivity (which, don’t forget, comes with fees), your balance doesn’t evaporate. You just won’t be able to use the card anymore.

At this point, you’d want to get in touch with Choice Digital to figure out next steps. If it expires and no one is in touch with you, eventually they have to send the remaining balance to the Unclaimed Funds department at your state treasury.

You can convert to a physical card.

If having a prepaid card is a pain, having a virtual prepaid card is worse. Yet, the default in this situation is digital.

You are able to convert your virtual card into a physical one. You have to call the support number on Choice Digital’s contact page to initiate the process.

You can’t use your prepaid card just anywhere.

Virtual prepaid cards can generally be used to pay online. The physical cards are a little more flexible, and can be used to pay in-person anywhere Visa cards are accepted — as long as the merchant accepts prepaid cards.

Regardless of which one you have, there are some restrictions on your card. You can’t use it to withdraw cash from an ATM, for example. While you can use it to pay for gas, you’re going to have to pay inside rather than at the pump.

Some other explicit restrictions on BCBS settlement prepaid cards include:

• Subscription fees
• Automatic bill pay
• Paying off your credit card balance
• Pharmacies
• Digital games
• Sports betting (or any gambling)
• Crypto
• Stocks or bonds
• Pawn shop purchases
• Dating app purchases
• Expensive fancy stuff, like high-end watches from a jewelry store

Again, not an exhaustive list. Check your card agreement when you activate to see every last thing you cannot buy.

Do not hold your breath and hope there’s enough money on your card.

You’re not supposed to be able to overdraw on your prepaid settlement card. If you swipe for a purchase that costs more than what you have on there, the idea is that the transaction shouldn’t get processed.

However, if for some reason it does go through when it shouldn’t, you are responsible for paying the difference back. Do the math before you press ‘pay.’

You’re giving away a lot of personal data when you use a third-party login.

Signing in with Google, LinkedIn or Facebook feels super easy. And it does reduce friction.

But it also gives away a lot of your personal data. Here’s how Choice Digital puts it in their Terms of Service:

“If you connect the Service with a third party service…you give us permission to access and use your information from that third party service as permitted by that service, and to store your login credentials for that service; all information we receive from such third party service will be deemed Registration Information.”

You don’t have protection like you would with a credit card.

A prepaid card is not a credit card. If you suspect a fraudulent charge on your credit account, the issuer usually refunds the purchase to you while they sort it out.

As a general rule, if money gets stolen off of a prepaid credit card, you’re not typically given that benefit of the doubt — especially not upfront with immediacy. The money that’s stolen is more likely to stay stolen.

Though you can contact Choice Digital to see what they can suss out for you. Part of that may require issuing you a new card, in which case you’re in ‘lost or stolen card’ territory.

The fine print is important

There’s a lot more in the cardholder agreement and terms of service, like the fact that you’re responsible for paying taxes on your settlement (even if the amount you got is too small for the lawyers to issue you a 1099.) By using the card, you’re also waiving your right to a jury trial should you hit any bumps in the road.

The fees could be worse.

It’s nice — albeit a little inconvenient — that you can turn your digital prepaid card into a physical one or even turn your balance into a paper check.

But this method of payment, while speedier in terms of issuance, is going to require a little extra homework as you go to use it.

The post The Fine Print on Your BCBS Settlement Prepaid Card appeared first on Femme Frugality.

In this economy, it’s hard to have any money leftover for that “entertainment” section of your budget. Life shouldn’t be all work and no play, though. Luckily, there are some ways to have fun for free (or close to it.) Believe it or not, that fun can include MLB games.

Legit.

Kids’ Clubs can help you get MLB tickets for free

Many professional baseball teams have kids’ clubs that can hook your little one up with freebies. The exact rules and perks will vary depending on your team, but they can include tickets, merch, exclusive experiences like running the bases and more.

To find your team’s club, go to the MLB website and find the team’s general page. Then navigate to Fans –> Kids Club.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Bucaroos Kids Club

Home team advantage! Let’s check out the deals in Pittsburgh.

