How to Get Retirement Matching Without an Employer
How to Get Retirement Matching Without an Employer

If you've ever been envious of someone getting free money in their retirement account from an employer that "matches" contributions,...

Am I Saving Enough for Retirement?
Am I Saving Enough for Retirement?

Today's topic comes from Scott, who says: "I've contributed to my 401(k) for many years and have a decent balance....

Top 10 Travel Hacks to Make Your Trip Unforgettable
Top 10 Travel Hacks to Make Your Trip Unforgettable

These days, it is simply not enough to book a tour package and pack luggage in order to have a...

4 Ways to Fund a Roth No Matter Your Income
4 Ways to Fund a Roth No Matter Your Income

If you're like me, you love the idea of having tax-free income in retirement. The primary way to do that...

Luxury Drug and Alcohol Treatment: How It Helps High-Profile Individuals
Luxury Drug and Alcohol Treatment: How It Helps High-Profile Individuals

Dealing with drug or alcohol addiction is incredibly personal. For high-profile individuals, the stakes are even higher. The demands of...

How Should a Novice Investor Get Started?
How Should a Novice Investor Get Started?

Hi again! As you know, on the Money Girl podcast I answer your burning money questions! Today's topic comes from...

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Bathtub in Montgomery County
5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Bathtub in Montgomery County

Your bathtub is a significant part of your home and provides comfort, relaxation, and functionality. However, over time, bathtubs can...

Tips to Avoid Common Financial Mistakes That College Students Make
Tips to Avoid Common Financial Mistakes That College Students Make

Managing money in college can feel like a juggling act. Between tuition, textbooks, food, and maybe even some weekend fun,...

Tips for Better Charitable Giving No Matter Your Budget
Tips for Better Charitable Giving No Matter Your Budget

Philanthropy for everyone Most of us would like to give more to causes we care about, whether animal welfare, the...

This Debut Book of Poems is A Bit Much
This Debut Book of Poems is A Bit Much

The debut poetry collection from Lyndsay Rush (aka @maryoliversdrunkcousin) is a humorous and joyful celebration of big feelings, tender truths,...

Can Injury Mean The End of What You Love?
Can Injury Mean The End of What You Love?

Kristy Barrett is a soccer star. She's been a star since elementary school, and now is so good that she's...

Squeeze in One More Summer Read with The Wedding People
Squeeze in One More Summer Read with The Wedding People

A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew....

Peptides and Promises of Easy Recovery and Gains
Peptides and Promises of Easy Recovery and Gains

A few weeks back, I received an email asking me about BPC-157. This is a peptide that is being pushed...

5 Tips to Help Your Child Overcome Math Anxiety
5 Tips to Help Your Child Overcome Math Anxiety

Math occupies every aspect of our lives, from succeeding in school to paying bills or buying vegetables. The subject is...

Become a Grammarpaloozian
Become a Grammarpaloozian

Apple Podcasts Subtext Ad-Free Podcast in the Apple App via text message Bonus podcast episodes yes yes Fun facts by...

Tips to Minimize Credit Damage After a Late Payment
Tips to Minimize Credit Damage After a Late Payment

Whether your bank account balance was low, you forgot to make a payment, or the mail arrived late, missing a...

How Oknoplast Products Shield Your Home from Heat
How Oknoplast Products Shield Your Home from Heat

As a renowned provider of high-quality window and door systems, Oknoplast offers not just stylish designs but also cutting-edge technology...

How Do Wealthy People Invest Money?
How Do Wealthy People Invest Money?

Today's topic comes from Sarah, who says, "I'm starting my first real job with benefits soon, and I should have...

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome at Work
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome at Work

Quick question for you. Have you ever struggled with Imposter Syndrome? I’m guessing yes. Only because most people around me...

Investment Portfolio Rebalancing–What It Is and Why It’s Critical
Investment Portfolio Rebalancing–What It Is and Why It’s Critical

If you're an investor or want to be one, you've probably heard that it's critical to rebalance your investment portfolio....

The Right Time to Pay Off Your Mortgage
The Right Time to Pay Off Your Mortgage

If you're a homeowner, your mortgage payment is probably your largest monthly expense. So, it's wise to stay alert for...

How to Prove Medical Malpractice in Birth Injury Cases
How to Prove Medical Malpractice in Birth Injury Cases

Birth injuries can have devastating consequences for both babies and their families. In cases where medical negligence may have occurred,...

Can Activation Solve Your Team’s Overwhelm?
Can Activation Solve Your Team’s Overwhelm?

The Power of Activation OK. By now, you know I have a crush on this idea of Activation – the...

Amazing Strategies for Saving Smartly in Times of Inflation
Amazing Strategies for Saving Smartly in Times of Inflation

Inflation can be daunting, as it diminishes the actual value of your earnings and makes future financial planning a lot...

All Archives
Are Sweet Proteins the New Stevia?
Are Sweet Proteins the New Stevia?

Let's explore a brand-new ingredient that’s just starting to appear in the food supply: sweet proteins. For a while now,...

Authentic – The Myth of Bringing Your Full Self to Work
Authentic – The Myth of Bringing Your Full Self to Work

From the creator of the viral TED talk "The myth of bringing your full, authentic self to work," a bold...

Dear Black Girls – How to be The True You
Dear Black Girls – How to be The True You

This one is for all the girls with an apostrophe in their names. This is for all the girls who...

What Is The Best Debt Payoff Method?
What Is The Best Debt Payoff Method?

Today's topic comes from Barbara, who says, “I have quite a bit of debt, including mortgages, prep school, and college...

When Should I Do Roth Conversions?
When Should I Do Roth Conversions?

Today's article comes from a question for Money Girl listener Nancy P., who says: "I recently discovered your podcast and...

All Articles
15 Money Savings Tips for You to Fight Inflation
15 Money Savings Tips for You to Fight Inflation

The annual inflation rate for the United States looks much better than when it shot up to 7% in 2021...

How to Manage Your Kid’s Anxious or Obsessive Thoughts
How to Manage Your Kid’s Anxious or Obsessive Thoughts

How do you help kids with anxiety? In today’s digital age, where information and stimuli are abundant, it’s not uncommon...

How Should I Invest for Retirement After a 401(k)?
How Should I Invest for Retirement After a 401(k)?

On our Finance Friday edition of Money Girl, I answer your burning money questions! Last week's topic came from Andrea,...

How Do You Know If You Can Retire Early?
How Do You Know If You Can Retire Early?

Whether you're feeling stressed out by a high-pressure job or dreaming of a different lifestyle, getting ready for retirement sooner...

Cracking the Code: What Works and What Doesn’t in SEO for Lawyers in 2024
Cracking the Code: What Works and What Doesn’t in SEO for Lawyers in 2024

As the legal field becomes increasingly competitive, law firms grapple with a new challenge: how to stand out in the...

How to Combat “Carewashing” at Work
How to Combat “Carewashing” at Work

Random story alert: when I was little, I’d sometimes get a weird allergic reaction after eating. Nothing serious – just...

Sibling Harmony: Mastering Conscious Parenting
Sibling Harmony: Mastering Conscious Parenting

We are continuing our discussion (that we started last week on episode 764 of Project Parenthood) on how to consciously...

Top AI Technology Penny Stocks to Watch: Potential Growth Opportunities
Top AI Technology Penny Stocks to Watch: Potential Growth Opportunities

The realm of artificial intelligence (AI) has gained popularity among businesses for its potential to drive growth and innovation. Investing...

What Should I Do With an Old 401(k)?
What Should I Do With an Old 401(k)?

Today's topic comes from Jesse F., who says: “I’m 52 and self-employed and my wife is 51 and works for...

Debunking Wellness Myths: A Closer Look at Supplements
Debunking Wellness Myths: A Closer Look at Supplements

The allure of modern gurus and wellness myths I feel like it's been a while since I've "debunked" something, and...

Solopreneur Success: Tips for Running a One-Person Business
Solopreneur Success: Tips for Running a One-Person Business

Today, I'm excited to be joined by a special guest, Abigail Hale, who goes by Abbie. She’s the Head of...

Adjective Order and Commas
Adjective Order and Commas

Have you heard about the required order of adjectives in English? A few years ago, a paragraph from Mark Forsyth's...

A 7-Point Mid-Year Checklist for Money Success
A 7-Point Mid-Year Checklist for Money Success

If you're like me, some years you get really inspired by setting money goals, but for others, it just doesn't...

How Can You Reduce Your Taxes?
How Can You Reduce Your Taxes?

Tax questions answered Today, I have three excellent questions about reducing taxes and saving money.  Kari says, "Love your podcast!...

How to Maximize 401(k) Matching Funds
How to Maximize 401(k) Matching Funds

If you work for a company, organization, or government entity that offers a retirement plan, like a 401(k), 403(b), or...

What is the Role of Trust in Fitness?
What is the Role of Trust in Fitness?

I want to talk about an important psychological aspect to fitness and its impact on outcomes. This will also hold...

‘Which’ Versus ‘That’
‘Which’ Versus ‘That’

which vs that To understand the difference between “which” and “that,” first you need to understand the difference between a...

How to Use a Spousal IRA to Boost Your Retirement
How to Use a Spousal IRA to Boost Your Retirement

Retirement accounts offer excellent tax perks, like deferring or eliminating income taxes. However, the downside is that following IRS (Internal...

Dashes, Parentheses, and Commas
Dashes, Parentheses, and Commas

Today I'll explain the difference between dashes, commas, and parentheses. Have you ever been sitting at your computer writing, and...

Should I Invest Extra Money or Pay Down My Mortgage?
Should I Invest Extra Money or Pay Down My Mortgage?

Today on the Finance Friday edition of your favorite personal finance podcast, Money Girl, I answer a question from a...

How to Use a Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion
How to Use a Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion

If you're like me, you love the idea of having tax-free income in retirement from a Roth IRA. That can...

Maximize Your Retirement: Tax Tips for Investment Profits
Maximize Your Retirement: Tax Tips for Investment Profits

This week on the Finance Friday installment of the Money Girl podcast, I reply to a great question from Elaine....

From Swamps to Corporate: Designing for Togetherness with Kevin Kelley
From Swamps to Corporate: Designing for Togetherness with Kevin Kelley

This week on Modern Mentor, I interviewed one of my newest heroes, Kevin Ervin Kelly, author of the new book,...

Maximize Your Investments Effortlessly: 8 Key Benefits of Robo-Advisors Explained
Maximize Your Investments Effortlessly: 8 Key Benefits of Robo-Advisors Explained

If you're too busy to stay up-to-date on financial markets and investing strategies, one of the best ways to boost...

Exploring the Spectrum: Celebrating Asexuality and Pansexuality this Pride Month
Exploring the Spectrum: Celebrating Asexuality and Pansexuality this Pride Month

Let's talk about Pride Month It’s Pride Month y’all and on the podcast this month I am going to focus...

Summer Books for Kids (& Podcasts for You)
Summer Books for Kids (& Podcasts for You)

School’s out for the summer - now what?  You may have a toddler at home or in the thick of...

Scan and Grow Green Initiatives
Scan and Grow Green Initiatives

In response to these environmental challenges, the fashion industry is leveraging technology to drive change. One innovative solution is to...

Am I Investing Too Much for Retirement?
Am I Investing Too Much for Retirement?

 We have two great retirement questions today. The first comes from Kevin, who says, "My wife and I have loved...

Time Value of Money (TVM) and Calculating Investment Returns
Time Value of Money (TVM) and Calculating Investment Returns

The time value of money, or TVM, is a fundamental concept that affects your financial planning and investment success. Whether...

The Basics of Business Intelligence: What Every Manager Needs to Know
The Basics of Business Intelligence: What Every Manager Needs to Know

In these modern times, the amount of data produced, processed, and managed increases every second of the day. Data is...

Why Do Old Documents Have S’s That Look like F’s?
Why Do Old Documents Have S’s That Look like F’s?

If you studied the U.S. Bill of Rights as a kid — or traveled to the National Archives in Washington,...

The Adventure Zone: The Suffering Game
The Adventure Zone: The Suffering Game

Taako, Magnus, and Merle are forced to gamble everything in The Adventure Zone: The Suffering Game, a hilarious and heart-wrenching adaptation of...

Your Lion Eyes
Your Lion Eyes

Your Lion Eyes is the next fun and sexy book in the fabulous paranormal romance series from New York Times bestselling author Christine...

Can FIRE Help You Retire Early?
Can FIRE Help You Retire Early?

If you're like many people, you'd jump at the chance to retire early with plenty of time and money to...

Understanding Refrigerator Circuit Boards: Repair Techniques and Precautions
Understanding Refrigerator Circuit Boards: Repair Techniques and Precautions

The refrigerator is one of the main devices in modern homes. The structure and functioning of a refrigerator is a...

Selling Your Home? Will You Owe Taxes?
Selling Your Home? Will You Owe Taxes?

If you plan to see your primary residence, will you have to pay taxes on your home sale? What are...

Noun Strings and How to Fix Them
Noun Strings and How to Fix Them

Noun strings are groups of nouns or adjectives mashed together to create a single term. Every word in the string...

Keeping Up with Changing Priorities at Work
Keeping Up with Changing Priorities at Work

We all wanna be using our time wisely at work. We want to be focused on top-priority initiatives and projects....

10 Rules for Successful Investing You Should Know
10 Rules for Successful Investing You Should Know

Whether you're new to investing or have been at it for decades, following some tried and true rules can give...

How to Cite AI Chatbots
How to Cite AI Chatbots

ChatGPT and other chatbots like Claude and Gemini have seen stunningly rapid adoption in the last year or so. You...

The Aftermath of a Mississippi Truck Accident: Protecting Yourself After a Life-Altering Event
The Aftermath of a Mississippi Truck Accident: Protecting Yourself After a Life-Altering Event

Imagine cruising down a Mississippi highway, the sun warm on your face, the radio playing your favorite tunes. Suddenly, a...

Understanding and Treating Phobias
Understanding and Treating Phobias

If you were to walk up on a snake right now or stand on the ledge of a building 20...

Understanding Bitcoin–It’s History, Halving, and Controversy
Understanding Bitcoin–It’s History, Halving, and Controversy

Whether you're a Bitcoin enthusiast, believe it's a scam, or aren't sure what to think about cryptocurrency, it's wise to...

Investing by Lump Sum versus Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA)
Investing by Lump Sum versus Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA)

A Money Girl listener named Eric says, "I really appreciate listening to your show and all the great information you...

What Are The Most Effective Modern Marketing Techniques for Attracting Clients for Law Firms?
What Are The Most Effective Modern Marketing Techniques for Attracting Clients for Law Firms?

In today's world, marketing for law firms is undergoing significant changes due to new technologies, changing client behaviors, and increased...

‘Anyway’ or ‘Anyways’?
‘Anyway’ or ‘Anyways’?

Anabell asked, "Is it correct or incorrect to say 'anyways' to someone? As in 'Anyways, call me later!' 'Anyways' sounds...

‘Catawampus,’ ‘Kitty-Corner,’ and more
‘Catawampus,’ ‘Kitty-Corner,’ and more

If you watched the recent "Curb your Enthusiasm" finale on HBO, you may have been delighted to see the old...

10 Essential Spanish Phrases to Master Before Your Madrid Adventure
10 Essential Spanish Phrases to Master Before Your Madrid Adventure

Embarking on a journey to Madrid promises an enchanting experience filled with rich culture, delectable cuisine, and captivating sights. However,...

4 Strategies to Earn More Interest on Savings
4 Strategies to Earn More Interest on Savings

A Money Girl listener says, "Hi Laura, my name is Hannah, and I'm from the great state of Maine. I...

Archived Articles
Tips for Using a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to Save Money
Tips for Using a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to Save Money

From expensive over-the-counter medications to prescription drugs to high copayments when you see the doctor, healthcare costs can take a...

Janae Sanders’ Second Time Around
Janae Sanders’ Second Time Around

Janae Sanders is a dedicated single mother who lives for her son, James. But when she runs into her secret...

Jasmine Toguchi, Peace-Maker
Jasmine Toguchi, Peace-Maker

With more than 150,000 copies sold, the award-winning Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series starring a spunky Japanese American heroine returns with...

The Three-Body Problem
The Three-Body Problem

The inspiration for the Netflix series 3 Body Problem! WINNER OF THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL Over 1 million copies...

How to Make a QR Code
How to Make a QR Code

If you're familiar with QR Codes, you're probably familiar with their black-and-white design. It looks like the image below: This...

Are Ultra Processed Foods and Chronic Diseases Connected?
Are Ultra Processed Foods and Chronic Diseases Connected?

I have another little piece of bonus content for you. A little something extra between our regular episodes of the...

Is Bone Broth the Magical Elixir You Need?
Is Bone Broth the Magical Elixir You Need?

Is bone broth good for you, or is it just another wellness fad backed by flimsy evidence? On this week's...

How to be More Impactful in Meetings
How to be More Impactful in Meetings

Meetings, one of the most criticized elements of the workplace, are often vilified for hindering productivity rather than promoting it....

Is it Better to Have a Traditional IRA or ROTH IRA?
Is it Better to Have a Traditional IRA or ROTH IRA?

Regularly investing using one or more tax-advantaged retirement accounts is wise if you want a financially comfortable retirement. I'm a...

How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Faster
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Faster

"Hi Laura, my name is Stephanie. I love what you do with the podcast, and I've been a listener for...

The Art of Empathy: How to Communicate Better At Work
The Art of Empathy: How to Communicate Better At Work

In the busy world of business, communication is the key that unlocks many doors. This article will provide insights into...

10 Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance
10 Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance

If you own or lease a vehicle, every state requires you to have some amount of auto insurance. Even if...

How To Find the Best and Most Reliable Sites for Online Shopping?
How To Find the Best and Most Reliable Sites for Online Shopping?

The concept of online shopping has gained a lot of precedence recently. From helping people have a streamlined shopping experience...

6 Ways to Prepare Kids for Financial Freedom
6 Ways to Prepare Kids for Financial Freedom

Raising financially independent adults involves more than just handing out money or funding their education. It's about providing them with...

What is the Devil’s Workout, Hellishly General or Heaven Sent?
What is the Devil’s Workout, Hellishly General or Heaven Sent?

As I booted up my laptop to create the show this week, realized that this is the 666th episode of...

Understanding Zombie Debt: Tackling Old Debts Effectively
Understanding Zombie Debt: Tackling Old Debts Effectively

One of my students, Darla M., eloquently put, "Your zombie debt information is fascinating. I loved this course and crave...

How to Deal with Rejection
How to Deal with Rejection

February, often associated with love and romance, can be a challenging month for individuals experiencing moments of heartbreak and rejection....

What is a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)?
What is a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)?

Introduction to self-directed IRAs If you're considering opening a retirement account or have already been shopping for one, you've probably...

Tips for Budgeting with Unpredictable Expenses and Income
Tips for Budgeting with Unpredictable Expenses and Income

Navigating your budget can be challenging, especially when dealing with variable expenses and unpredictable income. This post will provide strategies...

Dissecting “10,000 Steps a Day”: The Logic and the Science
Dissecting “10,000 Steps a Day”: The Logic and the Science

The modus ponens of '10,000 steps a day' I’m going to start with a modus ponens I made for you...

Is Drinking Milk Unnatural ?
Is Drinking Milk Unnatural ?

There’s a new series on Netflix called “You Are What You Eat,” one of a growing number of documentary films...

6 Ways to Become a Real Estate Investor
6 Ways to Become a Real Estate Investor

Wondering about how to become a real estate investor? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, understanding different approaches...

4 Common HSA Mistakes and How to Correct Them
4 Common HSA Mistakes and How to Correct Them

Jaishree E. says, "I can't thank you enough for your work educating the world about personal finances. The things you've...

6 Myths That Are Costing You Money on Gas
6 Myths That Are Costing You Money on Gas

Looking to save money on gas? We're all pinching pennies where we can, and gas is a big expense. The...

Einstein: A Complex and Intimate Portrait
Einstein: A Complex and Intimate Portrait

E = mc² A world-changing equation and a wild head of hair are all most of us know about one...

Starter Villain
Starter Villain

Inheriting your uncle's supervillain business is more complicated than you might think. Particularly when you discover who's running the place....

5 Tips for Keeping Tax and Other Financial Records
5 Tips for Keeping Tax and Other Financial Records

What tax documents do I need? Knowing how long you should keep tax records and other financial documents can be...

What’s Up with “Food as Medicine”?
What’s Up with “Food as Medicine”?

Food as medicine: A different approach The notion of food as medicine is certainly nothing new. You’ve probably heard the...

What Are the Differences Between a Sole Proprietorship and an LLC?
What Are the Differences Between a Sole Proprietorship and an LLC?

What are the differences between a sole proprietorship and an LLC? Wasittha says, “Hello, Laura! I’m a big fan, and...

How to Ease Workplace Tension Between Teams
How to Ease Workplace Tension Between Teams

How to improve communication at work with tense teams In my role, I spend a lot of my time running...

Effective Parent-Child Communication: Roadblock-Free Tips
Effective Parent-Child Communication: Roadblock-Free Tips

Do you ever feel like your conversations with your child are hitting a dead end? That no matter what you...

How Much Debt Is Too Much? 8 Warning Signs
How Much Debt Is Too Much? 8 Warning Signs

Debt is a powerful tool that can boost your success or cause your financial life to crash and burn. The...

Embracing the New Year: A No-Resolution Plan for Success
Embracing the New Year: A No-Resolution Plan for Success

Introduction As we continue in the new year, the allure of a fresh start and the pursuit of success beckon...

7 Pros and Cons of Investing in a 401(k) Retirement Plan
7 Pros and Cons of Investing in a 401(k) Retirement Plan

Introduction A 401(k) retirement plan is a financial powerhouse, offering unparalleled benefits for those fortunate enough to have access to...

13 Things You Must Do for More Financial Success in 2024
13 Things You Must Do for More Financial Success in 2024

Creating your own definition of success and being proactive about reaching it is a surefire way to accomplish more with...

Famous Females in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics You Should Know
Famous Females in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics You Should Know

When you think of famous figures who have contributed to the study of science, the first names that tend to...

Dry January: Exploring the Benefits of Giving Up Alcohol
Dry January: Exploring the Benefits of Giving Up Alcohol

Are you participating in Dryuary (or Dry January) this year? If so, you have plenty of company! This month-long observation,...

Embracing Proactivity Over New Year Hype
Embracing Proactivity Over New Year Hype

Looking to get in shape in 2024? As we enter the new year, many folks are looking to get in...

4 Low-Budget Identity Verification Tips for Small Business Owners
4 Low-Budget Identity Verification Tips for Small Business Owners

Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission released some worrying stats - identity theft and imposter scams cost Americans a...

Make a Winning Year-End Highlight Reel: A Mentor’s Guide
Make a Winning Year-End Highlight Reel: A Mentor’s Guide

Introduction: A Timeless Practice for Reflection We're posting this at the end of 2023. And my goal today is to...

How to Stay Motivated to Reach Fitness Goals
How to Stay Motivated to Reach Fitness Goals

How Can You Reach Your Fitness Goals? In a recent episode of the Get-Fit Guy podcast from February (you can...

