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Top 10 Personal Finance Articles of the Month — December 2025
Welcome to Fioney’s look at the top 10 personal finance articles of the month. On the first Friday of each new month, we look back at some of our favorite posts published (or updated) in the weeks prior and highlight them right here. This includes a mix of sites that have become staples of our lists as well as many first-timers.
With a new year upon us, our first section will feature a look back at 2025 (and one 2026 preview). After that, we’ll discuss the serious topics of anxiety and depression as they relate to finance. Then, we’ll look at some underrated advice, buying a home sans agent, boring investments, and more.
Here are our picks for the top 10 personal finance articles for December 2025.
2025 Reflection (and Looking to 2026)
2025 Reflection (and Looking to 2026)
How I Spent $35,950 In 2025 — A Purple Life
Each year, Purple offers a detailed breakdown of her yearly spending — and 2025 is no exception. What is an exception, however, is that she actually went well over budget this time around. However, as she explains, there was a good reason for that.
25 Lessons on Money and Meaning — Jacob Schroeder, The Root of All
Perhaps the best part of 2025 is the nice round “25” it provides in its title. That makes it perfect for making a list of 25 things. Would you believe that’s exactly what Jacob does as he rounds up reflections, thoughts, and other insights about money.
Travel Resolutions for 2026: 6 Tips for Making Your Travel Goals Come True — Kyle Burbank, Money@30
Moving on to the new year, chances are there’s a trip (or many trips) you’re hoping to take in 2026. Alas, money, schedules, and other aspects of life can often get in the way. But, if you really want to travel before the year comes to a close, Kyle offers a few tips to make it happen.
Anxiety, Depression, and Money
Ask a Money Therapist: Feeling Guilty Spending Money, Debt Anxiety, and Rigidity — Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, Mind Money Balance
Of all of the things in life that can lead to anxiety, money has to be somewhere near the top of the list. Specifically, having debt hanging over your head can cause an uneasy feeling 24/7. In response to a reader question, Lindsay looks at how to curb financial anxiety (while looking at some other issues as well).
Seasonal Depression and Money: How to Protect Your Finances When the Season Feels Heavy — Nadia Vanderhall, The Brands and Bands
Just as money can cause anxiety, depression (including seasonal depression) can actually impact your finances. For example, your emotions may lead you to impulsively spend in a bid to feel better. If you’re susceptible to seasonal depression and the like, Nadia has some practical tips for taking care of yourself and your money.
Personal Finance Tips
Underrated Things I Learned From My Financial Advisers — Aaron, Mr. Stingy
When it comes to working with a financial adviser, the benefits are pretty obvious. Namely, you have someone who can not only answer your questions but also provide you with new insights. On that note, in this post, Aaron shares several things he’s learned in his five years of working with financial advisors.
How I Bought a Home Without an Agent After the NAR Settlement — Harry Sit, The Finance Buff
In 2024, a lawsuit settlement potentially changed the way Americans buy homes. Or, more accurately, it threatened to impact how realtors get paid from the sale of houses. Harry breaks it all down in this article, while also sharing how he recently managed to buy a home without an agent.
Boring Investing Still Works — Ben Carlson, A Wealth of Common Sense
As you learn more about investing, you may be tempted to dive into flashier vehicles. In turn, you’re likely to continually complicate your portfolio. Yet, as Ben writes, sometimes keeping this simple and boring works just as well.
Financial Optimization: When More Isn’t Better — Chris Mamula, Can I Retire Yet?
On a similar note, in a bid to optimize our money, we may add intricacy to our processes and approaches. Of course, these efforts take time and energy, begging the question, “When do you reach diminishing returns?” Chris takes a closer look at this curve and when “more” doesn’t mean “better.”
“Buy Experiences, Not Things” is Too Simple — Derek Hagen, Meaningful Money
An emerging financial trope has been that consumers should strive to spend more of their money on buying experiences and less on “stuff.” It’s an understandable mantra, but is it more complicated than that? Derek thinks so, as he explains in this post.
Thanks for checking out our top 10 personal finance articles published last month and congratulations to all of the bloggers who made the list. To find more of these great articles on a daily basis, be sure to follow us on Twitter @fioneymoney and of course visit Fioney.com.
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