The Pirate’s Kids Club is called the Bucaroos Kids Club.  If you have a child under 14, you get a ton of free stuff, including tickets and gear.  There’s two levels of membership.  The first is free, the second is $35.  Which isn’t a lot considering most tickets at PNC Park would cost more than that, anyways — especially if you’re taking the whole fam.

Silver Package (Free)

Gold Package ($35)

The gold package costs $35 standard, but if you’re a fancy season ticket holder or have Pirate checks from PNC bank, it’ll only run you $30.

• Four free tickets
• A one-time-use code for $10 off tickets for your party.
• Coupon for three free Chick-fil-A sandwich or order of nuggets.
• Membership Kit with a drawstring bag, widget cap, Pirate parrot socks and sunglasses.
• Member-only discount at the Pirates Clubhouse Store.
• One front-of-the-line pass for Kids Run the Bases (this event happens after Sunday games.)
• Special event access, like meeting the Parrot, autograph sessions, etc. These are first-come-first-serve, though, so even with your membership you’ll want to sign up early.
• Member card and lanyard.

How to claim your Pirates’ Kids Club Membership

There are two ways to claim your membership. After you sign up online, you can pick up your welcome kit for free in the stadium on days when there’s a home game. This option is technically free, though you will have to get inside the stadium. (You can try your luck at the ticket counter outside, but that’s not technically how it’s supposed to work.)

Or, you can pay $6 to have your welcome kit with tickets, coupons and all the goodies shipped directly to your house. It’ll take a week or two to get to your doorstep.

The post Pirates’ Kids Club appeared first on Femme Frugality.

I’m willing to bet you have several subscription fees coming out of your bank account automatically each month. And I’m also willing to bet that when you sit down with your budget, these forgotten-recurring fees have you rethinking your entertainment spending. Streaming is convenient, but those of us old enough to remember kind of miss the feeling of actually owning an album. Vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes… In some circumstances, collecting is not just a hobby but a more thoughtful way to spend.

Shifting back to owning physical music media isn’t about turning away from modern technology. It’s part of a bigger trend toward mindful spending. Instead of paying for endless access, collectors buy items they can hold, display, and enjoy for years. This small but meaningful step fits with bigger financial goals: spending with purpose and building lasting value.

Why Nostalgia Plays A Powerful Role

Nostalgia is more than just a sentimental feeling. It can strongly influence how we spend money. People connect music to special moments in life, like road trips, late-night studying, or family gatherings. Owning a physical album makes those memories feel more real and easier to revisit.

Physical collections last, unlike digital playlists that can change or disappear. This stability is comforting in a world where much feels temporary. For people watching their budgets, it’s a reminder that purchases should bring long-term emotional value, not just quick convenience. .

Building A Collection Without Overspending

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to start a music collection. Many collectors start small and add to their collections over time. The key is to have a plan.

Thrift stores, secondhand shops, and local markets are great places to find affordable music. You can often pick up classic albums for much less than their original price. Online marketplaces also offer good deals if you’re patient and wait for the right moment.

Another good idea is to set a monthly budget for collecting. By deciding on a set amount, you can enjoy your hobby without hurting your bigger financial plans. This way, collecting feels fun and guilt-free instead of an impulse buy.

If you want to browse a curated selection, platforms like Evergreen Vinyl have a variety of vinyl records, CDs, and more. This makes it easier to find special additions to your collection without spending hours searching.

The Financial Benefits Of Physical Media

Music collecting is usually seen as a hobby, but it can also have financial benefits. Physical media keeps its value over time, unlike digital subscriptions. Some albums, especially rare or limited editions, can become more valuable.

Not every purchase will make money. But shifting your focus from spending to keeping value has its perks. You’re not only buying music — you’re getting items that can be sold, traded, or handed down later.

Owning your music can help you save money in the long run. Once your library is large enough, you can ditch those monthly fees you’re paying for streaming services. (And if it’s not big enough yet? YouTube is free, and the most widely used platform for listening to music.)

Creating A Personal And Meaningful Collection

One of the best parts of collecting is making something that feels truly personal. Your collection shows your taste, experiences, and who you are. Unlike playlists made by algorithms, it tells your own unique story.

You can use this opportunity to rediscover artists you loved in the past or explore genres you never had time for before. Some focus on building collections around specific themes—such as empowering artists, nostalgic hits from a certain decade, or albums tied to important life events.