A Few Tips for Adults to Learn Spanish with Audio Guides
A Few Tips for Adults to Learn Spanish with Audio Guides

When you think of learning Spanish, you probably aren’t daydreaming about grammar exercises or memorizing noun genders. However, incorporating the...

What’s the Difference Between a 401(k) and Solo 401(k)?
What’s the Difference Between a 401(k) and Solo 401(k)?

What is a 401(k)? A 401(k) is a popular type of tax-advantaged retirement plan that an employer can offer. And...

HSA Hacks–How to Optimize Your Health Savings Account
HSA Hacks–How to Optimize Your Health Savings Account

How do you make the most of an HSA? Jack G. says, "Hi, Laura. I recently enjoyed your finance podcasts...

Getting Started with Binary Options Trading: A Beginner’s Guide
Getting Started with Binary Options Trading: A Beginner’s Guide

Embarking on the journey of trading binary options can be both exciting and intimidating for beginners. This form of trading...

What is SASE and How Does it Defend Remote Businesses From Hackers?
What is SASE and How Does it Defend Remote Businesses From Hackers?

Secure Access Service Edge, often referred to as SASE, (reads like “sassy”), is designed to protect the businesses of today....

What Does it Mean to Have a Company Vesting Schedule?
What Does it Mean to Have a Company Vesting Schedule?

If you have a workplace benefits package, some of your perks may come with a "vesting schedule" or "vesting period."...

5 Ways to be SMARTer in the New Year
5 Ways to be SMARTer in the New Year

Reflecting on the past year, you may be realizing that many of the goals you set weren't achieved. To avoid...

9 Money Management Tips for Your Small Business
9 Money Management Tips for Your Small Business

Passion, dedication, and the will to establish a name for oneself in business are the driving forces behind each successful...

What Should You Wear to the Gym?
What Should You Wear to the Gym?

Workout Gear and Supplies  A few weeks ago, I spoke about training shoes. What kind of shoes should you be...

Your Money and Cybersecurity with Adam Levin
Your Money and Cybersecurity with Adam Levin

In a recent episode of my personal finance podcast, Money Girl I was joined by a special guest, Adam Levin....

Popularity, First Crushes, and Finding Your Own Path in New Graphic Novel, Best Friends
Popularity, First Crushes, and Finding Your Own Path in New Graphic Novel, Best Friends

Anyone who has attended middle school can attest that it’s an especially difficult phase of life. While many have navigated...

10 Best Personal Finance Tools and Budgeting Apps
10 Best Personal Finance Tools and Budgeting Apps

Chris C. says, "I've used Mint to track my finances for years based on many recommendations you made on the...

HSAs in 2024–Understanding Changes and Maximizing Benefits
HSAs in 2024–Understanding Changes and Maximizing Benefits

What is a health savings account (HSA)? An HSA is a savings account for the sole purpose of paying allowable...

The Impact of Internal Communication on Employee Productivity
The Impact of Internal Communication on Employee Productivity

In today’s fast-paced business world, effective internal communication plays a vital role in the success of any organization. It serves...

Are Mushrooms a Vegetable?
Are Mushrooms a Vegetable?

Nutrition Diva listener Holly wants to know whether mushrooms are a vegetable. And the short answer is: No. But I...

High-Yield Savings Accounts–Pros, Cons, and Tips for Choosing One
High-Yield Savings Accounts–Pros, Cons, and Tips for Choosing One

“Hi Laura, this is Amy from Alaska, and I'm considering an online bank to open a savings account with higher...

How Much Money Do I Really Need to Retire?
How Much Money Do I Really Need to Retire?

Saving for retirement is the granddaddy of all financial goals because it requires a considerable nest egg. But knowing how...

Why the Bully Pulpit Isn’t What You Think
Why the Bully Pulpit Isn’t What You Think

A few weeks ago we talked about words that have changed meaning over time, like "nice" and "silly." Another one...

7 Tips for Navigating Your Child’s Friendship Challenges
7 Tips for Navigating Your Child’s Friendship Challenges

One of the most internally agitating experiences is to see your child struggling in their social relationships. Maybe your kid...

Should We Accept ‘Commentate’ as a Verb?
Should We Accept ‘Commentate’ as a Verb?

If you're into sports, entertainment, politics, the news — you encounter commentators all the time. Heck, even the spelling bee...

8 Things to Know About Investing in a Brokerage Account
8 Things to Know About Investing in a Brokerage Account

An anonymous caller left me a message recently saying, “Hi Laura, I'm new to the podcast, have not started investing...

Now Then, What’s a Namesake?
Now Then, What’s a Namesake?

This is a story about how a city got its curious name and what it means to be a namesake....

How to Write a Strong Topic Sentence for Clear, Organized Writing
How to Write a Strong Topic Sentence for Clear, Organized Writing

As we recently discussed in our tight writing segment in episode 940, it is important to have a strong BLUF...

When You Should Use (and Avoid) Contractions
When You Should Use (and Avoid) Contractions

Some years ago I wrote a book called “The Sound on the Page: Style and Voice in Writing.” In it I...

The First Principle of Strength Training
The First Principle of Strength Training

How to get in shape: know step 1 I wanted to take some time to objectively clarify what strength training...

Can You Max Out a 403(B) And 457(B) In the Same Year?
Can You Max Out a 403(B) And 457(B) In the Same Year?

Can you use a 403(b) and a 457(b) together? In this article, let's review who can have 403(b) and 457(b)...

When Burnout at Work Affects the Boss
When Burnout at Work Affects the Boss

Know how many Google search results there are for the phrase “manage burnout?” Over 39 million! It seems the struggle...

2024’s Big Savings and Retirement Rule Changes
2024’s Big Savings and Retirement Rule Changes

At the end of 2022, the SECURE Act 2.0, short for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement, became law. It...

Tombstone, Gravestone, or Headstone? What’s the Difference?
Tombstone, Gravestone, or Headstone? What’s the Difference?

When autumn begins in the northern hemisphere, people often decorate their businesses and homes to get ready for Halloween. In...

‘Borrow’ or ‘Lend’?
‘Borrow’ or ‘Lend’?

Sometimes people run afoul of standard grammar if they use the word “borrow” when they should have used “lend” or...

Dogtown – A Shelter for Dogs…and Robot Dogs!
Dogtown – A Shelter for Dogs…and Robot Dogs!

Danger, cheese sandwiches, a charging station, and some unexpected kindnesses are all things listeners can expect from Dogtown, the new audiobook from...

How to Stop Muscle Cramps
How to Stop Muscle Cramps

This past week, I received an email from an avid listener asking me how to stop muscle cramps. As a...

Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior – An Inspiring Picture Book Biography
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior – An Inspiring Picture Book Biography

From New York Times bestselling author Carole Lindstrom comes Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior, an inspiring biography about two Indigenous Rights Activists, Josephine Mandamin...

Proofreading: 11 Tips to Trash Typos
Proofreading: 11 Tips to Trash Typos

A listener named Andrea once had the job title of "scriptwriter," which spellcheck didn't like. She said in her annual...

Is ‘Preorder’ Redundant?
Is ‘Preorder’ Redundant?

My tip-a-day-book, "The Grammar Daily," is coming out November 24, and I'm currently encouraging people to preorder it —  and...

7 Tips for a Healthy and Happy Cat—and Owner
7 Tips for a Healthy and Happy Cat—and Owner

Kitty First Aid If you accidentally cut your cat’s claw too short, and it bleeds, fill a small bowl with...

Why “We Need to Talk” Isn’t the Best Way to Save Your Relationship
Why “We Need to Talk” Isn’t the Best Way to Save Your Relationship

It is a truth universally acknowledged that among the most dreaded four words anyone can hear from a partner are...

The Secret Art of Intimate Communication
The Secret Art of Intimate Communication

I’m sitting in my office, listening to a patient of mine tell me about something that happened over the weekend....

7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Try an Open Relationship
7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Try an Open Relationship

Open relationships get a lot of press these days. According to one prominent online women’s magazine, of the ten most...

Want to Reconnect with Your Partner ? Have an Intimate Conversation!
Want to Reconnect with Your Partner ? Have an Intimate Conversation!

You and your partner seem to be at a crossroads. The two of you haven’t really connected in a while....

10 Ways a 529 College Savings Plan Makes College More Affordable
10 Ways a 529 College Savings Plan Makes College More Affordable

If you're a parent or a future college student wondering how you'll ever pay for college, the tax-advantaged 529 college...

5 Ways to Help Your Kids Become Rich
5 Ways to Help Your Kids Become Rich

So many people are curious how to build generational wealth. We want the best for our kids and for them...

What Is Masterworks, the Leading Fractional Art Investment Platform?
What Is Masterworks, the Leading Fractional Art Investment Platform?

Investing in blue-chip art probably seems out of reach for most people. Let's be honest - how many of us...

How Many Retirement Accounts Can You Have?
How Many Retirement Accounts Can You Have?

If you want a secure financial future, maxing out a tax-advantaged retirement account as early and as often as possible...

Grandma Knows Best: Your Top Dating Tips
Grandma Knows Best: Your Top Dating Tips

The adage is that dating is a minefield. The modern dating scene can be especially treacherous. In this episode of...

When Is It OK to Write ‘Loosely’?
When Is It OK to Write ‘Loosely’?

We recently published a podcast and article on our website about tight writing, and an astute listener asked a follow-up...

Where Did the @ Symbol Come From?
Where Did the @ Symbol Come From?

How old is the @ symbol? Every source I found seemed to have a different date for the origin of...

What Is Subject-Complement Agreement?
What Is Subject-Complement Agreement?

In today’s episode we’re going to answer some bizarre and puzzling questions: Can two people share a life? Can two...

7 Benefits of SAVE for Student Loans and Your Credit
7 Benefits of SAVE for Student Loans and Your Credit

If you or a loved one has federal student loans, there's good news and bad news. You probably already know...

‘Anxious’ or ‘Eager’?
‘Anxious’ or ‘Eager’?

  Anxious "Anxious" means “worried or uneasy,” but it has often been used somewhat interchangeably with the word "eager," to...

How Do Hurricanes Get Their Names?
How Do Hurricanes Get Their Names?

The way things are going in the world, hurricanes this year could be joined by Godzilla or maybe even aliens....

Should You Be Taking Creatine?
Should You Be Taking Creatine?

This article, and episode 731 of the podcast (listen in the player above), was prompted by an email from Sandi,...

Why Isn’t Your Diet Succeeding?
Why Isn’t Your Diet Succeeding?

We’ve likely all been on diets; you might even be on one now! Throughout my lifespan, I’ve probably tried nearly...

‘Personal’ Versus ‘Personnel’
‘Personal’ Versus ‘Personnel’

Trent Armstrong (our former Modern Manners Guy) sent me a picture of a sign that mixed up the words "personal"...

Your Privacy Choices
Your Privacy Choices

Welcome to the Macmillan Publishers Privacy rights portal.  This page tells you how to exercise your privacy rights with respect...

8 Debt Payoff Methods You Should Know
8 Debt Payoff Methods You Should Know

Kerri H. asks, "I have about $20,000 in credit card debt and want to know if it's better to pay...

How People Spend Their Money: Household Budget Averages For 2023
How People Spend Their Money: Household Budget Averages For 2023

Is your household budget in line with the national averages? There's no harm if it's not, but most working adults...

Books Your Kids Need Before Summer Ends
Books Your Kids Need Before Summer Ends

Storytelling connects audiences. Quick and Dirty Tips tells stories through our fleet of expertly-hosted podcasts, improving lives with each new...

Happy Anniversary! 15 Years of Nutrition Diva
Happy Anniversary! 15 Years of Nutrition Diva

The Nutrition Diva podcast is celebrating a big milestone this summer - 15 years! - and host Monica Reinagel has...

Feeling Overwhelmed at Work? Climb Out with These Tips
Feeling Overwhelmed at Work? Climb Out with These Tips

I’ve been fortunate in recent weeks to take some amazing time off. I traveled with my family, saw new parts...

10 Tips for Tighter Writing
10 Tips for Tighter Writing

Back in February, we published a podcast segment and article called How To Actually Improve Your Grammar, specifically your writing....

The Science of Attraction: Understanding the Psychological Factors That Influence Connections
The Science of Attraction: Understanding the Psychological Factors That Influence Connections

Understanding the science of attraction is essential for gaining insights into human behavior and building healthier relationships. Attraction plays a...

How to Choose the Right Investment Property
How to Choose the Right Investment Property

The fun begins when you decide that real estate investing is the right choice for your portfolio. There are many...

How to Launch a Windfall Into Wealth
How to Launch a Windfall Into Wealth

A Money Girl listener named Teresa P. says, "I just listened to your recent podcast on UGMA and UTMA accounts....

The Coffee Shop’s 3 Most Impolite Patrons
The Coffee Shop’s 3 Most Impolite Patrons

As someone who spends a large majority of my week in the car, traveling to meetings, I have become accustomed...

Crypto Hardware Wallet Explained: How Does it Work, and What are its Benefits?
Crypto Hardware Wallet Explained: How Does it Work, and What are its Benefits?

Investing in cryptocurrencies comes with the responsibility of handling your assets and ensuring you’re keeping them in a safe place....

Bank or Credit Union – Which is Better?
Bank or Credit Union – Which is Better?

Differences Between Banks and Credit Unions The fundamental difference between banks and credit unions is that banks are for-profit businesses...

7 Steps to Recession-Proof Your Finances
7 Steps to Recession-Proof Your Finances

Since there’s been so much in the news lately about a potential recession, on top of inflation, stock market volatility,...

How to Encourage Your Child’s Healthy Body Image
How to Encourage Your Child’s Healthy Body Image

Parents often wonder about the best way to work with their kids on weight, dieting, and body image. What can...

8 Words for Walking with Surprising Origins
8 Words for Walking with Surprising Origins

When you walk, do you amble? Meander? Shuffle? Trundle? I definitely trundle. I walk almost every day, and when it's...

How to Make Words That End in Y Plural
How to Make Words That End in Y Plural

A member of our Facebook Grammar Girl group recently wrote in with a question about plurals. He was wondering if we...

Why Is It Called a Sea ‘Shanty’?
Why Is It Called a Sea ‘Shanty’?

When it comes to popular music, we’re used to hip-hop, indie rock, and even K-pop topping the charts. But back...

‘Less’ Versus ‘Fewer’
‘Less’ Versus ‘Fewer’

If you want a simple rule, the difference between "less" and "fewer" is straightforward: The traditional advice is that "fewer"...

What Is a Diaeresis, and Why Do We Use It?
What Is a Diaeresis, and Why Do We Use It?

A listener named Al recently wrote in about our segment on the word “reenter.” Sometimes it’s written with a hyphen, and sometimes...

Benefits and Drawbacks of Credit Card Consolidation
Benefits and Drawbacks of Credit Card Consolidation

I received a question from Maria M., who said, "I'm a new U.S. immigrant working hard to build good credit...

Fun with Animal Verbs
Fun with Animal Verbs

TEACHERS: Scroll to the bottom of the page for lesson ideas. One of our listeners wrote in with a question...

What Does It Mean to ‘Put the Kibosh’ on Something?
What Does It Mean to ‘Put the Kibosh’ on Something?

Have you ever heard someone say they were going to “put the kibosh” on something? Did you ever wonder what...

Berberine Supplements: Are They Safe and Effective?
Berberine Supplements: Are They Safe and Effective?

I have gotten a ton of questions recently on a compound called berberine. Is it safe and/or beneficial? So, let’s...

The Difference Between Young Adult and Middle Grade: A Primer
The Difference Between Young Adult and Middle Grade: A Primer

Are you thinking about writing a book for children or teenagers? Good for you! Many children’s book authors feel inspired...

What Does It Mean to Rest on Your Laurels?
What Does It Mean to Rest on Your Laurels?

Highly-accomplished people are often praised for their deeds. When you use the phrase “to rest on your laurels” to describe...

Retirement Bliss – Ideal Savings Benchmarks by Age
Retirement Bliss – Ideal Savings Benchmarks by Age

Figuring out how much you should save for retirement can seem more like an art than a science, especially if...

Know Your Score and Improve Your Credit
Know Your Score and Improve Your Credit

You've probably heard that you need good credit scores to qualify for the best terms on credit accounts like mortgages,...

How Do You Make it Through After a Loved One Dies?
How Do You Make it Through After a Loved One Dies?

My predecessor at Savvy Psychologist, Dr. Jade Wu talked about how to cope with the fear of a loved one...

Taylor Swift’s Lessons for Workplace Success
Taylor Swift’s Lessons for Workplace Success

I really do think one of the best ways to enhance the employee experience and your workplace is to ensure...

Counterintuitive Money Advice–9 Surprising Tips That Build Wealth
Counterintuitive Money Advice–9 Surprising Tips That Build Wealth

There's no denying that building wealth takes time and effort—it's a marathon, not a sprint, as the saying goes. While...

9 Things to Stop Doing if You Want More Financial Security
9 Things to Stop Doing if You Want More Financial Security

On my award winning personal finance podcast, Money Girl, I mostly talk about things you should do to save more, build net...

Tom Papas’ Hilarious Take on Love, Hangovers, and More
Tom Papas’ Hilarious Take on Love, Hangovers, and More

Stand-up is all well and good, but observational humor that’s funny and warm may work best in books. And Tom...

8 Best Bets for Easing Pain from Insect Bites and Stings
8 Best Bets for Easing Pain from Insect Bites and Stings

First steps when bees strike When you’re stung by a bee, carefully grasp the stinger and pull it out as...

How to Stop Dissociating
How to Stop Dissociating

Have you ever wondered if you dissociate? Do you have moments where you feel out of touch with yourself, feel...

‘On Accident’ Versus ‘by Accident’
‘On Accident’ Versus ‘by Accident’

Some of the most difficult questions I get are from non-native English speakers who want to know why we use...

Squelching the Advice Monster: An Interview with Michael Bungay Stanier
Squelching the Advice Monster: An Interview with Michael Bungay Stanier

I’m excited to share with you a conversation I had recently with leadership and coaching expert Michael Bungay Stanier. Michael...

How Much Savings Will The FDIC Protect?
How Much Savings Will The FDIC Protect?

News of bank collapses has become familiar to Americans, prompting many to fear the possibility of their own bank shutting...

Overcoming Problems Associated with Dental Crowns
Overcoming Problems Associated with Dental Crowns

What is A Dental Crown? A dental crown is a prosthetic that covers a tooth or implant. It is typically...

How to Prepare for Your First Year of College
How to Prepare for Your First Year of College

Your first year of college is not only exciting, but quite transformative as well. It’s a time of personal growth,...

8 Ways to Cure a Hangover Fast
8 Ways to Cure a Hangover Fast

Rehydrate, replenish, recover Your #1 priority when recovering from a hangover should be to rehydrate. Non-caffeinated sports drinks like Gatorade...

Should You Take Breaks from Working Out?
Should You Take Breaks from Working Out?

Taking a Week Off from Working Out Is taking a week off from working out detrimental? Today, I want to...

Think You’re Too Rich for a Roth IRA? Think Again
Think You’re Too Rich for a Roth IRA? Think Again

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how my various retirement accounts will affect my future income, specifically the taxes...

Grammar Quirks: Nicola Harrison Thinks ‘Gotten’ Has Gotta Go
Grammar Quirks: Nicola Harrison Thinks ‘Gotten’ Has Gotta Go

Grammar Girl: What’s your favorite word and why? NH: "Perfidious." It’s just sounds so good. I managed to use it...

Fiber 2.0—Fiber’s New Science of Health-Boosting Benefits
Fiber 2.0—Fiber’s New Science of Health-Boosting Benefits

Fiber may seem like a somewhat frumpy nutrient, but it is actually one of the hottest nutrition topics right now....

Grammar Girl Style Guide
Grammar Girl Style Guide

Since 2006, Mignon Fogarty, also known as Grammar Girl, has delivered trusted tips and fun facts about the English language...

‘King-size’ or ‘King-sized’?
‘King-size’ or ‘King-sized’?

Recently, you heard me talk about a “king-size” mattress from Casper, and that reminded me that a listener named Louie...

When to Capitalize Disease Names
When to Capitalize Disease Names

The name of the coronavirus disease that emerged in late 2019 is not capitalized because most disease names aren't unless...

Toe the Line
Toe the Line

Lately, it seems as if politicians are constantly calculating whether they should toe the party line, or not. But is...

How to Find the Perfect Roommate and Tips to Avoid Issues
How to Find the Perfect Roommate and Tips to Avoid Issues

Living with a roommate can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but finding the perfect roommate can sometimes be a...

Free QR Code Generator to Make Free QR Codes
Free QR Code Generator to Make Free QR Codes

In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, businesses constantly seek new ways to captivate their target audience and drive impactful marketing campaigns. ...

Parentheses, Brackets, and Braces. What’s the Difference?
Parentheses, Brackets, and Braces. What’s the Difference?

Today Bonnie Mills helps us talk about three punctuation marks: one you undoubtedly know how to use, another you possibly...

Starla Jean Cracks the Case
Starla Jean Cracks the Case

Starla Jean and her pet chicken, Opal Egg, return in this side-splitting third chapter book, just in time to solve...

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Special Edition
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Special Edition

The following excerpt is from The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.   New York City March 10, 2014 I The...

More Help for Handling Entitled People
More Help for Handling Entitled People

Dealing with entitled people can be challenging, as they often believe they deserve special treatment or privileges without having to...

79+ Best Gifts for All Types of Boyfriends in 2023 (according to personality, price range, and zodiac sign!)
79+ Best Gifts for All Types of Boyfriends in 2023 (according to personality, price range, and zodiac sign!)

“Men are simple,” they said. But anyone who truly loves someone will go the extra mile in making them happy,...

Is Your Partner Onboard with Respectful Parenting?
Is Your Partner Onboard with Respectful Parenting?

What if not? Today, let’s talk about the challenges that come with co-parenting with a partner who isn’t on board...

How to Lower Your High Triglycerides
How to Lower Your High Triglycerides

Today we're going to talk about how to lower high triglycerides. But first, a quick listener Q & A. Ken...

Expletive Sentences: Should You Start with ‘There Is’ or ‘There Are’?
Expletive Sentences: Should You Start with ‘There Is’ or ‘There Are’?

Should you start a sentence with "there is" or "there are"?   Have you ever heard it’s bad to start...

6 Things You Didn’t Know Could Fertilize Your Plants
6 Things You Didn’t Know Could Fertilize Your Plants

We want to help you learn how to fertilize houseplants easily, and with things you probably have in your house...

4 Communication Assassins Hurting Your Relationships
4 Communication Assassins Hurting Your Relationships

Listeners to my Savvy Psychologist podcast really seemed to respond to my boundary episodes. I received so many comments and...

Begs the Question
Begs the Question

Today I'm going to beg the question. When I do radio interviews, callers often ask me about the phrase “begs...

Is ‘Very Unique’ Wrong?
Is ‘Very Unique’ Wrong?

The word "unique" means "one of a kind," but the way people use it has been shifting. For example, here...

How Aphasia Causes Difficulty Speaking
How Aphasia Causes Difficulty Speaking

Language impairment is often caused by tragic conditions like aphasia, a type of brain damage. This condition can teach us...

