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Top 10 Personal Finance Articles of the Month — September 2025

by Managing EditorOct 6, 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.

This month, we’ll start off by discussing spending. Then, we’ll “take it easy” by looking at a pair of articles about taking the middle ground. Finally, we’ll talk about lottery winners, autumnal money moves, financial fears, and more.

Here are our picks for the top 10 personal finance articles for September 2025.

Spending

Subscription Prices Gone Wild! — Ted Gioia, The Honest Broker

In recent years, the number of a la carte streaming services has exploded. What’s more, the cost of these services has steadily risen. For example, while Disney+ launched (sans ads) in 2019 at a price of $6.99, the same plan will soon go for $18.99 a month. So is there a breaking point? That’s what Ted explores in this post.

Shopping Too Much? How to Stop Overconsumption For Good — Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, Mind Money Balance

We’ve all been there: somehow, some slight “retail therapy” leads to a shopping binge that just keeps rolling. Unfortunately, especially in today’s world, it’s all too easy to fall into a habit of overconsumption. Yet, if you’re looking to quit this practice once and for all, Lindsay has some advice.

Take it Easy

Don’t Optimize Everything — Aaron, Mr. Stingy

These days, it seems that everything is about efficiency. Time and time again, you’ll see articles and videos advising people on how they can optimize everything from their credit card rewards to their sleep schedule. But, while optimization can be great in some cases, Aaron warns that overdoing it in certain circumstances can have its downsides.

The Goldilocks Financial Plan — Jordan Grumet, The Purpose Code

It’s safe to say that what most people are looking for in personal finance is something that’s easy and works well enough. Put into storybook terms, they want a solution that’s “just right.” Well, for those Goldlockses out there, Jordan offers up five helpful habits that can go a long way.

Personal Finance Tips

Proof of Wealth — Nick Maggiulli, Of Dollars and Data

You may have heard the surprising statistic that lottery winners file for bankruptcy at rates far higher than average Americans. How can that be? Nick explores this question, noting that there’s a larger difference between receiving money and earning money than some may realize.

4 Smart Money Moves to Make This Fall — Sarah Brumley, Lemon Blessings

As of September 22nd, we in North America are now officially in the autumn season. Of course, a new season on the calendar can be a great opportunity to revisit your finances. On that note, Sarah has some suggestions for what moves to make this fall.

Surviving Financial Fear — Saving Joyfully

The thing about money is that we often downplay how large a role it can play in our lives. In reality, money (our lack thereof) can be an overwhelming factor — and financial fear can lead to major consequences. However, while it may feel as though survival is out of the question sometimes, this article from Saving Joyfully offers some hope.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset in Money and Life — Derek Hagen, Meaningful Money

We all know that, when it comes to money, there’s no magic trick that will suddenly turn your finances around. Yet, changing the way you think could yield positive results and set you on the right path toward improving your finances. How? Derek looks at how to go from a fixed line of thinking to having a growth mindset.

Should You Invest At All-Time Highs? — Jesse Cramer, The Best Interest

Everyone knows that the key to investing is buying low and selling high. But, does that mean that investing when the markets are at record highs is a bad thing? Is now the time to sell?! To answer that, Jesse looks at the current situation versus historical results.

FinCon 2025 Recap: Takeaways, Successes, & Random Thoughts — Kyle Burbank, Money@30

Finally, last month, FinCon held its annual event. This time, the gathering of money nerds took place in Portland, Oregon. With this installment marking Kyle’s fourth in-person event, he offers his thoughts on FinCon 2025, including what he learned about the current state of personal finance content creation.

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.

Author

Managing Editor

Managing Editor ~ Fioney

Toren Ajk is the founder of TAC Marketing Group, the parent company of Fioney. Toren has over 15 years of experience in the digital publishing space and has worked with a number of FinTech clients over the years, including LendingClub, Upgrade, and Able Lending, among others. He has a BA in Business/Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara and earned Beta Gamma highest academic honors for his MBA work in Finance and Marketing at Loyola Marymount University.