Being intentional makes your collection more meaningful and helps you avoid overspending. When you know what you want, you’re less likely to buy things that don’t matter to you.

Turning Collecting Into A Social And Budget-Friendly Hobby

Collecting music doesn’t have to be something you do alone. It can be a social and affordable hobby. Record swaps, local meetups, and online groups let collectors share, trade, and find new music without spending money.

These interactions often lead to better deals and valuable insights. Experienced collectors offer advice on pricing, quality, and where to find hidden gems. For beginners, this guidance prevents costly mistakes and makes the process enjoyable.

Hosting small listening sessions at home is another great way to enjoy your collection. Instead of spending money going out, you can have special moments with friends using music you have.

Balancing Joy And Financial Responsibility

At its core, building a music collection is about balance. It’s finding joy in the process while staying aligned with your financial goals. This is especially important in today’s economic climate, where every purchase carries more weight.

If you treat collecting as a mindful habit instead of a spur-of-the-moment one, you get the best of both worlds. You enjoy owning something special and keep your budget on track. Simple strategies like tracking your spending, setting limits, and choosing quality over quantity can make a big difference. Over time, these habits help in other parts of your financial life, too.

A Modern Take On Frugality

Frugality is often misunderstood as deprivation, but modern frugality is about making smarter choices, not sacrificing joy. Building a music collection on a budget perfectly embodies this philosophy.

Instead of buying every new release or following every trend, collectors are focusing on what matters most to them. They choose quality over quantity, meaning over convenience, and long- term value instead of quick rewards.

This approach not only leads to a more fulfilling hobby but also reinforces positive financial behaviors. It shows that you don’t have to give up the things you love to be financially responsible—you just need to engage with them more thoughtfully.

The Lasting Impact Of Thoughtful Spending

As more people choose to spend with intention, hobbies like music collecting are changing. They’re now seen as meaningful investments in happiness and well-being, not just as indulgences.

A carefully curated collection becomes more than just a set of albums—it becomes a soundtrack to your life. Each piece carries a story, a memory, or a feeling that can be revisited anytime.

In the end, smart spending doesn’t mean giving up joy. It’s about deciding where your money goes and making sure it brings lasting value. For many women, building a music collection brings together nostalgia, creativity, and financial mindfulness.

The post Building a Meaningful Music Collection on a Budget appeared first on Femme Frugality.

 

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Or that meme about Lady Gaga responding to her jerk-of-an-ex who told her she’d never “make it” that someday he wouldn’t be able to turn on the radio without hearing her music.

No hate to Corcoran or Germanotta by any means. I admire each of them across different domains, and hardly think this truncated version of events is the whole story.

But when things are boiled down to this particular, simplistic, Darwinian meme, it always makes me a little uneasy.

It’s a little bit girl boss.

It’s a little bit shallow.

And ultimately, it centers the wrong person.

5 reasons success isn’t the best revenge in relationships

I do not believe that success is the best revenge in intimate relationships. In fact, this type of performative success can even be detrimental. Here are a handful of reasons why.

1. It externalizes success metrics.

The most profound moments of success in my life haven’t come from moments of publicity or  fame. While those things can be fleetingly affirming, the moments that really changed my life — the moments where I actually enjoyed being on the mountain top rather than immediately fixing my gaze on the next peak — came from achieving goals I didn’t publish on social media.

In my own humble experience, success directed by an internal locus of personal growth is far more rewarding than success that garners public applause.

Granted, I am a weirdo who is largely unimpressed by status.

But even still, if you give those goals that you set for yourself and no one else precedence over goals you set for the admiration or spite of others, I’m decently confident you’ll arrive at a similar conclusion.

2. You’re centering the male gaze.

Setting a goal to prove your ex wrong might feel incredibly motivating during the process.

But here’s the thing: You’re centering your goal around them.

And for ladies who date men, that inherently means you’re centering your achievements around the male gaze.

So as you’re setting these goals, try to take a step back and deconstruct. Ask yourself who is at the center of this supposed success. What goals would you be setting for yourself if you had never met that person you just broke up with?