Taking a 401(k) Loan – Pros and Cons You Should Know
Taking a 401(k) Loan – Pros and Cons You Should Know

Today’s topic is courtesy of Neelema, who says, “Hello Laura, I enjoy the Money Girl podcast. I’m an anesthesiologist married...

What to Avoid – and Improve – for Great Work Conversations
What to Avoid – and Improve – for Great Work Conversations

The Importance of Communication Communication is one of the most important things we all need to do—whatever profession we choose....

What’s the Best Squat Variant for You?
What’s the Best Squat Variant for You?

Today, I am going to talk about the debate about squat variants. When it comes to the best squat exercise,...

AICAR Peptide And Its Possible Properties
AICAR Peptide And Its Possible Properties

If you want to know about the AICAR peptide's possible properties, look no further.  Similarly to AMP, the peptide 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1—D-ribofuranoside...

Why Do You Need Fire Watch Guards For Your Company?
Why Do You Need Fire Watch Guards For Your Company?

Fires can cause a lot of damage to a business, including the loss of profit and property. To avoid such...

Resolve Challenges With Your ADHD Child
Resolve Challenges With Your ADHD Child

Parenting a Child With ADHD Many of us wonder how to parent a child with ADHD. Raising a kid with...

Thrive in the Workplace by Building on These Pillars
Thrive in the Workplace by Building on These Pillars

Construct a Thriving Employee Experience I use a framework to help companies understand the employee experience. It’s got these four...

Post-Training Soreness: Are You Getting Stronger?
Post-Training Soreness: Are You Getting Stronger?

If you are a regular listener of the Get-Fit Guy podcast, you will know that I love a good anecdote....

Grammar Quirks: Juan Gomez-Jurado on His ‘False Friend’ in Writing
Grammar Quirks: Juan Gomez-Jurado on His ‘False Friend’ in Writing

Grammar Girl: What’s your favorite word and why? Juan Gomez-Jurado: In English language it’s “daffodil.” I’m not even a great...

Expert Advice on Real Estate Investing and Syndication
Expert Advice on Real Estate Investing and Syndication

In a recent show, I mentioned that I’m celebrating Women’s History Month by bringing you interviews about women and money....

Grammar Quirks: Nick Tabor on Misspelling the Word ‘Minuscule’
Grammar Quirks: Nick Tabor on Misspelling the Word ‘Minuscule’

Grammar Girl: What’s your favorite word and why? Nick Tabor: Honestly, I think it’s “prayer.” I’m a person of faith,...

Prevent Identity Theft: 3 Basic Cybersecurity Principles You Should Know
Prevent Identity Theft: 3 Basic Cybersecurity Principles You Should Know

Not a day seemingly goes by without news of some cybersecurity breach or data theft. In such times, the prospect...

Tactics to Prepare for Trading Success
Tactics to Prepare for Trading Success

What does it mean to prepare yourself for long-term success as a trader? It means doing all those necessary tactics...

Course Breakdown: What Careers Benefit From an MBA?
Course Breakdown: What Careers Benefit From an MBA?

An MBA can be an excellent investment for many different types of careers. But what sorts of careers benefit most...

What Is Parallel Structure?
What Is Parallel Structure?

The human brain is wired to look for patterns. Patterns like the golden ratio found in art and nature are...

How Best to Raise Kids with a Healthy Racial Identity
How Best to Raise Kids with a Healthy Racial Identity

In a recent Black History Month mini-series on the Project Parenthood podcast, host Dr. Nanika Coor talks to Black mental...

Educators: 8 Things You Can Do That Make A Difference
Educators: 8 Things You Can Do That Make A Difference

Are you a teacher, tutor, community volunteer, school administrator, or another kind of educator who would like to positively impact...

5 Stupid Grammar Myths (and Why You Should Follow Them at Work)
5 Stupid Grammar Myths (and Why You Should Follow Them at Work)

Ever been chided for doing something that you know isn’t wrong? Your brother-in-law insists that guacamole is made only with...

Women and Money: How to Take Control of Your Finances
Women and Money: How to Take Control of Your Finances

You probably know I'm a big financial independence and literacy champion. And March gives me a special opportunity to discuss...

The Angel Maker
The Angel Maker

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Whisper Man and The Shadows comes The Angel Maker, a dark, suspenseful new thriller...

How to Improve Your Grammar
How to Improve Your Grammar

Lots of people have asked me how they can improve their grammar, and most of them really mean their writing....

Busting Sleep Myths to Help You Get a Much Sweeter Slumber
Busting Sleep Myths to Help You Get a Much Sweeter Slumber

Sleep is a critical part of emotional health, and twenty-five million Americans are missing out on a blissful slumber. Former...

7 Simple Tips to Help You Feel Safe Online
7 Simple Tips to Help You Feel Safe Online

If you’ve ever felt unsafe online, you are not alone. In 2021, internet users worldwide discussed their fears of online...

Can Futures Contracts Help Companies Fight Against Inflation?
Can Futures Contracts Help Companies Fight Against Inflation?

We are now facing the highest inflation rate in four decades after long months of fighting the pandemic and lockdowns...

One Thing to Know in Haven’s Rock: Keep Out of the Forest
One Thing to Know in Haven’s Rock: Keep Out of the Forest

If you enjoy the Case Closed podcast and secret towns deep in the Yukon wilderness, you will enjoy Murder at...

Sponsored Posts – Pay With Credit Card
Sponsored Posts – Pay With Credit Card

Thank you for your interest in publishing on QuickandDirtyTips.com. You should have received an invoice for your content contribution. Please...

How to Handle Freeloaders with Grace
How to Handle Freeloaders with Grace

There is a major difference between someone who asks to stay with you for a few days and a freeloader....

How to Use LinkedIn to Engage and Connect Like a Polite Pro
How to Use LinkedIn to Engage and Connect Like a Polite Pro

What is Proper LinkedIn Etiquette? When it comes to manners and LinkedIn, there are many questions to consider: Whom do...

6 Strategies for Better Management of Your Crypto Portfolio
6 Strategies for Better Management of Your Crypto Portfolio

Crypto has become widely popular worldwide, as many people learn about its benefits on the financial ecosystem. News titles about...

The Pros and Cons of Having Multiple Savings Accounts
The Pros and Cons of Having Multiple Savings Accounts

Are you looking to get a better handle on your finances? If so, you may be wondering if it's worth...

Top 6 Best QR Codes for Restaurant Menus
Top 6 Best QR Codes for Restaurant Menus

The inconvenience of staff shortage, traditional menu service, and disrupted supply chains have brought an impending challenge in running a...

A Tribute to ‘Schoolhouse Rock’!
A Tribute to ‘Schoolhouse Rock’!

Holly Hutchings and I made this extra special, multiple-interview episode about the classic children’s cartoon “Schoolhouse Rock” five years ago,...

The Science Behind Successful Sleep, And How to Get More
The Science Behind Successful Sleep, And How to Get More

Are you tired of fighting insomnia?  Do you often wonder:  - Why do I always wake up at 2:00 am?...

Is Your Best Dark Chocolate Loaded with Lead and Cadmium?
Is Your Best Dark Chocolate Loaded with Lead and Cadmium?

I recently had an episode about the difference between powdered cacao and cocoa powder. But the day AFTER that episode...

How to Be Polite When Discussing Politics in the Workplace
How to Be Polite When Discussing Politics in the Workplace

We are post-mid-terms and gearing up for another presidential race. Likely, you can't go five minutes without being caught up...

Are You Guilty of Bad Bathroom Manners?
Are You Guilty of Bad Bathroom Manners?

Whether it’s about professional relationships, romance, or everyday life, nothing makes me happier than to know that I've got mail...

What Are the Benefits of Hot Showers?
What Are the Benefits of Hot Showers?

If you are a frequent listener of the Get-Fit Guy podcast, you know I am big on being unbiased and...

Raising Healthy Kids Who Live With Neurodivergence
Raising Healthy Kids Who Live With Neurodivergence

How to Support your Child’s Neurodiversity Today, let's talk about neurodiversity and why it’s important to move away from the...

Do You Need a Comma Before ‘Jr.’?
Do You Need a Comma Before ‘Jr.’?

Should you put a comma before Jr. or not? You see it both ways. Using a comma is an older...

The Brothers Grimm: Rockstar Linguists
The Brothers Grimm: Rockstar Linguists

The Brothers  Grimm are known for their fairy tales. They also wrote a German dictionary and grammar books. Jacob Grimm...

How Teddy Bears Got Their Name
How Teddy Bears Got Their Name

Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear on a hunting trip. A Brooklyn, NY, company heard the story and made...

Building a Stronger Nonprofit: Tips for Improving Operations and Boosting Impact
Building a Stronger Nonprofit: Tips for Improving Operations and Boosting Impact

With over 1.5 million nonprofits in the US alone, the nonprofit space is becoming increasingly competitive. If your nonprofit organization...

A Gripping Search for Justice in a Seemingly Idyllic Town
A Gripping Search for Justice in a Seemingly Idyllic Town

If you enjoyed the Case Closed podcast, you should check out the latest thriller from Stephen Amidon, Locust Lane. On...

Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail?
Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail?

I get asked all the time if New Year's Resolutions actually work. This week, I will give you some quick...

Hustle & Slow – Is it Time to Rethink Productivity?
Hustle & Slow – Is it Time to Rethink Productivity?

It’s time to rethink your “productivity” “Productivity” is the thing we’ve been chasing for years—more, better, faster. But is it...

Old ‘They,’ New ‘They’ — Language Change in Action
Old ‘They,’ New ‘They’ — Language Change in Action

Why did the AP style guide say it’s OK to write “Some student forgot their backpack” but suggests that writers...

Top 15 Best Free QR Code Generators in 2024
Top 15 Best Free QR Code Generators in 2024

QR codes have seen tremendous success over the past few years, and they're likely here to stay for good in...

Gripping, Twisty Tale of One Mother’s Search to Find Missing Son
Gripping, Twisty Tale of One Mother’s Search to Find Missing Son

The latest audiobook by Stacy Willingham is perfect for Case Closed podcast fans. One year ago, Isabelle Drake's toddler son...

The Meeting of the Big Three that Changed the Course of WWII
The Meeting of the Big Three that Changed the Course of WWII

“Brick ... [is] on fire in this audiobook. His enthralling voice builds excitement.” —AudioFile on The Lincoln Conspiracy From the New York Times bestselling...

How to Rent a House with Roommates
How to Rent a House with Roommates

Ah, renting with roommates. Sounds like something you want to get done and over with as soon as you graduate...

5 Reasons for Getting Home Appliance Warranty
5 Reasons for Getting Home Appliance Warranty

A home is incomplete without the right furniture, interiors, and appliances. Every component in your home makes it beautiful. However,...

Create the Parent-Child Relationship You Want in 2023
Create the Parent-Child Relationship You Want in 2023

On this week's podcast (listen with the player above!), I’m talking about some first steps you can take toward turning...

Tips to Hosting a Wine Tasting Party at Home
Tips to Hosting a Wine Tasting Party at Home

Hosting a party at your house is fun on any occasion. Whether you’re planning on selling to a home buyer,...

Buy These Recession-Proof Stocks for Your Business
Buy These Recession-Proof Stocks for Your Business

Putting up and running a business amidst recessionary headwinds can be scary. That’s why growing cash reserves should be your...

Writing Dates
Writing Dates

Can you believe it’s already 2023? I feel like I hadn’t even gotten used to calling it 2022 yet. But...

‘Best Of’ Get-Fit Tips for New Year’s Fitness Goals
‘Best Of’ Get-Fit Tips for New Year’s Fitness Goals

As we conclude another year and reflect on areas we may make improvements, many of us will certainly have fitness...

Resolve to Give Better Health Advice in 2023
Resolve to Give Better Health Advice in 2023

In the final Nutrition Diva podcast episode of 2022, I reflect on how we in the health media communicate about...

Create Your Best Financial Plan This New Year
Create Your Best Financial Plan This New Year

A Money Girl podcast listener named Piper says, “I’m a big fan of your podcast and want some advice before...

‘Desert’ Versus ‘Dessert’
‘Desert’ Versus ‘Dessert’

It's the time of year when I eat a lot more dessert than I usually do — the pies, the...

What To Pack in Your First Aid Kit for a Camping Trip
What To Pack in Your First Aid Kit for a Camping Trip

If you've ever had the opportunity to go camping, you know it can be a fun and relaxing experience. You...

How to Deal With Family Stress Better This Holiday
How to Deal With Family Stress Better This Holiday

It’s that time of year again! My parent clients who gather with extended family during the winter holidays are starting...

How to Use LinkedIn Like a Pro
How to Use LinkedIn Like a Pro

I’m excited to bring you this interview with Emily Crookston who has schooled me—and will soon do the same to...

So, You Want Stronger Legs
So, You Want Stronger Legs

Strong legs are pretty important, aren't they? Certainly, when we consider that humans are upright bipeds. The legs support and...

Five Ways to Save Money When Traveling
Five Ways to Save Money When Traveling

In the age of inflation and high gas prices, traveling is way more expensive than it used to be. Travel,...

Unlock the Mystery in This Must Read (or Listen)
Unlock the Mystery in This Must Read (or Listen)

If you couldn’t get enough of the murder and mystery in the Case Closed podcast, then this chilling story in...

Cholesterol Clarity – Nutrition Diva’s Greatest Tips
Cholesterol Clarity – Nutrition Diva’s Greatest Tips

A History of Science-Based Tips Over the last many years, the Nutrition Diva podcast has discussed the effect of cholesterol...

Three Brilliant Communication Tactics Jeff Bezos Pioneered to Fuel Amazon’s Growth, According to Investors and Executives Who Know Him Best
Three Brilliant Communication Tactics Jeff Bezos Pioneered to Fuel Amazon’s Growth, According to Investors and Executives Who Know Him Best

When famed Kleiner Perkins investor John Doerr first visited Amazon’s small Seattle headquarters in June 1996, he was surprised to...

Four Benefits of Playing Bingo
Four Benefits of Playing Bingo

Few games have attained worldwide popularity as Bingo has. First invented in 1929, the game has experienced several developments and iterations....

Ancient & Present-Day ‘Thank You’ What is a Cornucopia? Thanksgiving Gerunds
Ancient & Present-Day ‘Thank You’ What is a Cornucopia? Thanksgiving Gerunds

In honor of Thanksgiving, we bring you a buffet of posts and Grammar Girl episodes about Thanksgiving words. First, we...

Can We Overcome Our Childhoods? A Discussion with Lori Gottlieb
Can We Overcome Our Childhoods? A Discussion with Lori Gottlieb

Somewhere in the rows and rows of office cubicles that make up the emotional business of our brains, there’s one...

Save Yourself from Overeating this Thanksgiving
Save Yourself from Overeating this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is not a day to diet, but with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can avoid ending up...

5 Innovations Changing the Supermarket Shopping Experience
5 Innovations Changing the Supermarket Shopping Experience

Despite the wave of digital transformation spreading through the retail sector, the supermarket shopping experience has largely remained the same....

Top Things to Consider When Leasing a Warehouse Space
Top Things to Consider When Leasing a Warehouse Space

Industrial rental spaces serve different purposes, including distribution and manufacturing. Each warehouse has unique responsibilities and specifications, so it's crucial...

Credit Scores: The Meaning, Importance, and Effects of Credit Scores on Loans and Jobs
Credit Scores: The Meaning, Importance, and Effects of Credit Scores on Loans and Jobs

A credit score is essential for every individual to build a sound financial profile. You can get the loan products...

Do You Want to Spot-Reduce Fat?
Do You Want to Spot-Reduce Fat?

This week I received an email from one of my listeners and since this is actually a fairly common question,...

Digital Citizenship: What Is It and How Can You Teach It to Your Kids?
Digital Citizenship: What Is It and How Can You Teach It to Your Kids?

The internet has altered the way we work, play, and communicate. But it's also introduced new challenges that many parents...

How To Have Healthy Political Conversations This Midterm (& Holiday) Season
How To Have Healthy Political Conversations This Midterm (& Holiday) Season

Dr. Jade Wu offered her wisdom during the last election cycle of 2020, and her tips still hold strong through...

How to Dial Up Connection at Work with Ryan Jenkins
How to Dial Up Connection at Work with Ryan Jenkins

I’m excited to bring you this interview with Ryan Jenkins, one of the authors Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams...

Favorite Words Like Tintinnabulation and Fafoofian – Grammar Q&A with Author Daniel Stashower
Favorite Words Like Tintinnabulation and Fafoofian – Grammar Q&A with Author Daniel Stashower

Even award-winning authors have grammar preferences and peeves. When reading a great book by a great author, do you —...

Halloween Curiosities That Deliver The Creeps and Make You Think
Halloween Curiosities That Deliver The Creeps and Make You Think

Leonard Pickel has made a career of the unexpected. From manipulating architecture to designing impossible floor plans, his Hauntrepreneurs business...

New Mediation Podcast Released on World Mental Health Day
New Mediation Podcast Released on World Mental Health Day

The Savvy Psychologist podcast has long been a resource for helping listeners meet life’s challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic...

Wolf Hustle – A Black Woman on Wall Street
Wolf Hustle – A Black Woman on Wall Street

I’m excited to bring you this interview with author Cin Fabré. This was a bit of a pivot for me...

Sci-fi Versus Fantasy
Sci-fi Versus Fantasy

A Twitter meme about the difference between sci-fi and fantasy is bringing me joy this week. For example, Amy Louise...

Recession Survival Hacks for Working Adults
Recession Survival Hacks for Working Adults

Are you a full-time worker worried about the current recession's long-term effects? If so, you are not alone. Many hard-working...

Could Gold Reach $2,000 Again in 2022?
Could Gold Reach $2,000 Again in 2022?

The value of people's savings and investments is currently going down as a result of the very high levels of...

Split Infinitives
Split Infinitives

When adults are ambushed with the concept of grammar, for example, when they meet someone  who goes by the name...

Curious State Newsletter
Curious State Newsletter

Curious State Newsletter Can animals break the law? Haven’t all the possible songs been written by now? Can a "friends...

He’s Beaten 800+ World Records. But How?
He’s Beaten 800+ World Records. But How?

Ashrita Furman broke the world record for underwater hoola-hooping in Florida, where a pod of dolphins watched from afar—in what I...

What to Do About Quiet Quitting—If It’s Even Real
What to Do About Quiet Quitting—If It’s Even Real

Does anyone else feel like the loudest thing on the internet these days is the debate about quiet quitting? Something...

All the Women in My Brain
All the Women in My Brain

If you’ve ever felt like you were more, or at least weirder, than the world expected? you're not alone... In...

American Demon
American Demon

Boston had its Strangler. California had the Zodiac Killer. And in the depths of the Great Depression, Cleveland had the...

A World of Curiosities
A World of Curiosities

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache returns in the eighteenth book in #1 New York Times bestseller Louise Penny's beloved series. It’s spring and...

Can a “Friends With Benefits” Relationship Last?
Can a “Friends With Benefits” Relationship Last?

What happens when you mix wine with the kernel of a podcast episode idea? In my case, I got Dr....

Three Reasons Web Accessibility is a Digital Marketer’s Best Friend
Three Reasons Web Accessibility is a Digital Marketer’s Best Friend

In the past, marketers have been limited to more traditional methods such as print, television, and radio to reach their...

Six Ways to Get More Value from Your Credit Cards
Six Ways to Get More Value from Your Credit Cards

The latest episode of the Money Girl podcast was inspired by an email I received from Dave K. in New...

Seven Tips to Inflation-Proof Your Financial Life
Seven Tips to Inflation-Proof Your Financial Life

If you have found inflation is causing your money to be spread a bit thinner than you would like, you...

Introducing Kevin Don, Your New Get-Fit Guy
Introducing Kevin Don, Your New Get-Fit Guy

We would like to introduce you to Kevin Don, the new host of Get-Fit Guy! On the latest episode of...

Could We Have Domesticated a T-Rex?
Could We Have Domesticated a T-Rex?

The following is an article version of the Curious State episode of the same name, edited for content and reading clarity. You can...

Eight Pros and Cons of Investing in Crypto in Your 401(k)
Eight Pros and Cons of Investing in Crypto in Your 401(k)

Fidelity Investments recently announced that it would be the first major retirement plan provider to add cryptocurrency to its 401(k)...

Driving Inclusion and Belonging at Work – a Conversation with Bain’s Chief Diversity Officer
Driving Inclusion and Belonging at Work – a Conversation with Bain’s Chief Diversity Officer

There’s a lot of buzz these days around the concepts of Inclusion and Belonging. We know they are important drivers...

Expert Tips to Know If You Should Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
Expert Tips to Know If You Should Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)

This Money Girl episode was inspired by several questions I've received from listeners about various buy now pay later offers...

Needs Washed
Needs Washed

Today we’re going to talk about regionalisms. Mostly about the “needs washed” quirk of Pittsburghese, but I may throw in...

Should You Match Your Diet to Your Blood Type?
Should You Match Your Diet to Your Blood Type?

I got an email this week from a listener who wanted to know if I’d ever done an episode on...

Three Simple Ways to Relieve Post-Exercise Soreness
Three Simple Ways to Relieve Post-Exercise Soreness

Ever felt super sore the day after running, hiking, or throwing up some weights at the gym? You’re not alone....

Is the Mafia Really That Violent?
Is the Mafia Really That Violent?

The following is an article version of the Curious State episode of the same name (feat. Elie Honig), edited for content and reading...

‘Backward’ Versus ‘Backwards’
‘Backward’ Versus ‘Backwards’

"Backward" and "backwards" can both be adjectives and adverbs, so you can say, “Squiggly jumped backward when Aardvark shouted, 'Boo!'”—that’s...

Nine Resources to Improve Your Life
Nine Resources to Improve Your Life

I’m so happy you’re here as I review these broad categories of resources. There are nine on my list. These...

Capitalizing Titles
Capitalizing Titles

When you’re writing a title, you’re confronted with a shocking number of formatting options. How you decide to handle capitalization...

Seven Proven Strategies That Will Help Engage Remote Employees More Effectively
Seven Proven Strategies That Will Help Engage Remote Employees More Effectively

Since the start of Covid-19, remote working has boomed across practically every industry that could facilitate it. And even though...

When to Capitalize Degree Names
When to Capitalize Degree Names

Academic degrees tell us what level of study a person has completed and often in what field or specialization. In...

How to be a Purpose and Belonging Informed Leader
How to be a Purpose and Belonging Informed Leader

[caption id="attachment_48737" align="alignleft" width="197"] Belle Liang and Timothy Klein are the authors of HOW TO NAVIGATE LIFE: The New Science...

How to Prepare for Potential Layoffs
How to Prepare for Potential Layoffs

Hey, it’s Rachel Cooke, your Modern Mentor. And today we’re gonna acknowledge the elephant in the room—that after months and...

Insurance, Budget, and Long-Term Storage: What to Consider Before Committing to a Loft Conversion
Insurance, Budget, and Long-Term Storage: What to Consider Before Committing to a Loft Conversion

A loft conversion sounds like a great idea. There’s so much space only getting used by the Christmas decorations, but...

Jessie Stephens takes us to the Beginning of the End
Jessie Stephens takes us to the Beginning of the End

Heartsick, the debut book from author and podcaster Jessie Stephens, follows three stories of heartbreak—the kind of heartbreak that upends...

Why Don’t People Say ‘You’re Welcome’ Anymore?
Why Don’t People Say ‘You’re Welcome’ Anymore?

From our automatic “thank you” as we grab our caramel latte at Starbucks to the genuine “thank you” when a...

How Does a DUI Affect My Auto Insurance?
How Does a DUI Affect My Auto Insurance?

Getting a single DUI conviction can negatively affect your life in many ways. Having too many drinks may seem harmless...

How To Keep Costs Down In 2022
How To Keep Costs Down In 2022

If you haven't felt the impact of rising costs yet in 2022, you're among the lucky few. Even people who...

5 Tips for Enterprises to Counter the Persistent Ransomware Problem
5 Tips for Enterprises to Counter the Persistent Ransomware Problem

A mid-year cyber threat report reveals that there has been a dip in the number of ransomware attacks in 2022...

How to be a purpose and belonging informed leader
How to be a purpose and belonging informed leader

[caption id="attachment_48737" align="aligncenter" width="674"] Belle Liang and Timothy Klein are the authors of HOW TO NAVIGATE LIFE: The New Science...

Ten Grammar Myths Exposed
Ten Grammar Myths Exposed

Ten Grammar Myths Exposed Read the explanations before you write to express your outrage. A run-on sentence is a really...

The Grammartini
The Grammartini

The Grammartini The Grammartini National Grammar Day founder, Martha Brockenbrough, shares her grammartini recipe to spice up your celebrations:2 1/2...

Answer Key for the National Grammar Day Theme-Song Quiz
Answer Key for the National Grammar Day Theme-Song Quiz

Answer Key for the National Grammar Day Theme-Song Quiz 1. A. “Slowly” is the adverb. It modifies the verb “drive.”...

NGD – Theme-Song Quiz
NGD – Theme-Song Quiz

NGD - Theme-Song Quiz National Grammar Day is March 4, and we made a song to help you celebrate: March Forth....

Do You Have Better Grammar Than Your Favorite Celebrity?
Do You Have Better Grammar Than Your Favorite Celebrity?

Do You Have Better Grammar Than Your Favorite Celebrity? Which singer’s album title is incorrectly punctuated? What popular movie name...

Free Materials for Classroom Fun and Learning
Free Materials for Classroom Fun and Learning

Free Materials for Classroom Fun and Learning Do you teach? Thank you! If we ruled the world, we would pay...

National Grammar Day
National Grammar Day

The official home of National Grammar Day! National Grammar Day is March 4th! On National Grammar Day, we celebrate good...

Savvy Psychologist Newsletter
Savvy Psychologist Newsletter

Savvy Psychologist The Savvy Psychologist uses evidence-based research, real-life scenarios, and a zero-judgment approach to help you meet life's daily...

Nutrition Diva Newsletter
Nutrition Diva Newsletter

Nutrition Diva Newsletter Healthy eating doesn't have to be hard when Nutrition Diva has your back. Her bi-weekly newsletter separates...

Modern Mentor Newsletter
Modern Mentor Newsletter

Modern Mentor Newsletter Wondering the best way to ask for a raise? Looking to perfect your to-do list? Need to...

Get-Fit Guy Newsletter
Get-Fit Guy Newsletter

Get-Fit Guy Newsletter Been meaning to hit the gym for a while now? Looking to start working out but convinced...

Grammar Girl Newsletter
Grammar Girl Newsletter

Grammar Girl Newsletter Get back to grammar basics and enrich your life as a writer with Grammar Girl’s newsletter. Every...

Money Girl Newsletter
Money Girl Newsletter

Money Girl Newsletter Whether you're new to the savings game or you've created quite the nest egg, Money Girl has...

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Grammar Quirks: Rachel Heng on the Word ‘Faff’
Grammar Quirks: Rachel Heng on the Word ‘Faff’

Grammar Girl: What’s your favorite word and why? Rachel Heng: I couldn’t possibly choose just one! Some favorites: "shim," "kerfuffle,"...

Grammar Quirks: Scott Oden on Double Spaces After Periods
Grammar Quirks: Scott Oden on Double Spaces After Periods

Grammar Girl: What’s your favorite word and why? Scott Oden: One of my all time favorites is “stygian."  As far...

Plant Power: Harness the Power of Plants in Your Diet
Plant Power: Harness the Power of Plants in Your Diet

For dieters who want to utilize the benefits of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs—without eliminating the meat, dairy, fish, and...

Grammar Quirks: Edward Ashton on Yeeting What Needs to be Yote
Grammar Quirks: Edward Ashton on Yeeting What Needs to be Yote

Grammar Girl: What’s your favorite word and why? Edward Ashton: You’re gonna need to define “favorite” here.  If you mean...

Grammar Quirks: S.A. Barnes on Shifting Points of View
Grammar Quirks: S.A. Barnes on Shifting Points of View

Grammar Girl: What’s your favorite word and why? S.A. Barnes: Oh, it changes all the time! At the moment, I’m...

6 Ways to Use Smell as Your Secret Weapon
6 Ways to Use Smell as Your Secret Weapon

When my children were young, we had a dog. He could smell when they were arriving home, half a block...

Grammar Quirks: Amanda Foody on Her Vocabulary War
Grammar Quirks: Amanda Foody on Her Vocabulary War

Grammar Girl: What’s your favorite word and why? AF: It feels impossible to pick a true favorite, but as an...

5 Ways to Manage Anger Using Stoicism
5 Ways to Manage Anger Using Stoicism

Ancient philosophy—it’s the future!  Or at least it’s currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity.  That started back in the 1960s...

Grammar Quirks: Rachel Howzell Hall on ‘Huhn’
Grammar Quirks: Rachel Howzell Hall on ‘Huhn’

Grammar Girl: What’s your favorite word and why? Rachel Howzell Hall:  "Discombobulated." It sounds just how it looks—you think it’s going...

The Working Woman’s Revolution of 1964
The Working Woman’s Revolution of 1964

On February 8, 1964, an eighty-year-old segregationist congressman named Howard Smith stepped onto the floor of the House of Representatives...

The Devil’s Dinner: How Chili Peppers Took Over the World
The Devil’s Dinner: How Chili Peppers Took Over the World

The taste for hot and spicy food has become an international passion in modern times. Many world cuisines rely on...

The Wild West Heroes Who Rode for Wells Fargo
The Wild West Heroes Who Rode for Wells Fargo

John Boessenecker is a former police officer, current trial lawyer, and considered one of the leading authorities of crime and...

Grammar Quirks: Courtney Summers on the Word ‘Loveology’
Grammar Quirks: Courtney Summers on the Word ‘Loveology’

Grammar Girl: What’s your favorite word and why? Courtney Summers: "Sleep," because it’s also one of my favorite things to do....

Grammar Quirks: Cherise Wolas on Cauliflowers and Cacophony
Grammar Quirks: Cherise Wolas on Cauliflowers and Cacophony

Grammar Girl talks with Cherise Wolas, author of The Family Tabor and The Resurrection of Joan Ashby, about grammar, her imaginative...

Books
Books

QUICK AND DIRTY TIPS BOOKS The Grammar Daily 365 Quick Tips for Successful Writing from Grammar GirlMignon FogartyWho Knew? 10,001...

A (Humorous) Guide to Handling People’s Opinions
A (Humorous) Guide to Handling People’s Opinions

My dad called me to talk about sex the other day, more specifically: my sex life. It wasn’t a chat...

Podcasts
Podcasts

PodcastsQDT is home to over a dozen podcasts. Check out our active hosts and their latest episodes below.Learn how to listen...

Top 10 Writing and Grammar Mistakes
Top 10 Writing and Grammar Mistakes

Top 10 Writing and Grammar Mistakes All the little details of writing are difficult, and even published authors can struggle...

Download: Grammar Girl’s ‘A’ Versus ‘An’ Quiz
Download: Grammar Girl’s ‘A’ Versus ‘An’ Quiz

Download: Grammar Girl's 'A' Versus 'An' Quiz A Versus An Downloadable 'A' and 'an' are indefinite articles. They mean the same...

Download: Nutrition Diva’s ‘The Snacker’ Meal Plan
Download: Nutrition Diva’s ‘The Snacker’ Meal Plan

Download: Nutrition Diva's 'The Snacker' Meal Plan 'The Snacker' Meal Plan DownloadableThe Nutrition Diva Snacker Meal Plan divides your 2,000...

Download: Nutrition Diva’s ‘Three-Square’ Meal Plan
Download: Nutrition Diva’s ‘Three-Square’ Meal Plan

Download: Nutrition Diva's 'Three-Square' Meal Plan 'Three-Square' Meal DownloadableBreak down your 2,000 daily calories into three meals (plus a snack!)...

Download This: Can You Ace Grammar Girl’s English Quiz?
Download This: Can You Ace Grammar Girl’s English Quiz?

Download This: Can You Ace Grammar Girl's English Quiz? English Quiz DownloadableDo you know how to pluralize names for groups...

Download: Grammar Girl’s Homophones and Homographs Quiz
Download: Grammar Girl’s Homophones and Homographs Quiz

Download: Grammar Girl's Homophones and Homographs Quiz Homophones and Homographs DownloadableWhat's the difference between a homophone and a homograph? Well,...

Download: Grammar Girl’s ‘Lay’ Versus ‘Lie’ Quiz
Download: Grammar Girl’s ‘Lay’ Versus ‘Lie’ Quiz

Download: Grammar Girl's 'Lay' Versus 'Lie' Quiz Lay Versus Lie DownloadableAre you ready to take this quiz? Lay back, get...

Download: Nutrition Diva’s Ultimate Guide to Sweeteners
Download: Nutrition Diva’s Ultimate Guide to Sweeteners

Download: Nutrition Diva's Ultimate Guide to Sweeteners Ultimate Guide to Sweeteners DownloadableSweeteners may not be the most nutritious, but you...

Download: Fiber 2.0—The New Health Benefits of Fiber
Download: Fiber 2.0—The New Health Benefits of Fiber

Download: Fiber 2.0—The New Health Benefits of Fiber Fiber has come a long way—this is not your grandma's bran muffin!Fiber...

Download: Grammar Girl’s ‘Who’ Versus ‘Whom’ Quiz
Download: Grammar Girl’s ‘Who’ Versus ‘Whom’ Quiz

Download: Grammar Girl's 'Who' Versus 'Whom' Quiz Who vs. Whom DownloadableHave you ever mixed up 'who' and 'whom'? Who hasn't?...

Download: Quick and Dirty Tips to Life After College
Download: Quick and Dirty Tips to Life After College

Download: Quick and Dirty Tips to Life After College Congrats new grad! You’ve put in the effort and now all...

Download: Grammar Girl’s Editing Checklist
Download: Grammar Girl’s Editing Checklist

Download: Grammar Girl's Editing Checklist Editing Checklist DownloadableYou wrote something great and now you're ready to start editing your work....

Curious State
Curious State

Oddities and unexpected gems of knowledge are hidden all around us. Let’s dig them up, one offbeat question at a...

Do All Adverbs End in ‘-Ly’?
Do All Adverbs End in ‘-Ly’?

Last week, I mentioned the concept of flat adverbs when we were talking about the word "funnest," so today, we'll...

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QDT [slide-anything id="48367"][recommended_articles_homepage] [homepage_latest_aricles] [homepage_trending_aricles] HOST SHOWCASE Grammar Girl Mignon Fogarty Mignon Fogarty is the founder of the Quick and...

Is ‘Funnest’ a Word?
Is ‘Funnest’ a Word?

Researching the word “funnest” and its close relation “funner” turned out to be a lot less fun than I had...

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FreebiesLeave QDT a little smarter than when you arrived. Browse our collection of downloadable guides and other goodies to help...

Advertise on Quick and Dirty Tips
Advertise on Quick and Dirty Tips

Advertise on Quick and Dirty Tips Thank you for your interest in advertising with Quick and Dirty Tips! We are...

What’s the point of regret?
What’s the point of regret?

Regret is our constant companion, tugging at our ear to remind us of our mistakes. Our follies. The kind of...

Contact quick and dirty tips team
Contact quick and dirty tips team

Contact team Contact the Quick and Dirty Tips Team If you have a question or comment for one of the...

About Quick and Dirty Tips
About Quick and Dirty Tips

About Quick and Dirty Tips Quick and Dirty Tips (QDT) features actionable advice from friendly, informed experts to help you live your best...

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FAQ 1. I have a question I would like one of the Quick and Dirty Tips experts to answer.  How...

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How to Listen You’ve got ears, we’ve got podcasts. QDT is home to a collection of weekly podcast shows hosted...

From Data Warehouses To A Shift in Mindset – Everything Your Business Needs To Become Data-Driven
From Data Warehouses To A Shift in Mindset – Everything Your Business Needs To Become Data-Driven

Data has radically changed business, impacting almost every industry and bringing them data-driven insights, automated processes, and clarity within decision...

Sample Page
Sample Page

This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will...

5 Industries That Are Leading in Productivity Innovation
5 Industries That Are Leading in Productivity Innovation

If you polled business owners from a wide range of industries about what they wanted most from their employees and...

Everything You Need to Know About Loans from Direct Lenders
Everything You Need to Know About Loans from Direct Lenders

Loans from direct lenders are among the most reliable ways to get yourself a loan. Online direct lenders might not...

What is Ethical Non-Monogamy?
What is Ethical Non-Monogamy?

Hello listeners! I'm on maternity leave, but this week I wanted to share with you an episode from another great...

Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms
Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms

Today's topic is the difference between abbreviations, acronyms, and initialisms. Abbreviations and acronyms Any shortened form of a word is...

How to Reduce Your Child’s Challenging Behavior
How to Reduce Your Child’s Challenging Behavior

Often parents describe their frustrations with their child in terms of what they perceive to be their child’s purposeful non-compliance...

Serial Comma
Serial Comma

Here's a listener: Hi, Grammar Girl. This is Patti from Houston... Patti and her friends are debating about the serial...

Dumbbells, Barbells, Machines, or Bands for Strength Training?
Dumbbells, Barbells, Machines, or Bands for Strength Training?

Listener Mia emailed me to ask: “What’s the best equipment to use for strength training?” I get this question a...

Why Am I So Sensitive? Neuroception Explained
Why Am I So Sensitive? Neuroception Explained

Today's episode is all about neuroception and the window of tolerance. Don't worry if you've never heard these terms before!...

How Changing Your Home Design Affects Your Way of Thinking and Productivity
How Changing Your Home Design Affects Your Way of Thinking and Productivity

Did you know that enacting some specific strategies while interior decorating can help improve your creativity? Consider using some of...

How to EMPOWER Yourself Against Emotional Triggers
How to EMPOWER Yourself Against Emotional Triggers

There are so many things happening in the world that are potentially triggering for folks. Events in the news, like...

5 In-Demand Jobs in 2022
5 In-Demand Jobs in 2022

There are various in-demand jobs in 2022 as companies begin to fill empty roles. In 2021, several million Americans left...

5 Tips to Remember Before Consolidating Your Debt
5 Tips to Remember Before Consolidating Your Debt

Debt consolidation is one of the best ways of reducing your interest payments to a single, affordable payment every month....

7 Tips to Avoid Cryptocurrency and NFT Scams
7 Tips to Avoid Cryptocurrency and NFT Scams

Prakash U. says, “Your crypto podcast was fascinating, and the interest rates from BlockFi and Gemini for stablecoins blew my...

3 TIPs to Reduce Emotional Overwhelm
3 TIPs to Reduce Emotional Overwhelm

We’ve spent quite a bit of time getting into our heads recently, so today we are going to talk about...

How to Use Third-Party Website Analytics to Inform Your Link Building Strategy
How to Use Third-Party Website Analytics to Inform Your Link Building Strategy

At this point, it’s pretty much common knowledge that link building is one of the most critical factors affecting your...

‘Call in Sick’ or ‘Call out Sick’?
‘Call in Sick’ or ‘Call out Sick’?

This is shaping up to be a nasty flu season, which prompted a listener named Marc to bring up a...

How to Discover Your Ikigai
How to Discover Your Ikigai

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” or “life,” and gai, meaning “benefit” or “worth.”...

Using a Guaranteed Stop Loss When Trading
Using a Guaranteed Stop Loss When Trading

If you don’t use risk management tools to protect your investments when forex trading, there is every chance your next...

Is a Reverse Mortgage the Right Fit for You?
Is a Reverse Mortgage the Right Fit for You?

In 1961, a Maine-based bank created the reverse mortgage loan, and it was later adopted by the United States Department...

What Kind of Flirt Are You?
What Kind of Flirt Are You?

Perhaps the most ambiguous or uncertain part of being in a romantic relationship is understanding signals of attraction. One of...

5 Tips for Growing a Successful Business
5 Tips for Growing a Successful Business

Businesses are evolving and there is tough competition among organizations to survive in the market. Startups struggle in their initial...

Social Trading Explained: Should You Copy Other Investors?
Social Trading Explained: Should You Copy Other Investors?

There has been lots of buzz and excitement around the crypto market over the past couple of years. This has...

7 Smart Ways to Invest Extra Money
7 Smart Ways to Invest Extra Money

Jessica A. in Texas says, “I’m a long-time listener and huge fan of your podcast! My husband and I are...

How Long Does It Take to See Results from Exercise?
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Exercise?

My clients always want to know how long it takes to see progress from exercise. And by progress, they usually...

How to Communicate More Effectively
How to Communicate More Effectively

Hey Project Parenthood listeners! I'm taking a week away from the podcast, but I'll be back next week with a...

5 Ways to Become an Active or Passive Real Estate Investor
5 Ways to Become an Active or Passive Real Estate Investor

Julie S. says, "Hi, Laura! I recently discovered your weekly podcast and have already binged a ton of episodes and...

The Truth Behind 4 Common Relationship Myths
The Truth Behind 4 Common Relationship Myths

Many of us carry around irrational or unfounded beliefs about how our relationships ought to be. We impart these beliefs...

5 Positive Ways To Use Tech For Your Mental Health
5 Positive Ways To Use Tech For Your Mental Health

It’s common to see screen time being vilified in mainstream media today, and some practices are toxic. Yet, there are...

4 Ways Parents Can Decrease Screen Time Conflict
4 Ways Parents Can Decrease Screen Time Conflict

Needing help with limiting a child’s screen time is pretty high up on the list of issues parents have these...

How to Build the Perfect Home Gym
How to Build the Perfect Home Gym

If you love working out but find going to the gym inconvenient or unappealing, building a home gym may be...

How to Understand and Fulfill Your Child’s Attachment Needs
How to Understand and Fulfill Your Child’s Attachment Needs

Your child came into existence with an instinct to seek closeness to a special person who will provide comfort, protection,...

The Santaback: An Ambiguous Figure of Speech
The Santaback: An Ambiguous Figure of Speech

Here's an interesting question from Lynn. "Hi, my name is Lynn, and I'm calling with a question about the use...

8 Tips to Encourage Productivity in Your Workplace
8 Tips to Encourage Productivity in Your Workplace

Productivity can be the key to your business’s success, but increasing productivity in the workplace can be daunting. As a...

Parent the Child You Have, Not the One You Wish You Had
Parent the Child You Have, Not the One You Wish You Had

When you find out that you'll be parenting a new child, all sorts of thoughts begin to float around in...

A Beginner’s Guide to Exercising at the Gym
A Beginner’s Guide to Exercising at the Gym

It’s the first week of 2022 and if this year is anything like previous years, getting in shape and losing...

18 Beliefs That Are Ruining Your Life (Part 2)
18 Beliefs That Are Ruining Your Life (Part 2)

In part one of this episode, I introduced you to schema. Schemas are deep-set beliefs, or negative patterns, that develop...

18 Beliefs That Are Ruining Your Life (Part 1)
18 Beliefs That Are Ruining Your Life (Part 1)

Today, we're going to discuss early maladaptive schemas. There are so many of them that this will be a 2-part...

How to Practice Radical Acceptance as a Parent
How to Practice Radical Acceptance as a Parent

Whether your child is a newborn or just graduated from college, you’re going to deal with situations that, as a...

6 Ways to Invest in Cryptocurrency (Including Tax-Friendly Options)
6 Ways to Invest in Cryptocurrency (Including Tax-Friendly Options)

You’ve probably noticed that the use of various cryptocurrencies is exploding! It seems like new coins and blockchain technologies are...

GIVE More to Your Relationships with Effective Communication
GIVE More to Your Relationships with Effective Communication

Do you have trouble starting or maintaining relationships with others, whether it be a romantic relationship, a relationship with a...

5 Ways to Update Your Childhood Bedroom
5 Ways to Update Your Childhood Bedroom

Due to the pandemic, many adult “children” were forced to move back with their parents. People who had assumed they...

Become a Smarter Worker….By Doing Jigsaw Puzzles
Become a Smarter Worker….By Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

In a world where demands on workers are higher than ever, it can be hard to stay on top of...

The Right Way to Engage Your Core
The Right Way to Engage Your Core

You’ve probably heard about the importance of having good core muscle strength. A strong core can improve posture, prevent back...

Your Complete Guide to 401(k) Retirement Accounts
Your Complete Guide to 401(k) Retirement Accounts

Most people know they should save for retirement; however, using a 401(k) may seem too overwhelming or complicated and prevent...

Good Debt vs Bad Debt: Your Plan for Paying Off Debt Faster
Good Debt vs Bad Debt: Your Plan for Paying Off Debt Faster

Many people think that all debt is bad and should be avoided or paid down as quickly as possible. However,...

How Trauma Hijacks the Brain
How Trauma Hijacks the Brain

Have you ever wondered how trauma might be impacting your brain? Today, I'm going to introduce the concept of the...

7 Ways to Boost Productivity
7 Ways to Boost Productivity

Employees working from home have more freedom to choose their hours, as long as they get their work done, and...

Rest Week: Why Taking Breaks From Exercising is Crucial
Rest Week: Why Taking Breaks From Exercising is Crucial

It’s the week of Thanksgiving and I know that many of you are looking forward to spending quality time with...

Internal Doors Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Internal Doors
Internal Doors Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Internal Doors

The global interior doors market will be valued at $85,410 million within the next few years. Surprisingly, a huge percentage...

Bitcoin for Beginners: Understanding the Future of Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin for Beginners: Understanding the Future of Cryptocurrency

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about bitcoin and cryptocurrency in the news these days. On October 20, 2021, bitcoin...

Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Stocks?
Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Stocks?

Is Q4 of 2021 a wise or foolish time to get involved in the equities markets? A quick look at...

Should You Install a VPN On Your Smartphone?
Should You Install a VPN On Your Smartphone?

VPNs for smartphones are a reliable way to securely protect your Internet activities. Since tons of personal data is sent...

7 Ways to I.M.P.R.O.V.E. Difficult Moments
7 Ways to I.M.P.R.O.V.E. Difficult Moments

Have you ever been in a situation that you truly disliked? And I mean truly. Your displeasure can range from...