Remove their influence from the equation entirely. Get back in touch with what you want for you. Reclaim your power by putting yourself back at the center of your own life.

Otherwise, no matter what you achieve, they are still the one controlling your life and outcomes.

3. They probably don’t care.

Unless your ex is stalking you on social media, odds are pretty high that they’re never going to hear about whatever revenge success you achieve. There is no real monoculture anymore, so whatever’s showing up in your own, individualized feed probably isn’t showing up in theirs. Maybe you’re literally Lady Gaga, but short of that, odds are pretty high that they’re not going to even know that the thing you’re trying to rub in their face ever happened.

And if they do? I hate to tell you — but they probably won’t care.

I’ve run into a few people over the course of my life who have been on the other side of this revenge success. While they might acknowledge it momentarily when they first hear about it, it’s not something that eats away at them or fills them with regret. For all those years you spend achieving it, it’s out of their head within seconds.

4. Do you really want someone that fetishizes your fame or money?

Feel free to replace “fame” or “money” with any other externalized metric.

If you’re doing this revenge success thing to prove something to them — why do you feel like it’s necessary?

Are you trying to get them back?

Do really want to be with someone who would only want you if you were draped in the trappings of worldly “success”?

And if you don’t want them back, why would you put them at the center of your goals?

5. When women’s income or status goes up, it doesn’t do what you think it’ll do.

There’s lots of studies out there that show when a woman’s economic status goes up as an individual, her partnership prospects actually go down.

Now, I’d argue that shouldn’t stop you from getting all the money. Anyone who finds you more attractive because you’re economically disenfranchised is not a good partner — even if that shrinks the pool.

But if you’re reaching for some externalized, performative success with the primary goal of getting your ex-partner to look your way, as a woman, that’s statistically unlikely to happen.

Nuance

Of course, there is grey in all areas of life. There is room for nuance.

I’ve written before about how powerful it can be to do something someone tells you is impossible. How it can be a great motivator. How it can be a remarkable way to hold onto hope in dark times.

I do still think that is true…in the context of personal empowerment.

Not necessarily in the context of revenge or spite in intimate relationships. Again, you’ve got to remember to keep yourself at the center of your own life. Otherwise, that person you’re feeling so much rage towards is still running you.

Here’s a couple ways to think about reframing it.

This will not be my story.

There are occasions in our lives when another person’s detrimental decisions about how to treat us will completely upend our lives in not-so-great ways.

I think in those moments, it’s normal to be sad and distraught. Maybe even angry if the circumstances call for it.

When it happens, after you’ve allowed yourself to have that initial reaction, a better path forward than revenge can be attempting to find some resolve.

One powerful phrase to steel yourself with is:

“This will not be my story.”

Then you can decide on what your story will be. For yourself. In your own power.

That does not mean you no longer have to contend with the consequences of other’s decisions.

It does not erase all agony.

But it does allow you to to give authorship to what happens next.

By focusing on what you do and don’t want your story to be, you allow yourself to center all the amazing things you are and could be — independent of the poor decisions and actions other have taken towards you. You’re back behind the wheel rather than letting someone who did you wrong drive the car.

The loss is you. And you don’t have to do anything to prove it.

When someone handles you poorly, the “revenge,” if it must be framed that way, is that you — as a human being — are no longer in their lives. You could strip away all the economic and physical trappings, and even still, the loss is in the inherent qualities of your soul. You don’t need to be featured on page one of any newspaper to have value.

And if you feel like you do? Get out a pen and paper.

Write down all the amazing things you are now. Today. Without changing a thing.

Rather than focusing on the aspirational things you think they may regret in the future, look at that list of great qualities they’ve chosen to give up in the moment. That’s the “revenge.” You don’t need anything beyond that.

Because who you become tomorrow should belong to you — not to an ex out of spite.

The post Performative Success: Why You Shouldn’t Do it for Your Ex appeared first on Femme Frugality.

For moms running side hustles at the kitchen table, Etsy sellers scaling up orders, or anyone testing a small apparel idea without a huge upfront investment, printing costs matter. Direct-to-film (DTF)transfers are emerging as the most effective ways to create custom apparel, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise, without maintaining large inventories or investing in costly machinery.