The Fastest Way to Relieve Sciatica Pain at Home
The Fastest Way to Relieve Sciatica Pain at Home

Have you ever experienced pain on one side of your butt or hip that radiates down your leg? Describe this...

10 Crucial Money Rules Couples Should Follow
10 Crucial Money Rules Couples Should Follow

How you manage money as a couple depends on factors such as your commitment level, financial history, and goals. While...

What Should an Internal Ticket Management System Do?
What Should an Internal Ticket Management System Do?

Wouldn't it be nice to have better all-around team productivity from your web help desk? A help desk that is...

How To Make a Long-Distance Relationship Work
How To Make a Long-Distance Relationship Work

I met my husband when I was a freshman in college. We sat across from each other in our computer...

Kids Banking: 3 Account Types Every Parent Should Consider
Kids Banking: 3 Account Types Every Parent Should Consider

It's never too early to start teaching kids about money. And what better way to help them hone their financial...

How To Avoid Neck, Back, and Shoulder Pain From Using a Smartphone
How To Avoid Neck, Back, and Shoulder Pain From Using a Smartphone

Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in your neck, upper back, or shoulder from mobile device usage? You’re not alone—I’ve...

7 Types of Rest You’ve Been Missing
7 Types of Rest You’ve Been Missing

Are you tired? I know I have moments where a spontaneous 2-week vacation sounds amazing! You may be looking around...

How to Succeed at Graduate School
How to Succeed at Graduate School

Graduate school involves a huge commitment of time and money, so if you've decided to go, you want to be...

‘Beckon Call’ or ‘Beck and Call’?
‘Beckon Call’ or ‘Beck and Call’?

Dave J. asked, “What's the appropriate phrase—'beckon call' or 'beck and call'?” The correct phrase is “beck and call.” If you...

The Myth of Love Languages
The Myth of Love Languages

Last weekend, two married friends and I took our kids to a local theme park for a day out together....

‘Dos’ and ‘Dont’s’
‘Dos’ and ‘Dont’s’

THE QUICK AND DIRTY If you follow Chicago style, spell it "dos and don'ts." If you follow AP style, spell...

Relationshopping: Why Dating Apps Lead to Choice Overload
Relationshopping: Why Dating Apps Lead to Choice Overload

Using apps and online dating sites can be both an exciting and daunting experience. The next swipe or profile you...

The First Step to Solve Child Behavior Problems
The First Step to Solve Child Behavior Problems

If you’re listening to the Project Parenthood podcast, you might be hoping to learn some respectful parenting tools and collaborative...

What To Know Before You Cancel a Credit Card
What To Know Before You Cancel a Credit Card

Kaitlyn O. says, “I'm a big fan of the Money Girl podcast and have been listening for years! A while...

How Do Boundaries and Self-Esteem Affect Your Relationships?
How Do Boundaries and Self-Esteem Affect Your Relationships?

Do you find that your relationships are affected by poor boundaries and self-esteem? Or do you perhaps have too many...

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Indigenous Parenting Practices and You
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Indigenous Parenting Practices and You

Since 1992, when the city of Berkeley, CA officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day, it’s been a day...

7 Steps to Achieve Your Financial Goals Faster
7 Steps to Achieve Your Financial Goals Faster

Achieving your financial goals is all about getting one step closer to the life you daydream about, where you feel...

How To Cope With the Urge to Self-Harm
How To Cope With the Urge to Self-Harm

Have you ever wanted to bang your head on a wall and actually done it? Or secretly tried to cut...

Your Guide to Saving Money with an HSA Now and in Retirement
Your Guide to Saving Money with an HSA Now and in Retirement

One of my favorite tax-advantaged accounts is a health savings account or HSA. Not only does it allow you to...

5 Ways You Can Support Your Partner
5 Ways You Can Support Your Partner

Have you ever felt like your help went unnoticed or was unappreciated by your partner? Likewise, are there times you...

9 Tips For Building Trust With Your Child Using Validation
9 Tips For Building Trust With Your Child Using Validation

Like many parents who want to shift from control-based parenting to collaboration-based parenting, you likely just want things to get...

What to Eat Before, During, and After Your Workout
What to Eat Before, During, and After Your Workout

I’ve mentioned in a previous episode that fitness is like baking a cake. The essential ingredients for this cake are...

Will My On-Again Off-Again Relationship Work Out?
Will My On-Again Off-Again Relationship Work Out?

A friend, Jim, recently asked me for advice about his relationship. He said his girlfriend broke up with him because...

What is Sizeism and How to Fight It?
What is Sizeism and How to Fight It?

I’ve been following the news around Lizzo, and the sizeist and racist comments she has endured. Keeping it real and...

Stuck in a Situationship? Here’s How to Define the Relationship
Stuck in a Situationship? Here’s How to Define the Relationship

In the early stages of a relationship, there usually comes a natural point when both partners feel a desire to...

How to Tell Your Child about Their Neurodivergence
How to Tell Your Child about Their Neurodivergence

Finding out that your child has a neurodevelopmental diagnosis such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia can feel like a total departure...

Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Investment Model of Relationships
Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Investment Model of Relationships

We all have that one friend who constantly complains about their partner, but won’t actually leave the relationship. A perfect...

10 Things Every First-Time Investor Should Know
10 Things Every First-Time Investor Should Know

If you're like most people, you know investing money is a smart idea. But if you haven't gotten started because...

7 Tips for Great Form on the Assault Bike
7 Tips for Great Form on the Assault Bike

The assault bike (also referred to as a fan bike or an air bike) is one of the most effective...

‘Where’ Versus ‘In Which’
‘Where’ Versus ‘In Which’

Today, we’ll be looking at two constructions that are correct, but which one you choose depends on your audience. 'In...

Never Use Secret Tests in Your Relationship
Never Use Secret Tests in Your Relationship

It can be frustrating when a partner, or potential partner, behaves in a way that makes you feel uncertain: "Why...

Stationary Lunges Versus Squats: Which Is Better?
Stationary Lunges Versus Squats: Which Is Better?

Lunges and squats are fantastic full body exercises to increase muscle mass, build strength, and improve body tone. Both exercises...

7 Ways to Spot a Predator
7 Ways to Spot a Predator

Have you ever worried about your safety? Missed potential red flags with a new partner? Been the victim of a...

Starting a Sentence With ‘However’: Right or Wrong?
Starting a Sentence With ‘However’: Right or Wrong?

Today's topic is how to use the word however in a sentence. It's probably more complicated than you think it...

What is Ghosting and Why Do People Do It?
What is Ghosting and Why Do People Do It?

Ghosting is an unfortunately common experience for people who are dating. What is ghosting? Ghosting refers to the experience of...

Supersets: The Key to Shorter and More Effective Workouts
Supersets: The Key to Shorter and More Effective Workouts

What if you could shorten your strength training routine and make it more effective at the same time? What if this...

3 Ways to Cope When You’re Feeling Bad
3 Ways to Cope When You’re Feeling Bad

After reading the title of this episode, you might be thinking, “But I already know how to feel bad, Dr....

Are Sit-Ups and Crunches Bad for You?
Are Sit-Ups and Crunches Bad for You?

Sit-ups and crunches are popular exercises for working the abdominal muscles. They’re the go-to for most people who want to...

How to Teach Your Child About Body Boundaries
How to Teach Your Child About Body Boundaries

Hi parents! Today we're talking about setting the stage for your child’s early understanding of body autonomy and consent during...

Commas with Adjectives
Commas with Adjectives

When you use a string of adjectives, you often separate the adjectives with commas, as in “He is tall, dark,...

5 Ways to Nurture Your Child’s Self-Worth
5 Ways to Nurture Your Child’s Self-Worth

Today we're talking about the origins of your child’s self-worth, and the everyday ways you can make a regular practice...

13 Things You Must Do for More Financial Success
13 Things You Must Do for More Financial Success

To celebrate my 13th anniversary writing and hosting the Money Girl podcast, I've compiled a list of 13 things that are...

The Best Stories from 15 Years of Grammar Girl
The Best Stories from 15 Years of Grammar Girl

When I jotted some ideas down on a napkin in a coffee shop called The Kind Grind on the beach...

3 Exercises to Help With Knee Pain
3 Exercises to Help With Knee Pain

Exercise-related knee pain is one of the most common issues that comes up for my fitness clients, regardless of their...

How to Avoid a Gray Divorce
How to Avoid a Gray Divorce

Welcome to the Relationship Doctor podcast! I’m Dr. Rachel Vanderbilt and I’m excited to bring you advice backed by solid...

Online Dating: Should I Skip the Small Talk?
Online Dating: Should I Skip the Small Talk?

Welcome to the new and improved Relationship Doctor podcast! I’m Dr. Rachel Vanderbilt and I’m providing advice backed by relationship...

Should We Move In Before Marriage?
Should We Move In Before Marriage?

Welcome to the new and improved Relationship Doctor podcast! I’m Dr. Rachel Vanderbilt and I’m providing advice backed by relationship...

‘Fish’ or ‘Fishes’?
‘Fish’ or ‘Fishes’?

The noun "fish" has two different, completely acceptable plurals — "fish" and "fishes" — but "fish" is by far the...

Calm Your Nervous System to Calm Your Child
Calm Your Nervous System to Calm Your Child

Did you know that during high-stress interactions with your child, your breathing pattern, your facial expressions, your voice, and your...

Walking for Exercise: How to Get the Most Health Benefits?
Walking for Exercise: How to Get the Most Health Benefits?

Welcome to Get-Fit Guy. I’m your new host, Dr. Jonathan Su. Every week, I’ll share science-backed tips to help you get...

‘If’ Versus ‘Whether’
‘If’ Versus ‘Whether’

Today's topic is whether — not rain or snow, but whether w-h-e-t-h-e-r, as in whether you like it or not,...

3 Strategies for Becoming a Better Parent
3 Strategies for Becoming a Better Parent

Welcome to the Project Parenthood podcast! I’m Dr. Nanika Coor, a clinical psychologist and respectful parenting therapist. This podcast is...

What Is Respectful Parenting?
What Is Respectful Parenting?

Hi parents! I’m so excited to welcome you to the first episode of the Project Parenthood podcast. I’m Dr. Nanika...

Can I Start a Sentence with a Conjunction?
Can I Start a Sentence with a Conjunction?

Today’s topic is whether it’s OK to begin a sentence with and, but, or or. The short answer is yes,...

Sentence Length
Sentence Length

Long Sentences My dad has a memorable poster in his bathroom: a diagram of a ridiculously long sentence by Marcel...

Is “Graduated College” Wrong?
Is “Graduated College” Wrong?

Because it’s graduation season, my inbox is filling up again with complaints about people who say things such as “We’re...

How to Manage Distractions and Become More Productive
How to Manage Distractions and Become More Productive

You know how you strive to stay productive during the day…only to get sidetracked by the notifications on your phone...

“Bachelor’s Degree” or “Bachelors Degree”?
“Bachelor’s Degree” or “Bachelors Degree”?

Dawn wants to know how to write that someone was awarded a degree. Is it "bachelor's degree," "bachelors degree," or...

Blond or Blonde?
Blond or Blonde?

It sounds like a joke, but it's actually a legitimate question: How do you spell “blond"? ‘Blond’ Versus ‘Blonde’ The...

Afraid of a Loved One Dying? How to Keep Yourself Tethered to Now
Afraid of a Loved One Dying? How to Keep Yourself Tethered to Now

Recently, a listener wrote to me and asked about how to cope with being afraid of a loved one dying....

When to Use ‘Nor’
When to Use ‘Nor’

Today we’re going to get a bit negative by looking at the various times you can use the word “nor.”...

“People” or “Persons”?
“People” or “Persons”?

Nowadays, "people" is almost always the right choice when you are talking about more than one person. Some dictionaries don't...

‘People’ or ‘Persons’ ?
‘People’ or ‘Persons’ ?

Believe it or not, in the 1800s and early 1900s, many people objected to the use of “people” as I...

Why Are You Afraid to Ask Questions at Work?
Why Are You Afraid to Ask Questions at Work?

Here’s a thing that happens to me all the time: I’m facilitating a meeting with a team of executives and...

15 Hidden Cognitive Biases That Cost You Big Money
15 Hidden Cognitive Biases That Cost You Big Money

You’re not rational. I’m not rational. We’re emotional. Sometimes we’re annoyed. Sometimes we’re angry. Sometimes we’re just hangry. We’re really...

Is My Partner a Dark Triad Personality? 5 Red Flags and How to Leave
Is My Partner a Dark Triad Personality? 5 Red Flags and How to Leave

Recently, I read about a woman’s whirlwind dating experience that started out feeling romantic and ended with her seeking therapy...

Invest Money Wisely at Any Age: 7 Simple Principles
Invest Money Wisely at Any Age: 7 Simple Principles

The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis have triggered extreme stock market volatility. This week, Wall Street also saw the stock...

Beware the Dark Triad in Your Relationship
Beware the Dark Triad in Your Relationship

We've all had our share of relationships we regret. There was the one that went on too long because we...

Our Authors
Our Authors

Here's a list of all of our authors.

Get In Touch
Get In Touch

Lorem Ipsum Press is licensed by Bionetwork Ltd. Our office is located within the company's building. Address: Lorem 15 Str., 4844, Ipsum,...

The Right Amount of Emergency Money to Keep in Cash
The Right Amount of Emergency Money to Keep in Cash

No matter if you call it, an emergency fund or a cash reserve, the idea is that we all need...

Homepage
Homepage

Featured January 14, 2020The 11 Amazing Sunglasses Coming Back This Year To understand the new fashion watches and other pro...

‘Thank-You’ or ‘Thank You’?
‘Thank-You’ or ‘Thank You’?

I always get a lot of questions about hyphens when I do my AP style webinars, and it’s not surprising...

‘Acedia’: The Lost Name for the Emotion We’re All Feeling Right Now
‘Acedia’: The Lost Name for the Emotion We’re All Feeling Right Now

Julien-Pier Belanger/Unsplash, CC BY By Jonathan L. Zecher, Australian Catholic University With some communities in rebooted lockdown conditions and movement restricted...

4 Myths about Sulfites and Wine Busted
4 Myths about Sulfites and Wine Busted

If drinking red wine gives you a headache, you’ve probably had someone tell you that sulfites are the likely culprit....

7 Pros and Cons of Investing in a 401(k) Retirement Plan at Work
7 Pros and Cons of Investing in a 401(k) Retirement Plan at Work

A 401(k) retirement plan is one of the most powerful savings vehicles on the planet. If you’re fortunate enough to work for...

Brandon Sanderson on Writing, Character and Place Names, and the Future
Brandon Sanderson on Writing, Character and Place Names, and the Future

Brandon Sanderson is a #1 New York Times bestselling fantasy author with more than 30 books, which have been published...

The Meaning of ‘Just Desserts’
The Meaning of ‘Just Desserts’

If you’re at all like me, you could live on desserts. That’s with two S’s in the middle. The downside...

Why Am I So Hungry During My Period?
Why Am I So Hungry During My Period?

Q. When it's "that time of the month" I feel like my stomach is a bottomless pit. I can eat...

Was Parson Brown from ‘Winter Wonderland’ a Real Person?
Was Parson Brown from ‘Winter Wonderland’ a Real Person?

The other day, while humming “Winter Wonderland,” these two lines started to make me wonder: Who was Parson Brown? In the...

Ending a Sentence With a Preposition
Ending a Sentence With a Preposition

One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is whether it’s acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition. I...

Where Are You At?
Where Are You At?

Grammar Girl here, and today I’m going to tell you where it’s at! 'Where It's At' Just kidding. I used...

How Come We Say “How Come”?
How Come We Say “How Come”?

A listener named Barbara wrote in wondering about the phrase “how come.” She wrote: The other day I was formulating...

What To Do If You Contribute Too Much to an HSA, IRA or 401k
What To Do If You Contribute Too Much to an HSA, IRA or 401k

Amanda M. says: I contributed to my Roth IRA for 2020, but now I realize that my income will exceed...

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have for Good Credit?
How Many Credit Cards Should You Have for Good Credit?

Have you ever wondered, "How many credit cards should I have? Is it wise to have a wallet full of...

5 Ways to Deal with Entitled People
5 Ways to Deal with Entitled People

Lately, for whatever reason, I’ve been hearing a lot about entitled people. Earlier this week, a journalist emailed me and...

Why Doesn’t ‘Veterans Day’ Have an Apostrophe?
Why Doesn’t ‘Veterans Day’ Have an Apostrophe?

THE QUICK AND DIRTY The official name is "Veterans Day," but "Veterans' Day" is also grammatically correct. In the United...

How to Use the 5 Apology Languages
How to Use the 5 Apology Languages

We continue to live in unprecedented times—there's no playbook. We’re living and working differently than ever before, and we’re breaking...

Are Outdoor Elliptical Bikes Effective?
Are Outdoor Elliptical Bikes Effective?

I am a big fan of cycling because it's fun, a quick way to get around town, and a great...

What Happens to Saltwater Fish in Fresh Water?
What Happens to Saltwater Fish in Fresh Water?

Some of my best episodes, in my humble opinion, are inspired by the questions that my daughter asks me. To...

How to Deal with Mean Sarcasm
How to Deal with Mean Sarcasm

Sarcasm is like jazz—it’s hard to define, but you know it when you hear it. That’s because sarcasm, which is...

“Although” Versus “While”
“Although” Versus “While”

Today's topic is “although” versus “while.” I often have to tell people that their pet peeves aren't actually hard-and-fast grammar...

7 Home Remedies for Ulcers: Natural Herbs and Treatments
7 Home Remedies for Ulcers: Natural Herbs and Treatments

Stomach pain, bloating, heartburn ... the discomfort of ulcer symptoms is no joke! If you'd like to try some simple...

‘Whoa’ or ‘Woah’?
‘Whoa’ or ‘Woah’?

“Whoa” can mean “stop,” like in this Keanu Reeves clip from “Sweet November,” or it can mean “wow,” like he...

3 Meanings of ‘Out of Pocket’
3 Meanings of ‘Out of Pocket’

Out of pocket meaning - is there just one? In July 2015, a listener named Barb Mindel posted a question...

5 Investing Strategies That Can Harm Your Portfolio
5 Investing Strategies That Can Harm Your Portfolio

If you’re educating yourself on how to invest your money for the first time, books such as Thinking, Fast and Slow, The...

How to Defend Yourself Without Being Defensive
How to Defend Yourself Without Being Defensive

Something went wrong at work and fingers are pointing at you. You know it wasn’t your fault. Do you stand...

How to Have a Conversation with Your Critical Boss
How to Have a Conversation with Your Critical Boss

Over the years I’ve had bosses who inspired me, pushed me, challenged me, scared me, bored me, made me laugh,...

‘Each Other’ Versus ‘One Another’
‘Each Other’ Versus ‘One Another’

In the movie "Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure," the slacker protagonists Bill and Ted offer this advice to the world:...

‘Historic’ Versus ‘Historical’
‘Historic’ Versus ‘Historical’

The Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, just announced that Kamala Harris is his pick for vice president, and she is...

Should You Add Mineral Water to Your Diet?
Should You Add Mineral Water to Your Diet?

Do you need minerals in your water? A lot of people are concerned that fruits and vegetables are less nutritious...

Fire Up Your Personal Brand: An Interview with Dorie Clark
Fire Up Your Personal Brand: An Interview with Dorie Clark

Dorie Clark has become the go-to expert on personal branding and reinvention. She believes we all have something unique and...

7 Simple Tips to Help You Stop Feeling Inadequate
7 Simple Tips to Help You Stop Feeling Inadequate

Have you ever sat in a classroom or work meeting and felt small, like you didn’t belong there, as you...

Are You Dissociating? Here’s What to Do
Are You Dissociating? Here’s What to Do

Like gluten or ozone, dissociation is one of those things everyone has heard of, but few can really define. This...

How to Use LinkedIn to Be a Rockstar at Work
How to Use LinkedIn to Be a Rockstar at Work

Many people use LinkedIn as nothing more than an online Rolodex, a means of finding a job, or a quick...

What Does ‘A Few’ Mean? What Does ‘A Couple’ Mean?
What Does ‘A Few’ Mean? What Does ‘A Couple’ Mean?

One of our listeners recently wrote in, wondering about the proper way to describe quantities. She said her sixth-grade English...

Is Powdered Milk Bad For You?
Is Powdered Milk Bad For You?

Recently, a listener posted a question about powdered milk on my Facebook page. She was wondering whether it’s okay to...

How to Answer “Tell Me About a Time You Failed”
How to Answer “Tell Me About a Time You Failed”

You polished your resume, pounded the pavement, and landed the coveted job interview. Congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare and...

What Does ‘Bougie’ Mean? Does It Come From ‘Bourgeois’?
What Does ‘Bougie’ Mean? Does It Come From ‘Bourgeois’?

A listener recently wrote in to ask about the word “bougie.” He’d heard it being used to mean something elevated...

‘Re-Enter’ or ‘Reenter’?
‘Re-Enter’ or ‘Reenter’?

Last week, our editor at Quick and Dirty Tips had a question about hyphens as she was working on a...

Bullet Journaling—My Secret to Productivity, Creativity, and Balance
Bullet Journaling—My Secret to Productivity, Creativity, and Balance

Five years ago I started my own consulting business—cue the terror, stress, exhaustion, and overwhelm. I wanted to succeed and...

9 Exercises to Get Huge Quads at Home
9 Exercises to Get Huge Quads at Home

Recently I got a call on the Get-Fit Guy hotline from Dionne asking: I just have to know—what is the...

Productive, Happy, Focused—How Small Habits Bring Big Success
Productive, Happy, Focused—How Small Habits Bring Big Success

Today’s episode is a conversation with Jeff Sanders, host of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast and author of the The...

Are You Getting Gaslit? Here’s How to Respond
Are You Getting Gaslit? Here’s How to Respond

“That never happened; you must be imagining it.” “Everyone agrees with me—you’re overreacting.” “Wow, what’s it like to be insane?”...

3 Different Ways to Style ‘ZIP Code’ (or Is That ‘ZIP code’ or ‘zip code’?)
3 Different Ways to Style ‘ZIP Code’ (or Is That ‘ZIP code’ or ‘zip code’?)

Today, we’re going to start with rules but go heavy on history at the end because what I thought would...

Everything’s Changed—Is It Time to Reset Your Goals?
Everything’s Changed—Is It Time to Reset Your Goals?

We don't typically talk about setting goals in May. But there's nothing typical about this May. Many of you have...

How to Increase Your Muscle Definition
How to Increase Your Muscle Definition

A few weeks ago, I received a voicemail on the Get-Fit Guy hotline from a listener named Erin. She had...

What Does ‘Zhuzh’ Mean (and Why Is It So Hard to Spell)?
What Does ‘Zhuzh’ Mean (and Why Is It So Hard to Spell)?

I was thinking about the consonant sound /ʒ/ recently. You know, it’s the sound that begins the final syllable in...

How to Think Positive to Be More Productive
How to Think Positive to Be More Productive

At a time when days blend together and uncertainty pervades, there's so much that lives outside of our control. So...

Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time

  Many parts of the world are moving from standard time to daylight saving time (also called summer time) this...

3 Ways to Overcome Insecure Attachment in Relationships
3 Ways to Overcome Insecure Attachment in Relationships

This episode is part three of a three-part series on attachment styles. The first describes the four attachment styles. The...

5 Thoughtful Ways to Build Relationships Virtually
5 Thoughtful Ways to Build Relationships Virtually

As we continue to persist in this new version of normal, it's likely many of us will experience a sense...

4 Ways Your Attachment Style Affects Your Relationships
4 Ways Your Attachment Style Affects Your Relationships

This is part two of a three-part series of episodes on how attachment affects your intimate relationships. Last week, we...

How to Communicate Successfully When Working Remotely
How to Communicate Successfully When Working Remotely

Working remotely is not a new concept. According to CNBC, as of 2018, roughly 70 percent of the global workforce...

Which of These Four Attachment Styles Is Yours?
Which of These Four Attachment Styles Is Yours?

Have you seen the show How I Met Your Mother? It's about a bunch of flawed but lovable New Yorkers...

‘Celtic’ Pronunciation: Is It ‘Seltik” or “Keltik’?
‘Celtic’ Pronunciation: Is It ‘Seltik” or “Keltik’?

  My family loves basketball, and from my name, you may have guessed that I have some Irish heritage, so...

How to Curb Your Kid’s Sneaky Behavior
How to Curb Your Kid’s Sneaky Behavior

a At some point, our kids begin to test the waters with "little white lies" and other sneaky, manipulative maneuvers....

Top 10 Writing and Grammar Mistakes
Top 10 Writing and Grammar Mistakes

All the little details of writing are difficult, and even published authors can struggle to get everything right. Thankfully, these...

What Is Credit Card APR?
What Is Credit Card APR?

If you’ve ever shopped for a loan or gotten a credit card, you’ve seen the term APR, or annual percentage...

Top 10 Writing and Grammar Mistakes That Even Published Authors Make
Top 10 Writing and Grammar Mistakes That Even Published Authors Make

All the little details of writing are difficult, and even published authors can struggle to get everything right. Thankfully, these...

The History of the Word ‘Woman’
The History of the Word ‘Woman’

International Women’s Day is March 8. On this day, people around the world celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political...

Sleep Hygiene Doesn’t Cure Insomnia—Do This Instead
Sleep Hygiene Doesn’t Cure Insomnia—Do This Instead

Insomnia is one of the most frustrating experiences in our modern existence. You stare up at the ceiling (or worse,...

Is Body Groove the Full-Spectrum Movement Workout for You?
Is Body Groove the Full-Spectrum Movement Workout for You?

I received an email a while ago from a listener named Victoria who wanted to know what I thought of...

4 Simple Strategies to Boost Your Creativity and Be More Productive
4 Simple Strategies to Boost Your Creativity and Be More Productive

We all want to be productive. Checking boxes, crossing items off our lists—is there anything more satisfying? We tend to...

What Does ‛Mardi Gras’ Mean?
What Does ‛Mardi Gras’ Mean?

  It’s the end of February, which means Mardi Gras is almost here! When we think of Mardi Gras, we...

7 Meaningful Ways to Build an Unbreakable Mother-Daughter Relationship
7 Meaningful Ways to Build an Unbreakable Mother-Daughter Relationship

The mother-daughter connection is like none other. It’s an intense, special bond that is instrumental in the lives of both....

Why ‘XOXO’ Means ‘Hugs and Kisses’
Why ‘XOXO’ Means ‘Hugs and Kisses’

  If you want to try something fun this Valentine’s Day, type “XOXO” into a Facebook comment. It’s shorthand for...

Download: Fiber 2.0—The New Health Benefits of Fiber
Download: Fiber 2.0—The New Health Benefits of Fiber

Fiber has come a long way—this is not your grandma's bran muffin! Fiber may seem like a frumpy nutrient, but...

Why Oxytocin Is Incredible and How to Get More of It
Why Oxytocin Is Incredible and How to Get More of It

What is oxytocin? You know those warm and fuzzy feelings you get when you cuddle a puppy, hug your friend,...

How Did the Days of the Week Get Their Names?
How Did the Days of the Week Get Their Names?

To talk about how we got the names of the days of the week, we have to go back in...

‘Disinterested’ Versus ‘Uninterested’
‘Disinterested’ Versus ‘Uninterested’

  You want the referee of your game to be disinterested. You don’t want the referee to have a bet...

Capitalizing Dog Breeds
Capitalizing Dog Breeds

Although the website for the American Kennel Club and dog-specific publications such as Bark magazine and Dogster seem to capitalize all the words in breed names,...

Leadership is Everyone—Jocko Willink on Owning Your Success
Leadership is Everyone—Jocko Willink on Owning Your Success

Today’s episode is an interview with Jocko Willink, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer and New York Times #1 bestselling...

High Odds or Low Odds?
High Odds or Low Odds?

High odds mean that if you’ve placed a bet, you’ll win a high payout; and low odds mean that if...

Family Estrangement—Why Families Cut Ties and How to Mend Them
Family Estrangement—Why Families Cut Ties and How to Mend Them

Family estrangement is one of my most requested topics from listeners and readers coping with the loss and isolation they...

‘Could Care Less’ Versus ‘Couldn’t Care Less’
‘Could Care Less’ Versus ‘Couldn’t Care Less’

When people tell me their pet peeves, they often mention the phrase “could care less.” They claim it should be...

Play Grammar Pop Free on the Web
Play Grammar Pop Free on the Web

Grammar Pop is a mobile game originally developed for iOS devices. Now, for the first time, you can play it...

Plenity Is the New Weight Loss Drug in Town—Does It Work?
Plenity Is the New Weight Loss Drug in Town—Does It Work?

Nutrition Diva listener John recently asked me to weigh in on a new FDA approved weight loss drug called Gelesis100. ...

Can Whole-Body Vibration Training Make You Fit?
Can Whole-Body Vibration Training Make You Fit?

Although these rather bland-looking platforms are only recently popping up in gyms and spas, whole-body vibration training (WBVT) has been...

Science Says It Takes This Long to Form a Habit
Science Says It Takes This Long to Form a Habit

Flossing every day, running more, eating more vegetables—whatever our goals, around four in ten of us will make resolutions to improve ourselves...

Want to Reconnect with Your Partner? Have an Intimate Conversation
Want to Reconnect with Your Partner? Have an Intimate Conversation

You and your partner seem to be at a crossroads. The two of you haven’t really connected in a while....

Is Astrology Real? Here’s What Science Says
Is Astrology Real? Here’s What Science Says

Is astrology real? Reading horoscopes is a popular diversion, but is there any science to suggest it means anything? Inspiration...

Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Astronaut?
Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Astronaut?

As of December 4, 2019, 565 people from 41 countries have gone into space. That’s it. 565 out of more than 7...

Set Boundaries at Work with the Awesome Power of “No”
Set Boundaries at Work with the Awesome Power of “No”

When my first daughter was born, I considered naming her Nola. But as my sage (and handsome!) husband pointed out,...

How to Make Family Names Plural
How to Make Family Names Plural

Spending time with family is a big part of the holidays, and thinking about family reminded me of a few...

‘More Than’ Vs. ‘Over’—Why the Associated Press Changed Its Stance
‘More Than’ Vs. ‘Over’—Why the Associated Press Changed Its Stance

I recently got a listener question about "more than" and "over": ”Hi, Mignon. My name is Andrea. About 20 years...

Why “We Need to Talk” Isn’t the Best Way to Save Your Relationship
Why “We Need to Talk” Isn’t the Best Way to Save Your Relationship

It is a truth universally acknowledged that among the most dreaded four words anyone can hear from a partner are...

How to Self-Promote at Work Without Feeling Icky
How to Self-Promote at Work Without Feeling Icky

Does the idea of having to self-promote leave you feeling like you need a shower? Sometimes, it seems showy and...

What Does ‘Cold Turkey’ Mean? Plus the Meaning of 5 Other ‘Turkey’ Phrases
What Does ‘Cold Turkey’ Mean? Plus the Meaning of 5 Other ‘Turkey’ Phrases

Thanksgiving is the U.S. holiday that many people jokingly call “Turkey Day.” That’s because most people celebrate the occasion by...

Single Quotation Marks Versus Double Quotation Marks
Single Quotation Marks Versus Double Quotation Marks

  Today's topic is single quotation marks versus double quotation marks. How to Use Double Quotation Marks Most people think...

The Mariana Trench is 7 Miles Deep—What’s Down There?
The Mariana Trench is 7 Miles Deep—What’s Down There?

Somewhere between Hawaii and the Philippines near the small island of Guam, far below the surface of the water, sits...

What Should You Do if Your Partner Is Addicted to Video Games?
What Should You Do if Your Partner Is Addicted to Video Games?

Your partner seems to be spending more and more time playing their favorite online video game. They’re up late at...

How to Show Sarcasm in Text
How to Show Sarcasm in Text

This sentence begins the best article you will ever read. Chances are you thought that last statement might be sarcasm....

Ghost Words
Ghost Words

In 1886, a lexicographer named Walter Skeat first used the phrase “ghost words” to describe words that he said had...

How Can You Tell If You Have Perfect Pitch?
How Can You Tell If You Have Perfect Pitch?

Mariah Carey, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Mozart, Beethoven, Jimi Hendrix, and Yanni. What do these musicians have in common? They're...

3 Rules to Help You With Compound Possession
3 Rules to Help You With Compound Possession

A listener named Katie wrote in with this question: How do you show possession to more than one noun? For...

Do You Use ‘On’ With Days and Dates?
Do You Use ‘On’ With Days and Dates?

One of our listeners wrote in recently with a question. He wanted to know whether to use the word “on”...

How to Pronounce ‘Primer’
How to Pronounce ‘Primer’

A couple of weeks ago when I did the show on Esperanto, I mentioned that Dr. Zamenhof wrote a primer...

The Quirky Australian Present Perfect Tense
The Quirky Australian Present Perfect Tense

A listener named Milton asked why Australians use the present perfect tense for the past tense. For example, he said...

Weights versus Cardio: Keep Them Separate or Combine?
Weights versus Cardio: Keep Them Separate or Combine?

A while back, I received a message on Facebook from listener Lindsey. She said: In another episode you talked about...

Weights vs. Cardio: Keep Them Separate or Combine?
Weights vs. Cardio: Keep Them Separate or Combine?

A while back, I received a message on Facebook from listener Lindsey. She said: “In another episode you talked about...

‘It Is I’ Versus ‘It Is Me’
‘It Is I’ Versus ‘It Is Me’

It is I, Grammar Girl, here to help you understand when to use the words “I” and “me.” A listener...

‘In Hospital’ or ‘In the Hospital’?
‘In Hospital’ or ‘In the Hospital’?

Cathy from Maryland wrote, "I have a question for you. When I read a novel that's written in England, they...

‘Math’ or ‘Maths’?
‘Math’ or ‘Maths’?

Let’s start by establishing that both of these words are short for “mathematics,” the science of numbers and their operations....

What Does ‘in Your Wheelhouse’ Mean?
What Does ‘in Your Wheelhouse’ Mean?

Have you ever wondered about the term “wheelhouse?” Our listener named Heidi did. She asked, “Have you guys noticed the...

9 Tips for Writing Scripts and Speeches
9 Tips for Writing Scripts and Speeches

Today, we’re going to tackle two of the scariest things you may ever be asked to do: writing and delivering...

Is ‘Aks a Question’ Proper English?
Is ‘Aks a Question’ Proper English?

Today, we have a tidbit about the word that’s spelled A-S-K. You’ll usually hear this pronounced “ask”—but sometimes, you’ll hear...

Apostrophe Catastrophe (Part Two)
Apostrophe Catastrophe (Part Two)

You didn’t realize it at the time, but last week was part I of apostrophes, and today is part II. Today's...

What Is Chernobyl Like Today?
What Is Chernobyl Like Today?

Eerie images from the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster still haunt us 30 years later. What is Chernobyl like...

Apostrophe Catastrophe (Part One)
Apostrophe Catastrophe (Part One)

When I was in second grade, I lost a spelling bee because I misspelled the word “its.” I put an apostrophe...

Ampersand
Ampersand

In the recent episode about vacation words, we said that you write the abbreviation for “rest and relaxation” with an...

Spoonerisms, Mondegreens, Eggcorns, and Malapropisms
Spoonerisms, Mondegreens, Eggcorns, and Malapropisms

This is one of a few questions I got about mondegreens after I mentioned them in a recent episode about...

Why Do Some People Call Green Peppers ‘Mango Peppers’?
Why Do Some People Call Green Peppers ‘Mango Peppers’?

Here's an interesting question from a Grammar Girl podcast listener: “Hey, Grammar Girl. I have what I think is a...

All the Different Ways We Pronounce the Letter T
All the Different Ways We Pronounce the Letter T

A few episodes ago, I talked about why the T sound sometimes seems to be missing from words like “kitten”...

‘All of a Sudden’ or ‘All of the Sudden’?
‘All of a Sudden’ or ‘All of the Sudden’?

A few months ago in a Slack channel for podcasters, one of my friends posted a grammar gripe. He wrote,...

‘Foward’ and ‘Forward’
‘Foward’ and ‘Forward’

A listener named Paul posted this kindly worded comment on Facebook. He wrote, “Mignon, I love your podcast. I have...

Why Does ‘Love’ Mean ‘Zero’ in Tennis?
Why Does ‘Love’ Mean ‘Zero’ in Tennis?

The first Wimbledon championships were held in 1877. They featured a field of 22 men, who were advised to bring...

Why Some People Never Apologize
Why Some People Never Apologize

What is the deal with not apologizing? Eminem says no apologies. Demi Lovato is sorry, not sorry. Gibbs on NCIS...

The Importance of Forearm Strength and How to Build It
The Importance of Forearm Strength and How to Build It

I received an email from a listener named Trish a few weeks ago all about the importance of forearm strength....

Are You Using Hyphens Correctly?
Are You Using Hyphens Correctly?

A lot of people get confused about when to use hyphens when writing ages, and I think it’s because sometimes...

The Scientific Evidence for the Health Benefits of Cordyceps
The Scientific Evidence for the Health Benefits of Cordyceps

A stronger immune system, more energy, improved endurance, and better stamina … one ingredient promises all of that. Whether it’s...

Relationship Doctor
Relationship Doctor

Dr. Rachel Vanderbilt is a relationship scientist whose research examines how we communicate in our romantic relationships. On the Relationship...

Dangling Participles
Dangling Participles

What Is a Participle? Before we talk about what it means to dangle a participle, we have to answer the...

Download: Quick and Dirty Tips to Life After College
Download: Quick and Dirty Tips to Life After College

Congrats new grad! You’ve put in the effort and now all your hard work has paid off—you have a degree...

‘Dilemma’ or ‘Dilemna’?
‘Dilemma’ or ‘Dilemna’?

Do you have trouble spelling the word “dilemma”? I’m nearly certain I was taught the wrong spelling in school, and...

How Do You Pronounce ‘Chipotle’?
How Do You Pronounce ‘Chipotle’?

May 5 is Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces in The Battle...

‘So’ and ‘So That’: Coordinating or Subordinating Conjunctions?
‘So’ and ‘So That’: Coordinating or Subordinating Conjunctions?

Today’s question comes from Matt Mullan, a teacher I met a few years ago at the National Council for Teachers...

‘Sneaked’ or ‘Snuck’?
‘Sneaked’ or ‘Snuck’?

A listener named Salomé from Santa Clara, California, wrote, “I have a question regarding the word ‘sneaked’ versus ‘snuck.’ I...

Have You Noticed People Not Pronouncing Their T’s?
Have You Noticed People Not Pronouncing Their T’s?

Two of our listeners wrote in recently to ask about a speech pattern they’d noticed: the habit of people dropping...

Do You Capitalize ‘God’?
Do You Capitalize ‘God’?

Christians, Jews, and Muslims will all be celebrating religious holidays in the coming weeks, so it seems like a good...

What Is a Schwa?
What Is a Schwa?

The 1987 movie “The Princess Bride,” directed by Rob Reiner, is the source of more catch phrases and funny lines...

Failure to Launch Syndrome
Failure to Launch Syndrome

Failure to launch: it may be a 2006 Matthew McConaughey movie given one star by Roger Ebert, but more often,...

These Ones
These Ones

(Paraphrased listener question) When my son was in elementary school, I started hearing kids use the phrases “these ones” and...

How Long Can a Person Hold Their Breath?
How Long Can a Person Hold Their Breath?

As a parent, I often find myself asking questions I never thought I would ask: How long can someone survive...

3 Phrases for St. Patrick’s Day … and 1 to Avoid
3 Phrases for St. Patrick’s Day … and 1 to Avoid

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up March 17. With that in mind, today we’re going to talk about three phrases...

Why Animal Sounds Are Different in Different Languages
Why Animal Sounds Are Different in Different Languages

  Here’s a question for you: In what world do “baraag,” “toot,” “toerroe,” “baaa,” “paoh-paoh,” and “u-u-u” all mean the...

What Does the ‘D’ in ‘D-Day’ Mean?
What Does the ‘D’ in ‘D-Day’ Mean?

  The 75th anniversary of D-Day is coming up in just a few months and that made me think about...

Never Forget How to Spell ‘Bureaucracy’ Again
Never Forget How to Spell ‘Bureaucracy’ Again

  I’ve been interviewing authors for the podcast lately, and one question we always ask is what words give them...

What’s Your Family Slang?
What’s Your Family Slang?

In 2017, I asked people on Twitter what it's called when a family has words only they understand, and some...

How Do Meteorologists Calculate ‘Feels Like’ Temperature?
How Do Meteorologists Calculate ‘Feels Like’ Temperature?

Meteorologists talk not only about what the temperature will be outside, but also what that temperature “feels like.” Why are...

What to Do When Nothing Feels Good
What to Do When Nothing Feels Good

Listener Maro from Argentina wrote in and noted that recently, he hasn’t been enjoying things the way he used to....

What Does It Mean to ‘Punt’ Something?
What Does It Mean to ‘Punt’ Something?

The Super Bowl is right around the corner. So with that in mind, today we’re going to talk about “punting.”...

What Are Run-On Sentences?
What Are Run-On Sentences?

Today, we turn to run-on sentences. I bet a lot of you think that run-on sentences are just really long...

‘Myriad’ or ‘A Myriad Of’?
‘Myriad’ or ‘A Myriad Of’?

I like myriad 10,000 Maniacs songs—"These Are Days," "Candy Everybody Wants," "Few and Far Between," and probably more that I...

How to Use an Asterisk
How to Use an Asterisk

Today we’re talking about the asterisk: how you use it and how it differs from other footnote symbols. What Is...

‘Purposely’ Versus ‘Purposefully’
‘Purposely’ Versus ‘Purposefully’

A listener named Manasi says she has been avoiding the words “purposely” and “purposefully” because she isn’t sure of the...

Colons
Colons

Today's topic is how to use colons. One of my favorite old grammar books, titled "Punctuate It Right," has a wonderful name...

Why Do People Say ‘Yeah, No’?
Why Do People Say ‘Yeah, No’?

What part of “no” don’t you understand? Some of you may remember a song with this title released by Lorrie...

‘Methinks’ Isn’t What You Think
‘Methinks’ Isn’t What You Think

  Have you ever wondered what's up with the weird word “methinks”? Why does it use an object for a...

Pronouns and Antecedents
Pronouns and Antecedents

Pronouns and Their Antecedents Today we’re going to talk about pronouns that don't clearly match up with the nouns they...

How to Stop Feeling Overly Responsible
How to Stop Feeling Overly Responsible

Being a responsible person is usually a good thing—it means you’re committed, dependable, accountable, and care about others. It’s the...

How to Get Fit Using Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
How to Get Fit Using Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or electromyostimulation, is a protocol that elicits a muscle...

6 Ways to Deal with Nosy Questions
6 Ways to Deal with Nosy Questions

“Are you guys thinking about having kids?” “How much did your new house cost?” “Why aren’t you drinking?” “Haven’t you...

Pronoun Order
Pronoun Order

Lately, people have been asking a lot of questions about pronouns and what order to put them in relative to...

‘Flier’ or ‘Flyer’?
‘Flier’ or ‘Flyer’?

A question I get a lot is how to spell “flyer” (or is that “flier”?), as in “I want to...

Why ‘Penultimate’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Best’
Why ‘Penultimate’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Best’

  It’s not uncommon to see people misuse the word “penultimate” to describe something as better than the best, even...

6 Possible Scientific Reasons for Ghosts
6 Possible Scientific Reasons for Ghosts

If you believe in ghosts, you are far from alone. Around 45% of Americans believe in ghosts and as many...

What Is the Plural of ‘Mouse’?
What Is the Plural of ‘Mouse’?

Today’s topic is irregular plural nouns, odd nouns such as “ox” and “oxen.” Robbie from Keene, New Hampshire, called in...

‘A’ Versus ‘An’
‘A’ Versus ‘An’

A lot of people learned the rule that you put “a” before words that start with consonants and “an” before words that start with...

‘In Regard To’ Versus ‘In Regards To’
‘In Regard To’ Versus ‘In Regards To’

Jackie H. asked, "Is it correct to say 'In regards to...' or 'In regard to...'? I have used 'regards' for...

How to Use ‘Myself’ and Other Reflexive Pronouns
How to Use ‘Myself’ and Other Reflexive Pronouns

How to use the word “myself” is one of the top 10 or 20 questions I get. Here’s an example:...

Want to Jump Higher? 8 Ways to Improve Your Vertical Leap
Want to Jump Higher? 8 Ways to Improve Your Vertical Leap

Leg muscle power and vertical jump performance are considered critical elements for successful athletic performance, not to mention for simply...

‘None Is’ or ‘None Are’?
‘None Is’ or ‘None Are’?

  When you’re thinking about singulars and plurals, you often consider whether you have one or many of something, but...

How to Use Semicolons
How to Use Semicolons

  Today's topic is semicolons. I get a lot of questions about semicolons, so it's time to clear up some...

Why Do Victims Go Back to Their Abusers?
Why Do Victims Go Back to Their Abusers?

According to a CDC survey, one in four women and one in nine men are victims of physical or sexual...

‘Duct Tape’ or ‘Duck Tape’?
‘Duct Tape’ or ‘Duck Tape’?

Many people have asked whether the correct term is “duct tape” or “duck tape” or if maybe both exist and...

‘Gray’ or ‘Grey’?
‘Gray’ or ‘Grey’?

Have you ever wondered why you see "gray" spelled two different ways? "Grey" is the preferred spelling in British English, but...

Why ‘Quick and Dirty’ Tips?
Why ‘Quick and Dirty’ Tips?

Yael, who left a nice review on Apple podcasts, asked a question I get asked a lot. “I get that...

The Legacy of Schoolhouse Rock!
The Legacy of Schoolhouse Rock!

What follows is a lightly edited transcript of a Stitcher Premium bonus podcast. Grammar Girl: Grammar Girl here. I'm Mignon...

Is Drinking Milk Unnatural?
Is Drinking Milk Unnatural?

I recently got a note from Diane, who was upset with me for supporting the consumption of dairy products. “No...