With DTF, you can print durable designs, apply them to nearly any fabric, and keep your costs predictable. However, turnaround time, color selection, ordering, and cost are very important factors, especially when you need to earn money. In this guide, we’ll introduce the top DTF transfer services in Miami with emphasis on affordability, reliability, and usability for regular businesses.

Top Features of an Excellent DTF Transfer Service

When you’re still unfamiliar with DTF printing, you might believe that any DTF printer provides the same service. But the following characteristics vary and determine costs and efficiency:

• Turnaround Time: If you need to deliver the order from Etsy fast, select a printer with a
  guaranteed one-day turnaround.
• No Minimum Orders: Small-scale companies rarely require large production volumes. Single or small-batch orders provide flexibility without tying up cash.
• Ink Choices and Color Options: Advanced ink systems, such as those that offer more colors or neon capabilities, could help make your artwork more eye-catching when printed on darker materials.
• Easy Design Upload: A simple gang sheet builder or upload tool saves time and reduces errors, especially when dealing with multiple designs.
• Fabric Compatibility: The option to work with cotton, polyester, blends, and even dark materials without additional effort is great.

Why DTF Transfers Work for Budget-Conscious Sellers

If you want to reduce costs, DTF printing provides an excellent choice. Unlike traditional screen printing, you don’t need to order in bulk to get a reasonable price per piece. And compared to direct-to-garment (DTG), DTF often handles a wider range of fabrics with fewer limitations. Industry experts from Keypoint Intelligence noted that modern DTF systems “streamline workflow, enhance color accuracy, and minimize waste,” which is exactly what small sellers need when margins are tight.

Our Top Picks for DTF Transfer Services in Miami

Here are some top picks for DTF transfer services in Miami.

1. DTF Transfers Miami

In terms of cost and efficiency, DTF Transfers Miami provides a convenient experience tailored for small business owners and DIY projects.

Key Features:

• Delivery of custom DTF gang sheets within 24 hours
• No minimum order policy
• Online gang sheet maker free for uploading
• Use of an 8-ink system with neon/fluorescent ink colors
• Film size 22 inches, suitable for all kinds of fabric, including dark garments

Best For:

DIY Moms, Etsy sellers, and people running their part-time printing business

Standout Quality:

The unique selling point of this service is fast turnaround and high print quality. The expanded ink system produces noticeably vivid prints, including neon tones. This is a good option if you’re dealing with small or frequent orders due to its lack of minimum orders and user-friendly file upload feature.

2. DTF Miami Prints

DTF Miami Prints is located in the West Park District and specializes in custom gang sheets with a focus on precise color matching and design possibilities.

Key Features:

• Highly developed gang sheet design software for complicated designs
• Printing on cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics
• Quality printing and short print run compatibility
• Express order delivery service

Best For:

E-commerce sellers who require more freedom in layout design and highly detailed graphics. DTF Miami Prints is a good option for users with complicated designs and multiple layers of graphics. The brand’s target audience is knowledgeable people about DTF printing technology who require additional design options.

3. DTF Rush Orders

DTF Rush Orders is a well-known provider due to its fast turnaround times and positive
customer reviews.

Key Features:

• Fast order handling
• Very accurate printing
• Durable transfers suitable for reuse
• Has built a reputation in the community

Best For:

People who require their orders delivered fast, especially urgent orders. DTF Rush Orders is known for providing quick services, particularly in terms of delivery. You can rely on this service whenever you require urgency and consistency.

4. Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More (Kendall)

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More (Kendall) operates in Miami and provides more choices for custom apparel and DTF printing.

Key Features:

● Full color printing using water-based ink
● Custom order for both small and bulk orders
● Discounts for bulk orders
● Various branded items to choose from

Best For:

Clients requiring DTF printing along with other custom clothing printing services. Big Frog Custom Printing is well known for providing custom printing solutions. Therefore, you should consider this service provider if you would like to have your apparel printed along with
other branded items.

5. Make It Lab

Make It Lab is a printing company in Miami that offers services such as DTF printing and UV DTF printing.