Is Your Child Manipulative? 5 Helpful Strategies
Is Your Child Manipulative? 5 Helpful Strategies

When one of my kid's goes out of their way to tell me how great I look, particularly when I'm...

‘Facetious,’ ‘Sarcastic,’ or ‘Sardonic’?
‘Facetious,’ ‘Sarcastic,’ or ‘Sardonic’?

A listener named Carrie asked, "What’s the difference between ‘facetious,’ ‘sarcastic,’ and ‘sardonic'?" "Facetious," "sarcastic," and "sardonic" all have similar...

Is Conversate a Word?
Is Conversate a Word?

A while ago, I was on a call-in radio program, and one of the callers asked about the words “commentate”...

What Are Chemtrails Made Of?
What Are Chemtrails Made Of?

If you’ve never heard of chemtrails, don't fret. Before spending time in Southern California I hadn't heard of them either....

Why People Say ‘Pardon My French’
Why People Say ‘Pardon My French’

Bonjour! Today we're discussing some historical and linguistic connections between French and English, covering topics as varied as the Bastille,...

Norwegians using ‘Texas’ to mean ‘crazy’ actually isn’t so crazy
Norwegians using ‘Texas’ to mean ‘crazy’ actually isn’t so crazy

Laurel Stvan, University of Texas Arlington If you haven’t heard by now, the American press recently picked up on an...

‘Kinda,’ ‘Wanna,’ and ‘Gonna’: Real Words or Not?
‘Kinda,’ ‘Wanna,’ and ‘Gonna’: Real Words or Not?

How can words that native English speakers say every day not be real words in most dictionaries? Forms like “hafta,"...

The Candida Diet: Separating Fact from Fiction
The Candida Diet: Separating Fact from Fiction

A listener writes: “I have recurrent problems with candida or yeast. I have seen articles stating that I should eat...

How to Write a Thank-You Note
How to Write a Thank-You Note

I write a lot of thank-you notes. I thank donors of organizations that I support, gift givers after the holidays...

Download: Nutrition Diva’s Ultimate Guide to Sweeteners
Download: Nutrition Diva’s Ultimate Guide to Sweeteners

  Ultimate Guide to Sweeteners Downloadable Sweeteners may not be the most nutritious, but you don't have to completely get...

Download: Grammar Girl’s ‘Who’ Versus ‘Whom’ Quiz
Download: Grammar Girl’s ‘Who’ Versus ‘Whom’ Quiz

  Who vs. Whom Downloadable Have you ever mixed up 'who' and 'whom'? Who hasn't? Or wait... is it actually...

Download: Grammar Girl’s ‘Lay’ Versus ‘Lie’ Quiz
Download: Grammar Girl’s ‘Lay’ Versus ‘Lie’ Quiz

  Lay Versus Lie Downloadable Are you ready to take this quiz? Lay back, get comfortable... but wait. Is it...

Download: Grammar Girl’s Homophones and Homographs Quiz
Download: Grammar Girl’s Homophones and Homographs Quiz

  Homophones and Homographs Downloadable What's the difference between a homophone and a homograph? Well, it's easy to mistake the...

Download: Nutrition Diva’s ‘Three-Square’ Meal Plan
Download: Nutrition Diva’s ‘Three-Square’ Meal Plan

  'Three-Square' Meal Downloadable Break down your 2,000 daily calories into three meals (plus a snack!) with Nutrition Diva's 'Three-Square'...

Download: Grammar Girl’s Editing Checklist
Download: Grammar Girl’s Editing Checklist

  Editing Checklist Downloadable You wrote something great and now you're ready to start editing your work. Don't worry, Grammar...

Download: Nutrition Diva’s ‘The Snacker’ Meal Plan
Download: Nutrition Diva’s ‘The Snacker’ Meal Plan

  'The Snacker' Meal Plan Downloadable The Nutrition Diva Snacker Meal Plan divides your 2,000 daily calories among six small...

Download This: Can You Ace Grammar Girl’s English Quiz?
Download This: Can You Ace Grammar Girl’s English Quiz?

  English Quiz Downloadable Do you know how to pluralize names for groups that go by singular names? What about...

Is a Troop One Person or a Group?
Is a Troop One Person or a Group?

Today, Neal Whitman will help us understand why the word “troops” can refer to the number of individuals or groups....

6 Ways to Save and Invest Money for Kids
6 Ways to Save and Invest Money for Kids

There’s no doubt that raising kids is expensive. According to a 2017 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the...

10 Nutrition Worries You Can Stop Stressing About
10 Nutrition Worries You Can Stop Stressing About

A recent survey by the American Psychiatric Association found that we are more anxious than ever, about health, finances, relationships,...

Fascinating Words for Colors (and the Battle of Magenta)
Fascinating Words for Colors (and the Battle of Magenta)

This a Stitcher Premium exclusive Grammar Girl podcast episode. Want to hear it? Head to Click to check for reference and use...

When to Capitalize Articles (Such as “the”) in Publication Names
When to Capitalize Articles (Such as “the”) in Publication Names

Recently, readers wrote in to question why I capitalized "the" as part of the newspaper name in the sentence "Yesterday...

What Is a Cipher?
What Is a Cipher?

“Cipher” comes from an Arabic word that means “zero, empty, or nothing.” The Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, and so...

Why Do People Say ‘Warsh’ Instead of ‘Wash’?
Why Do People Say ‘Warsh’ Instead of ‘Wash’?

A listener named Matt wants to know why some speakers of American English pronounce the word “wash” as “warsh.” This...

‘Lay’ Versus ‘Lie’
‘Lay’ Versus ‘Lie’

Today's topic is "lay" versus "lie." How to Remember the Difference Between 'Lay' and 'Lie' Here are four ways to...

Do Microwaves Cause Cancer? (And 3 Other Microwave Myths)
Do Microwaves Cause Cancer? (And 3 Other Microwave Myths)

  In 1946, an engineer was working near a piece of equipment known as a magnetron which is part of...

10 Ways to Help Your Stinky Teen Beat Body Odor
10 Ways to Help Your Stinky Teen Beat Body Odor

Remember that sweet, miraculous smell you inhaled when you held your precious newborn for the first time? Hang on to...

Does BODYPUMP Work? The Science Behind the Workout
Does BODYPUMP Work? The Science Behind the Workout

After doing some undercover investigation into the Orangetheory Fitness gym chain, I received a flurry of email requests from listeners...

What’s It Called When You Refer to Yourself By Name?
What’s It Called When You Refer to Yourself By Name?

Recently, Grammar Girl listener Mark J. Yevchak‎ wrote in with an interesting question. He’d been watching the HBO miniseries “Generation...

The Difference Between ‘Disinformation’ and ‘Misinformation’
The Difference Between ‘Disinformation’ and ‘Misinformation’

  The “mis-“ prefix and the “dis-“ prefix can both negate things in a lot of ways, and they have...

Parts of Speech
Parts of Speech

Articles Articles are short words that come before nouns. There are two types of articles: indirect articles and direct articles....

Do ‘Pin’ and ‘Pen’ Sound Alike to You?
Do ‘Pin’ and ‘Pen’ Sound Alike to You?

A listener named Anne wrote in with this question:  Have you written anything about the way some people pronounce short...

Top Ten Grammar Myths
Top Ten Grammar Myths

March 4 is National Grammar Day, so I have a special top-10 show to celebrate the occasion, and before you...

How to Pronounce ‘Coyote’
How to Pronounce ‘Coyote’

A  few years ago, I was listening to the Range podcast made by two of my friends — Julia Ritchey...

How Close is Too Close to Live by the Highway?
How Close is Too Close to Live by the Highway?

In Southern California, an estimated 1.2 million people live within 500 feet of the freeway even though the California Environmental...

Can You Absorb Nutrients Through Your Skin?
Can You Absorb Nutrients Through Your Skin?

When we think about taking nutrients into our bodies, we usually think about swallowing them, in the form of pills,...

What Is ‘Synesis’? A Reason to Ignore Prepositional Phrases
What Is ‘Synesis’? A Reason to Ignore Prepositional Phrases

  Every month or two I get a question like this one from Scott. He says he’s been fighting with...

14 Tips to Stop Impulse Buying and Save Money
14 Tips to Stop Impulse Buying and Save Money

No matter how frugal you are, no one is immune from making impulse purchases from time to time. But the...

‘Data Is’ or ‘Data Are’?
‘Data Is’ or ‘Data Are’?

Let’s say you just backed up your computer, and you get a message that says, “Your data is now safe.”...

The Best Jump Rope Workouts for Beginners and Experts
The Best Jump Rope Workouts for Beginners and Experts

Since I was in grade school, Jump Rope for Heart has promoted fitness in schools while also raising money for heart health...

How Do We Measure Time? 5+ Innovative Ways
How Do We Measure Time? 5+ Innovative Ways

Most of us take for granted that we have the power to monitor the passage of time, to know at...

When to Delete ‘That’
When to Delete ‘That’

Several listeners have asked when they should omit the subordinating conjunction "that" in their writing. For example, should you write...

‘Based In’ or ‘Based Out Of’?
‘Based In’ or ‘Based Out Of’?

A few years ago, I ran an episode about how I was hearing a lot of speakers saying "based off"...

‘Take a Decision’ or ‘Make a Decision’?
‘Take a Decision’ or ‘Make a Decision’?

In a recent podcast, I talked about some differences between British and American English, and I read a listener comment...

How to Pronounce ‘Caramel’
How to Pronounce ‘Caramel’

Jeffrey wrote in after he noticed that I pronounced “caramel” as “car-muhl” a few weeks ago, and that sounded wrong...

What to Do With Fresh Turmeric Root
What to Do With Fresh Turmeric Root

Turmeric is all the rage for its purported health benefits. Most of us know turmeric as a brilliant orange powder...

‘Sofa’ or ‘Couch’?
‘Sofa’ or ‘Couch’?

What you call a long, upholstered piece of living room furniture depends on where you live and when you were...

‘Cannot,’ ‘Can Not,’ or ‘Can’t’: What’s the Difference?
‘Cannot,’ ‘Can Not,’ or ‘Can’t’: What’s the Difference?

“Cannot” and “can not” might seem like they mean the same thing, but you use them in different ways. ‘Cannot’...

How to Measure Progress and Achieve Goals
How to Measure Progress and Achieve Goals

Measurement! I just love measurement. That’s because it tells you how you’re doing and how much progress you’ve made. Progress...

How to Write an Apology (and Avoid Non-Apologies)
How to Write an Apology (and Avoid Non-Apologies)

OK, let’s admit it. None of us really likes to apologize when we’ve done something wrong. In fact, the ways...

Apostrophes: Ruth’s Chris and Carl’s Jr.
Apostrophes: Ruth’s Chris and Carl’s Jr.

Mike wrote in with a question that I’ve always wondered about too. What’s up with the apostrophe in “Ruth’s Chris...

How to Trust People Again: 8 Easy Steps
How to Trust People Again: 8 Easy Steps

  A few months ago on the podcast we talked about how to rebuild trust in a relationship. But what...

4 Examples of Toxic Parenting and How to Fix Them
4 Examples of Toxic Parenting and How to Fix Them

There are so many things in life that are beyond a child's control. That's why kids depend on their parents...

Quotation Marks with Periods and Commas
Quotation Marks with Periods and Commas

  Today, as promised, we’ll talk about how to mix quotation marks with other punctuation. Quotation Marks with Commas and...

4 Little-Known Differences Between British and American English
4 Little-Known Differences Between British and American English

Most of us know about the big differences, such as Americans spelling “color” without a U and the British spelling...

“Because,” “Due To,” “Since,” and “As”
“Because,” “Due To,” “Since,” and “As”

Today we’re looking at various ways to say “because,” including “due to,” “since,” and “as.” Wordy Ways to Say “Because”...

When to Use Commas Before Quotations
When to Use Commas Before Quotations

We recently got a question about commas from one of our listeners, Benjamin Wolfe. Benjamin asked this: “Have you done...

‘Important’ or ‘Importantly’?
‘Important’ or ‘Importantly’?

You may occasionally hear or read an objection to the phrase “more importantly.” You can ignore it (unless you are...

Why Is ‘Worcester’ Pronounced ‘Wooster’?
Why Is ‘Worcester’ Pronounced ‘Wooster’?

I lost the name of the person who asked me why we call the fermented sauce we use in Caesar...

Singular or Plural Verbs with ‘One of The’
Singular or Plural Verbs with ‘One of The’

A listener named Mwalimu on Facebook asked, Which is correct? “This is one of the novels that has made a...

Phrases from Obsolete Technology
Phrases from Obsolete Technology

  Have you ever wondered about the origin of “cc,” a setting you likely use when sending an email message?...

When to Capitalize Generation Names
When to Capitalize Generation Names

My life is super exciting, so Friday night I was looking through the galleys of the new edition of the...

8 Ways to Manage Tangled Wires and Cords
8 Ways to Manage Tangled Wires and Cords

Binder Clips If you’re anything like us, your electrical cables can become a tangled, knotty mess. We’ve discovered an easy...

When Do You Capitalize Directions?
When Do You Capitalize Directions?

Sometimes directional terms such as south are capitalized and sometimes they aren’t. Directions: Lowercase When you’re describing a direction, south...

The 7 Best Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
The 7 Best Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

As the saying goes, "If you think you're too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." These...

5 Ways to Manage Your Child’s First Crush
5 Ways to Manage Your Child’s First Crush

I’ll never forget the first field trip I chaperoned for my oldest daughter, now 24 years old. Her Kindergarten class...

What Is a Comma Splice?
What Is a Comma Splice?

Once you learn about comma splices, you notice them everywhere, and a listener named Jo has started noticing them. She...

How to Treat Warts
How to Treat Warts

Common household items can help you remove pesky warts and keep them from coming back. Tea Tree Oil Apply straight...

Commas with Transition Words
Commas with Transition Words

Two weeks ago, we talked about comma splices—errors that happen when you join two main clauses with just a comma--but...

‘Themself’ or ‘Themselves’?
‘Themself’ or ‘Themselves’?

Back in April after the style guide updates that came out of the American Copy Editors Society meeting, I told...

How to Treat Boils
How to Treat Boils

Tomato Paste Boils, or skin abscesses, are pimple-like skin infections that can swell into large, pus-filled sore-to-the-touch growths. To treat...

2 Potent Ways to Kill Fat Cells and Lose Fat Fast
2 Potent Ways to Kill Fat Cells and Lose Fat Fast

Think about the last piece of fat loss advice you received. Let me guess? It went something like this: “Move...

“Burned” Versus “Burnt”
“Burned” Versus “Burnt”

I used to be a terrible cook. One problem was that I would get distracted and end up burning things...

How to Keep Candles from Making a Mess
How to Keep Candles from Making a Mess

Save your furniture from stuck-on wax  and keep your candles clean with everyday items. Clean Candles Easily If your have...

Coconut Milk Versus Cow’s Milk
Coconut Milk Versus Cow’s Milk

Coconut milk has become one of the most popular nondairy milk options, and it’s one that wasn’t even on the...

9 Natural Remedies for Breast Pain
9 Natural Remedies for Breast Pain

Cool Down The solution for sore breasts is right in your freezer: frozen vegetables! Just grab a bag (or two,...

What Is a Harbinger?
What Is a Harbinger?

In last week’s podcast, we talked about how Captain R.F. Scott’s sick ponies might have been a harbinger of the...

How Human Language Is Different From Animal Communication
How Human Language Is Different From Animal Communication

Language is one of the most remarkable characteristics that separates humans from other animals. Despite the many remarkable abilities of...

How to Treat and Prevent Cold Sores
How to Treat and Prevent Cold Sores

Honey Make a cold sore a thing of the past with honey! Just dab unpasteurized honey on the spot three...

8 Ways to Get Rid of Canker Sores
8 Ways to Get Rid of Canker Sores

Canker sores are a very common affliction and can arise from any cause, ranging from stress to hormones to vitamin...

8 Tricks for Removing Splinters
8 Tricks for Removing Splinters

Add a Little Salt To remove a wood splinter, add a bit of Epsom salts to a bowl of warm...

6 Ways to Stop Incontinence Naturally
6 Ways to Stop Incontinence Naturally

Cut the Carbonated Drinks Avoid bubbly soft drinks and seltzers to cut down on accidents. Carbonation contributes to the acidity...

Preposition or Adverb?
Preposition or Adverb?

Today’s episode is about parts of speech and the interesting gray area between prepositions and adverbs. Let’s start with the...

6 Foods to Prevent Gout or Relieve a Gout Attack
6 Foods to Prevent Gout or Relieve a Gout Attack

Here are 6 substances that will help you avoid gout or relieve a gout attack quickly. But first, learn more...

9 Home Remedies for Vomiting
9 Home Remedies for Vomiting

Pedialyte   When your little ones are recovering from a tummy bug, you can help them feel better quickly with...

7 Remedies to Stop Diarrhea
7 Remedies to Stop Diarrhea

Eat Fermented Foods and Probiotics If you suffer from diarrhea, try adding fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kimchi to...

Is Protein Powder Safe for Toddlers?
Is Protein Powder Safe for Toddlers?

Once upon a time, the only people who might have had a canister of protein powder in the kitchen were...

Can You Contribute to a 401k and an IRA in the Same Year?
Can You Contribute to a 401k and an IRA in the Same Year?

THE QUICK AND DIRTY When your income exceeds annual thresholds for your tax filing status, you might get fewer or...

4 Tips for More Mindful Eating
4 Tips for More Mindful Eating

Whenever I talk about foods that can help control your hunger, I’m aware  of the fact that hunger is only...

6 Items You Can Use to Cover Wood Scratches
6 Items You Can Use to Cover Wood Scratches

Shoe Polish Does your wooden coffee table, dresser, or dining room furniture have visible scratches? No sweat! Use a similarly...

How to Stop Feeling Dizzy
How to Stop Feeling Dizzy

Hold Steady Feeling dizzy? Stop what you’re doing and hold still! Focus your attention on a single spot, anything from...

6 Easy Ways to Make Varicose Veins Fade
6 Easy Ways to Make Varicose Veins Fade

Wonders of Witch Hazel The astringency of witch hazel makes it a wonderful treatment for varicose or spider veins. As...

8 Easy Tips to Ease Knee Pain
8 Easy Tips to Ease Knee Pain

Medicinal Mustard Believe it or not, the yellow mustard in your fridge can help relieve joint pain and even arthritis....

5 Clever Candle Hacks
5 Clever Candle Hacks

What to Do If Your Candle is Too Big for Your Candlestick Most taper candles are too large to fit...

What to Do If Your Pants Don’t Fit (and You’re Running Late!)
What to Do If Your Pants Don’t Fit (and You’re Running Late!)

Quick Way to Make Pants Shorter You’ve bought a great pair of jeans, but they’re too long and you don’t...

Pled or Pleaded
Pled or Pleaded

  Most sources say that the correct past tense is pleaded. Squiggly pleaded guilty. That dirty rotten scoundrel. Garner’s Modern...

7 Home Remedies for Burns
7 Home Remedies for Burns

Ginger for Burns If you sustain a minor burn in the kitchen, reach for some ginger. Cut off the end...

5 Tricks for Making Old Carpet Look New Again
5 Tricks for Making Old Carpet Look New Again

Brighten Faded Carpet Brighten faded carpet and rugs by rubbing them down with a rag that has been soaked in...

How to Get Shingles to Stop Itching
How to Get Shingles to Stop Itching

Aloe to the Rescue Aloe is nature’s best moisturizer. If you have an aloe vera plant, you are in luck....

Not Only But Also
Not Only But Also

When not only is followed by but also (or simply but), it's considered good form to make sure the parts...

5 DIY Moisturizing Foot Masks to Get Your Pre-Winter Feet Back
5 DIY Moisturizing Foot Masks to Get Your Pre-Winter Feet Back

Oatmeal and Brown Sugar Foot Mask This foot mask is almost good enough to eat! In a food processor, pulse...

Capital vs. Capitol
Capital vs. Capitol

Capital "Capital" refers a city that is the seat of government for its region or is important in some way. ...

How Badminton Got Its Name
How Badminton Got Its Name

This week’s Radiolab podcast was about a strange Olympic badminton match in which both teams were trying to lose instead of...

‘Hone In’ or ‘Home In’?
‘Hone In’ or ‘Home In’?

When you get closer to finding a difficult truth or finding a hiding criminal, you home in on them, just...

How to Get Mice and Rats Out of Your Home Without Calling an Exterminator
How to Get Mice and Rats Out of Your Home Without Calling an Exterminator

Mice Hate Mint Mice hate the smell of mint! To get rid of mice in your home, head to the...

‘A While’ Versus ‘Awhile’
‘A While’ Versus ‘Awhile’

  In a previous Grammar Girl post, I talked about using while to mean although, but another point about "while" can confound...

What Does It Mean to ‘Read the Riot Act’?
What Does It Mean to ‘Read the Riot Act’?

To read the riot act means to put someone on notice that their behavior is unacceptable. Antisocial. Just plain wrong!...

How to Clean Jewelry Using Common Household Items
How to Clean Jewelry Using Common Household Items

Baking soda Easy DIY jewelry cleaner Baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide is a great cleaner for lots of household objects,...

5 Dashboard Warning Lights You Should Never Ignore
5 Dashboard Warning Lights You Should Never Ignore

You’re driving down the highway and all of a sudden a warning light pops up on the dash. You pull...

4 Secrets to Make Potpourri Last Longer
4 Secrets to Make Potpourri Last Longer

Super-Power Your Potpourri If there’s a bad odor in your bathroom, your potpourri has to work overtime. Hide a charcoal...

3 Ways to Make Your Diet More Sustainable
3 Ways to Make Your Diet More Sustainable

Sustainability is a very hot topic in the food and nutrition world these days and for good reason.  Every year,...

How Should We Pronounce Foreign Words?
How Should We Pronounce Foreign Words?

What is different about words like bread, desk, and sword compared to words like burrito, bureau, and karaoke? If you...

9 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Foot Calluses and Corns
9 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Foot Calluses and Corns

Can the corns and calluses Painful corns and ugly calluses can put a cramp in your style, especially in the...

How to Pronounce ‘Biopic’
How to Pronounce ‘Biopic’

  What Is a Misle? Today I want to talk about misles, and one misle in particular. What’s a misle,...

How to Get Rid of Raccoons, Possums, and Skunks in Your Yard
How to Get Rid of Raccoons, Possums, and Skunks in Your Yard

Keep Raccoons, Skunks, and Possums Out of Your Yard Besides being pesky mammals, raccoons, skunks, and possums have something in...

Cemetery Versus Graveyard
Cemetery Versus Graveyard

Cemetery is the much older word, going back to Roman times. Today, a cemetery refers to a large burial ground,...

6 Ways to Make Your Fridge Smell Good Again
6 Ways to Make Your Fridge Smell Good Again

Best Baking Soda Substitute Besides baking soda, a number of other kitchen items are capable of removing odors. Our favorite?...

My Non-Stick Pan Is Sticking! How to Get the Non-Stick Back
My Non-Stick Pan Is Sticking! How to Get the Non-Stick Back

What to do if your nonstick pan sticks Why do nonstick pans start sticking in the first place? For the...