Key Features:

• Quick shipping service, or local pickup the following day
• Printing services for DTF and UV DTF
• Gang sheet printing and transfer printing are possible
• High-quality printing services

Best For:

People who want more than one print option simultaneously. Make It Lab is ideal if you want to experiment with new printing technologies and materials. The brand offers various types of prints and is not limited to apparel.

DTF’s role in your side hustle

The recent advancements in DTF printing technology mean you can start a business or do a DIY project without making significant financial investments in the beginning. From ordering your first t-shirts to maintaining a regular supply of customized t-shirts, a good printing company can make your work easier and cheaper.

Although several Miami-based services offer solid options, DTF Transfers Miami’s fast turnaround, no minimums, and vibrant print quality make it well-suited for small-scale sellers who need flexibility and consistency.

The post The Best DTF Transfer Services in Miami for Your Side Hustle appeared first on Femme Frugality.

Back in 2019, I wrote a reflective piece about all the things I would do if I was younger. If I had less responsibility in my life. I honestly forgot I had written it.

It read a bit morose.

My goal was to encourage young women to go do all the things while they were young. To take on every opportunity. As a woman who had felt so much obligation and responsibility in her youth, I hoped just one person would read it and take control of their own priorities before the ‘heavier’ responsibilities of later adulthood kicked in.

Reprise: You Are Never Too Old

Stumbling upon this piece again was quite the surprise. In the years that followed, we’d all live through an exhausting course of ‘unprecedented’ events. For me, these events served as a catalyst. Things got really difficult during the early pandemic years, but I harnessed those difficulties to achieve impossible things – financially and otherwise. Eventually, after some time of struggle, hope showed up again. My story was rewritten.

As I sit here seven years later, my life looks completely different than it did in 2019. Don’t get me wrong – 2019 wasn’t necessarily all doom and gloom.

But relying on the ghosts of my own words, I had a lot of unfulfilled dreams. Apparently, I also felt the very real weight of my responsibilities meant that these dreams were lost to me. My nontraditional path in life left me feeling some remorse for opportunities that had skipped me over.

Apparently.

As I reread these words, I was shocked to see that many of the things that I had on my 2019 list – that list I had forgotten about with the passage of the million words I had written since – had come true. In one way or another.

Seven years later, I have received opportunities to newly study things that excite me. To contribute to the world in new realms. To see places I had only dreamed of.

In that spirit, I’m rewriting this piece with a new message. Not to younger women, but to women of any age:

You are never too old.

White Whales & Albatrosses

The me of 2019 had accepted certain limitations on my life. My plate was full, and I was grateful for the abundance – if not exhausted by certain aspects of it at times. There simply wasn’t any give for the things I thought were reserved for the young.

Goodness gracious, my plate got fuller when the world shut down. Much as so many other women, I became the embodiment of the safety net my country was lacking. I wasn’t happy about it. But I did learn that I was capable of handling more.

If I was to handle more, then, why not attempt to restructure my life in radical ways? So that the ‘more’ was actually serving me rather than crushing me?

It was this act of allowing myself to imagine radical change that enabled everything that came next. I was no longer putting limitations on myself because I thought certain aspects of life had simply passed me by. My age was no longer an albatross. My dreams no longer a white whale.

No matter your age, no matter your responsibilities, this act of imagining is hopeful. Things don’t always turn out exactly how we dream them. They don’t always happen exactly when we want them to.

I am, afterall, sitting here seven whole years later. None of this happened overnight.

But, with the support of others, it did happen.

Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of meeting other women who have made radical shifts well into their lives’ journeys. They’ve set goals and not let anything stop them from achieving success – least of all their age.

Which makes me think that my experience isn’t an isolated phenomenon. Starting something new can be intimidating. There will be financials to figure out. But if it’s something you truly want for yourself and those around you, you are never too old.

Relearning Old Lessons

If I dig back further into the archives of my writing, I realize that this is not the first time I’ve learned this lesson. One of the first reflective pieces I wrote was on this very topic. It’s one that got audiences talking, and helped cement this writing thing into a career.

THE PIECE: Regrets In Life

We are never too old to reach for new dreams. But we are also never too old to learn the same lesson twice.

The post Things I Wish I Had Done When I Was Younger: Reprise appeared first on Femme Frugality.