Capitalizing Job Titles
Capitalizing Job Titles

Capitalizing job titles can be tricky because they aren’t always capitalized, but it seems like a lot of people want...

7 Ways to Get Rid of Dark Age Spots on Your Skin Naturally
7 Ways to Get Rid of Dark Age Spots on Your Skin Naturally

Quick Fix for Dark Spots If you have dark spots on your skin and you want them gone now, try...

I.e. Versus E.g.
I.e. Versus E.g.

Misusing these two abbreviations is one of the top five mistakes I used to see when editing technical documents. There's...

Sentence Diagramming
Sentence Diagramming

  If you follow my YouTube channel, you will have noticed that I’ve posted a few simple videos about how...

‘Alum’ Versus ‘Alumni’
‘Alum’ Versus ‘Alumni’

You’ll remember that a couple of weeks ago, I had a piece from Neal Whitman about homecoming being called HoCo,...

‘Further’ Versus ‘Farther’
‘Further’ Versus ‘Farther’

Today's topic is "further" versus "farther." Almost every week someone asks me to explain the difference between “further” and “farther.”...

17 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Acne and Pimples
17 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Acne and Pimples

Little bit of lemon (or vinegar) To help clear out clogged pores, simply dab some lemon juice right on your...

When to Use—and Not Use—an Em-Dash
When to Use—and Not Use—an Em-Dash

  When people think of punctuation marks, it is usually the handy comma, the imperious colon, or the overly excited...

How to Keep Birds Away From Your Patio, Pool, and Garden
How to Keep Birds Away From Your Patio, Pool, and Garden

Foil Birds with Foil If birds or other critters are wreaking havoc on your garden, place strips of aluminum foil...

Natural Remedies to Prevent and Cure Athlete’s Foot
Natural Remedies to Prevent and Cure Athlete’s Foot

Basic Athlete’s Foot Treatment To treat athlete’s foot, prepare a solution of water and white vinegar—one part white vinegar to...

16 Natural Remedies to Relieve Itchy Mosquito Bites
16 Natural Remedies to Relieve Itchy Mosquito Bites

Papaya Can’t stop scratching a bug bite? Just place a piece of papaya (the fleshy part, not the skin) on...

When to Worry About Your Dog’s Diarrhea—Plus, How to Fix It
When to Worry About Your Dog’s Diarrhea—Plus, How to Fix It

When Should I Worry About My Dog? If your dog has been experiencing diarrhea because he ate something he shouldn’t...

Who Versus Whom
Who Versus Whom

When you’re trying to figure out whether to use who or whom, it helps to know the difference between subjects...

Hanged Versus Hung
Hanged Versus Hung

A couple of months ago I used the word hung wrong in the podcast about the man who invented the...

How to Keep Drinks Cold Without a Cooler
How to Keep Drinks Cold Without a Cooler

DIY Ice Packs If you have time, fill the strongest resealable plastic bags you have with water and lay flat...

11 DIY Face Mask Recipes to Boost Your Skin’s Collagen
11 DIY Face Mask Recipes to Boost Your Skin’s Collagen

Moisturizing Collagen Mask Red grapes contain a chemical called resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the production of collagen....

‘Lit’ or ‘Lighted’?
‘Lit’ or ‘Lighted’?

Have you ever wondered why we have two past tense forms of the verb to light? Should you say Squiggly lit citronella candles,...

Hydrogen Peroxide and Dishwashing Liquid? How to Make and Use This Miracle Cleaner
Hydrogen Peroxide and Dishwashing Liquid? How to Make and Use This Miracle Cleaner

What Measurements to Use When making a hydrogen peroxide + dishwashing liquid cleaning solution, all you need is 2 parts...

How to Get Squirrels Out of Your Yard
How to Get Squirrels Out of Your Yard

DIY Squirrel Repellent If squirrels are getting into your garden, keep them away with a homemade pepper spray. Take a...

‘Inflammable’ Means ‘Flammable’
‘Inflammable’ Means ‘Flammable’

Many people mistakenly thought that "inflammable" meant “resistant to burning,” which it doesn’t. The '-in' prefix has multiple meanings The...

‘Affective’ or ‘Effective’?
‘Affective’ or ‘Effective’?

This tip is essentially an add on to last week’s show about the difference between affect and effect because once...

5 Signs Your Car Needs an Alignment
5 Signs Your Car Needs an Alignment

1.) Your steering wheel is off center: If you’re driving straight down a flat, level road, your steering wheel should...

Affect Versus Effect
Affect Versus Effect

I get asked whether to use affect or effect all the time, and it is by far the most requested...

How to Pronounce “The”
How to Pronounce “The”

Did you know there are two ways to pronounce the word the, and the rule that governs which pronunciation you...

9 Tips to Win a Competitive Eating Contest
9 Tips to Win a Competitive Eating Contest

528 oysters in under 10 minutes. 8 pounds of bacon in 8 minutes. 113 pancakes in 8 minutes. 14.5 burritos...

6 All Natural Ways to Get Rid of Body Odor
6 All Natural Ways to Get Rid of Body Odor

What to Do if You Forgot to Put on Deodorant You’re in the middle of your workday and you suddenly...

Woman Versus Female
Woman Versus Female

First, we had Nancy Pelosi taking over as Speaker of the House, then Sarah Palin as the Republican vice presidential...

How to Remove Stains from a Driveway, Patio, or Concrete Surface
How to Remove Stains from a Driveway, Patio, or Concrete Surface

If you have stains on paving stones or a concrete patio, sometimes the solution is simple. Try pouring hot water...

What I Learned from Walking 15,000 Steps A Day
What I Learned from Walking 15,000 Steps A Day

First off, I know. There's actually an older Get-Fit Guy episode and article on whether you really should self quantify...

‘Between’ Versus ‘Among’
‘Between’ Versus ‘Among’

Today we're going to talk about the difference between the words between and among. You may have noticed that I...

‘Among’ or ‘Amongst’?
‘Among’ or ‘Amongst’?

People sometimes ask about the difference between among and amongst. Both words mean the same thing, but among is the...

Centigrade or Celsius?
Centigrade or Celsius?

Anders Celsius was a Swedish astronomer who invented a thermometer based on the boiling point and freezing point of water....

‘Home Versus Away’ or ‘Away Versus Home’?
‘Home Versus Away’ or ‘Away Versus Home’?

A listener named Alan wrote, “When using the word versus, does it make a difference as to what is placed...

Subjunctive Verbs
Subjunctive Verbs

Today's topic is the subjunctive, or in terms you might recognize, when to use "I was" and when to use...

How to Naturally Get Rid of Fleas, Ear Mites, and Ticks
How to Naturally Get Rid of Fleas, Ear Mites, and Ticks

How to Tell if Your Pet Has Fleas Your pet has been scratching himself, but you’re not entirely sure if...

How S-Backing Causes People to Pronounce ‘Street’ as ‘Schtreet’
How S-Backing Causes People to Pronounce ‘Street’ as ‘Schtreet’

  Reading note: Read /?/ as “chuh,” and /?/ as “shuh.” Reading note: Read /i/ as a long E as...

9 Genius Ways to Reuse Old Candles
9 Genius Ways to Reuse Old Candles

Whether you have a giant pillar candle that you’re never going to use or shrived nubs of candles that once...

How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard
How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard

If you live in an area where snakes are common, chances are high that at some point, you may have...

How Does Dairy Affect Your Hormone Levels?
How Does Dairy Affect Your Hormone Levels?

A couple of months ago, I addressed the question of whether eating meat affects your hormone levels. Since then, several...

5 Quick and Easy Ways to Remove Pet Hair
5 Quick and Easy Ways to Remove Pet Hair

Using a Sponge to Get Rid of Pet Hair To get pet hair off of couches or other upholstery, use...

What Is a Subordinate Clause?
What Is a Subordinate Clause?

Phrases and clauses are both groups of words that work together in a sentence. The difference is that a clause...

8 Household Items That Could Kill Your Cat
8 Household Items That Could Kill Your Cat

Here are eight things you should keep away from your cat to lessen the chance of him hurting himself—or worse....

20 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog
20 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Dogs love eating people food, and with those adorable "feed me, I'm starving" eyes they make, sometimes it's hard to...

15 Little Everyday Ways to Show Your Family Love
15 Little Everyday Ways to Show Your Family Love

You don't need a special holiday to show your family love. Sure, it's great to fuss on special occasions by...

Unknown History
Unknown History

Unknown History brings you surprising, quirky, and remarkable tales from the past, so you can pretend you paid attention in...

How to Deal with a Moody Teenager: 5 Kind Tips for Parents
How to Deal with a Moody Teenager: 5 Kind Tips for Parents

The teen in your life may leave you continuously scratching your head. She's capable of shifting from super-happy to out-of-control...

Is ‘Pair’ Singular or Plural?
Is ‘Pair’ Singular or Plural?

What’s the Trouble? People find "pair" confusing. Is it singular or plural? A pair is two of something, but a...

Hoofs or Hooves?
Hoofs or Hooves?

  Here's a question for you: When you hear reindeer clattering on your roof, are you hearing their hoofs (H-O-O-F-S)...

What’s the Best Time to Eat Dessert?
What’s the Best Time to Eat Dessert?

Anita writes: When is the best time to eat dessert? I've heard it is better to eat it immediately following...

Who Knew?
Who Knew?

Who Knew collects time-tested household tips and lifehacks to help you live better, solve everyday problems, and save money! Gain...

How to Format URLs in Text
How to Format URLs in Text

Today's topic is how to treat URLs when you have to use them in text. Web addresses are strange beasts;...

‘Dialog’ or ‘Dialogue’?
‘Dialog’ or ‘Dialogue’?

Last week, when I was writing about whether you should use italics or quotation marks for internal dialogue, I was...

When to Use an Apostrophe
When to Use an Apostrophe

Apostrophes are one of the more confounding punctuation marks. If you search for signs with “grammar errors” online, most of...

‘Wolf Down’ or ‘Woof Down’?
‘Wolf Down’ or ‘Woof Down’?

    When someone has eaten something very fast have they "wolfed" or "woofed" it down? @GrammarGirl — Daniel Coe...

Raw Mushrooms: Hazardous or Harmless?
Raw Mushrooms: Hazardous or Harmless?

Sandy writes: “Have you studied whether raw mushrooms are safe to eat? I’ve heard a few well-known doctors say there are...

How to Use Commas: A Summary
How to Use Commas: A Summary

This chart from Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students gives examples of the 15 most common ways...

Why English Has Words With Silent Letters
Why English Has Words With Silent Letters

The English spelling system is famous for not making sense. The phonetic ideal of having each letter represent exactly one...

Numbers in Parentheses
Numbers in Parentheses

  Two readers recently asked whether they need to repeat a number in parentheses after they write out the word....

Last Name Origins
Last Name Origins

It's hard to say when last names were first used, but it's easy to group many last names into certain...

Why Does a Circle Have 360 Degrees?
Why Does a Circle Have 360 Degrees?

Have you ever thought about how it’s kind of weird that a circle has 360 degrees? At first thought, it...

Food Names That Are Totally Fake
Food Names That Are Totally Fake

One of our readers, Kris G., wrote that she loved our episode on German chocolate cake and how it isn’t...

Yay, Yea, Yeah, or Yes?
Yay, Yea, Yeah, or Yes?

Two of my friends (Trent Armstrong, the former Modern Manners Guy, and Hyatt Bass, author of the novel The Embers) asked about...

Foods to Restore Your Intestinal Flora
Foods to Restore Your Intestinal Flora

We hear a lot about the microbiome these days—the trillions of probiotic bacteria that live on and in us. As...

Are Heart Palpitations During Exercise Normal?
Are Heart Palpitations During Exercise Normal?

Last week, you learned about whether exercise can actually make you live longer, and how much exercise is enough for...

Smitten
Smitten

  Tara L. from New Jersey asked, "Are you smitten BY someone or smitten WITH someone?" 'Smitten With' or 'Smitten...

Yoda Grammar
Yoda Grammar

Today's topic is Yoda's grammar. Yes, Yoda from Star Wars. Why would I talk about Yoda? Well, a couple of weeks...

Why Do People Say ‘Ain’t’?
Why Do People Say ‘Ain’t’?

Ain’t is possibly the most-maligned word in the English grammar guides. Even though many other contractions are now acceptable in...

Everyday Or Every Day?
Everyday Or Every Day?

  Last week, when I was grading my college students’ midterms, I noticed that more than half the students didn’t...

Global English: Monthsary, Updation, and Do the Needful
Global English: Monthsary, Updation, and Do the Needful

Doms wrote in with an interesting question that touches on both Latin and global English. He said, "In the Philippines,...

‘Wrong’ or ‘Wrongly’?
‘Wrong’ or ‘Wrongly’?

  Wrongly is an adverb, and the word comes up a lot in news stories: people are wrongly arrested, wrongly jailed,...

Is Starting a Sentence With ‘So’ Condescending?
Is Starting a Sentence With ‘So’ Condescending?

Readers often write in to complain about starting a sentence with so, even suggesting that it sounds condescending. Anand Giridharadas...

Can You Lose Fat With Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)?
Can You Lose Fat With Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)?

You’ve probably seen it before. The infomercials on TV that features a man or woman lounging happily on the couch...

Dreamed or Dreamt?
Dreamed or Dreamt?

A few years ago, a man named D. Chap wrote in and said, “I was thinking about the words dreamed...

How 8 Fonts Got Their Names
How 8 Fonts Got Their Names

  Typeface Versus Font First, we have to talk about the difference between a typeface and a font, because what...

How Participle Phrases Can Lead to Time Warps
How Participle Phrases Can Lead to Time Warps

Sponsor: Visit GoDaddy.com to get your $2.95 .COM domain. Some limitations apply, see website for details.   I want to...

Double Possessives
Double Possessives

Today’s lesson involves a question of Cathy’s—or should that be “a question of Cathy”? By the end  of this podcast,...

Champ or Chomp at the Bit?
Champ or Chomp at the Bit?

Mark E. from Portland, Oregon said he regularly comes across the phrase chomping at the bit, but he believes it...

Why Did People Stop Saying ‘Thou’?
Why Did People Stop Saying ‘Thou’?

A couple of weeks ago, after I talked about how the pronoun you fills so many roles, I started wondering...

What Does ‘Xmas’ Really Mean?
What Does ‘Xmas’ Really Mean?

Many listeners have asked about the origin, meaning, and appropriateness of Xmas, the abbreviation for Christmas. Retailers have long been...

5 Ways to Use a Weighted Vest
5 Ways to Use a Weighted Vest

A few years ago, a friend of mine took me up on a challenge and raced a Spartan obstacle race...

Why Do People Say “Like” So Much?
Why Do People Say “Like” So Much?

Audible, the Internet’s leading provider of spoken audio entertainment, has more than 150,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature,...

Just Between You and Me
Just Between You and Me

  Today, we’re going to talk about the pronouns I and me and the phrase between you and me. In...

Ask the Diva: Is Tuna in Pouches Better than Tuna in Cans?
Ask the Diva: Is Tuna in Pouches Better than Tuna in Cans?

Q. "What do you think of tuna or salmon in pouches? I like adding them to my salads as the...

Is it OK to Pronounce Zero as O?
Is it OK to Pronounce Zero as O?

Sometimes people think that it’s wrong to pronounce zero as “oh,” but it’s actually OK in certain contexts. For example,...

The Truth About Burning Off the Calories You Eat
The Truth About Burning Off the Calories You Eat

The pizza looks delicious, bubbling with cheese and studded with pepperoni. And then you see the caption: "A 165-pound woman...

What Are Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry?
What Are Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry?

By the end of the last episode, we had proven that the interior angles of a triangle always add up...

Vaccine or Vaccination?
Vaccine or Vaccination?

A vaccine is the fluid they inject into you or the aerosol you inhale; it's the preparation of an inactivated...

‘Systemic’ or ‘Systematic’?
‘Systemic’ or ‘Systematic’?

Steve M. from Springfield, Missouri, wrote, "[What are your] thoughts on the difference between using 'systemic' and 'systematic'?" Both words...

Why Does a Triangle Have 180 Degrees?
Why Does a Triangle Have 180 Degrees?

You know how the angles of a triangle always add up to 1800? Why is that? After all, 1800 is the...

Crab Canon Poetry
Crab Canon Poetry

My cousin Pam, who's a teacher, sent me a link to an amazing YouTube video, called the Lost Generation which...

Are Gut Bacteria Affected by Erythritol?
Are Gut Bacteria Affected by Erythritol?

Q. Thank you for your recent podcast episode on artificial sweeteners and their possible effects on gut bacteria. You mentioned...

When You Need Periods After Abbreviations
When You Need Periods After Abbreviations

A reader named Dennis K. asked whether you always put periods after abbreviations or whether it’s different depending on which...

Is Liquid Smoke Safe?
Is Liquid Smoke Safe?

Q. Hello! My family just returned from Hawaii, and I was excited to try a recipe for Kalua Pork until...

When to Use a Comma Before ‘Because’
When to Use a Comma Before ‘Because’

A reader named JC asked when he needs a comma before the word because. He wondered about this exchange: What...

5 More Tips for Understanding Weights and Measures
5 More Tips for Understanding Weights and Measures

A few weeks ago, I realized that I have pretty much zero intuition about how much a gram weighs. I...

‘Fall’ Versus ‘Autumn’
‘Fall’ Versus ‘Autumn’

Fall officially starts Tuesday, September 22, this year in North America, but Starbucks doesn't care; the Pumpkin Spice Latte—a hallmark of...

‘Money,’ ‘Monies,’ or ‘Moneys’?
‘Money,’ ‘Monies,’ or ‘Moneys’?

Michael S. asked: "It's accepted to say, 'to hold moneys for payment in trust.' I presume 'moneys' is plural; I've...

How to Use the Conjunction “Nor”
How to Use the Conjunction “Nor”

  In a recent episode on coordinating conjunctions, I talked about the popular mnemonic word FANBOYS to remember them: for,...

12 Common Words That Will Boost Your Scrabble Score
12 Common Words That Will Boost Your Scrabble Score

Scrabble lovers know that the game's all-too-often elusive prize is the bingo—when a player uses all seven tiles at once...

Should You Capitalize the French in French Fries?
Should You Capitalize the French in French Fries?

Although we often capitalize a country or city name when it’s part of a food name, that’s not always the...

15 Inspirational Words from Commencement Speeches
15 Inspirational Words from Commencement Speeches

  1. indispensable absolutely necessary; vitally necessary "You need to arrive early, stay late, you need to make yourself indispensable —...

Clever Cookstr
Clever Cookstr

Join the ultimate fun, fast-paced, authoritative source of information on what's hot in the world of food and cooking. Get...

How to Prove That 1 = 2?
How to Prove That 1 = 2?

Quick, what's 1 + 1? It's obviously 2, right? Not so fast! What if I was to tell you that...

8 Things to Do During Your Last Month of Pregnancy
8 Things to Do During Your Last Month of Pregnancy

After enduring a five-year struggle with infertility, I was in total awe of my body when I finally got pregnant....

Grammar Girl’s Editing Checklist
Grammar Girl’s Editing Checklist

? Wrong Word affect/effect, lay/lie, sit/set, who/whom, toward/towards, etc. ? Vague Pronoun Reference Confusing: Bob annoyed Larry, but that didn’t stop him...

Commas: Oxford, Appositive, Nonrestrictive
Commas: Oxford, Appositive, Nonrestrictive

Commas are a workhorse punctuation mark. They’re like the people you ride with on the subway every day, the delivery...

Why Do People Say “Can I Help Who’s Next”?
Why Do People Say “Can I Help Who’s Next”?

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by NatureBox. Discover smarter snacking with a new NatureBox each month. Get 50%...

How to Overhaul Your Diet
How to Overhaul Your Diet

Stephanie writes, “If you need to overhaul your diet, are there some principles that are more of a priority? What’s...

How Many Minutes of Daylight Do We Gain or Lose Each Day?
How Many Minutes of Daylight Do We Gain or Lose Each Day?

Happy Vernal Equinox! Spring is just around the corner for most of the northern hemisphere, and with that comes the...

Is “Cash Money” a Regional Expression?
Is “Cash Money” a Regional Expression?

  Blue=one person has heard the phrase "cash money." Red=one person has not heard the phrase "cash money." I first...

‘Canceled’ or ‘Cancelled’?
‘Canceled’ or ‘Cancelled’?

You’re probably seeing the word “canceled” a lot right now, but should it be spelled with one L or two? Well, it...

Units Of Measure
Units Of Measure

Today's topic is units of measure—those words and symbols that come after numbers. Put a Space Between Numbers and Units...

Does Blending Destroy Fiber?
Does Blending Destroy Fiber?

Nutrition Diva listener Jeffrey writes: "I feel like I get plenty of fiber, but I recently heard that blending fruits...

What Are Sine, Cosine, and Tangent?
What Are Sine, Cosine, and Tangent?

Do you know what two angles living inside the same right triangle said to each other? The first angle goes,...

5 Essential Tips for Handling a Defiant Toddler
5 Essential Tips for Handling a Defiant Toddler

Your morning has been a near success. You manage to get your older child to preschool on time despite her...

Does Your Child Act Entitled? 5 Sensible Ways to Curb It
Does Your Child Act Entitled? 5 Sensible Ways to Curb It

Grocery shopping for eight kids is not for the faint of heart! I strategize my mission to swiftly get in...

Tenterhooks or Tenderhooks?
Tenterhooks or Tenderhooks?

  First, let's get one thing straight: you are on TENTERhooks, not TENDERhooks. To be on tenterhooks is to be...

How to Use Quotation Marks
How to Use Quotation Marks

Quotations can bring your writing to life — the reader imagines someone saying the words?but quotations are also vexing to...

Savvy Psychologist
Savvy Psychologist

Meet life’s challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment. Savvy Psychologist uses the best of psychology to...

The Magic of Number 9 (Part 1)
The Magic of Number 9 (Part 1)

After our 3 frequently asked questions about math puzzles episode last week, math fan Cynthia wrote to tell me about...

The Lord Is Come?
The Lord Is Come?

A listener named Kat says her holiday joy is crushed every time she hears the Christmas carol “Joy to the...

Because as a Preposition
Because as a Preposition

Sponsor: Want to save more, invest for the future, but don't have time to be a full-on investor? Betterment.com helps...

How Much Protein Can the Body Absorb?
How Much Protein Can the Body Absorb?

Nutrition Diva reader Thomas writes: "Some people claim that the body can't absorb more than 20-30 grams of protein at...

How Does Starbucks Decaffeinate Their Coffee?
How Does Starbucks Decaffeinate Their Coffee?

Q.  In your article on decaffeinated coffee, you say that "Almost all decaffeinated coffee is produced using a Swiss water...

“In to” or “Into”?
“In to” or “Into”?

  I'm going to tackle this in parts. "Into" versus "in" "Into" versus "in to" Sample sentences "Into" Versus "In"...

‘Phenomenon’ or ‘Phenomena’
‘Phenomenon’ or ‘Phenomena’

If you watched the children’s program Sesame Street growing up, you probably recognized the little bit I sang earlier. “Phenomenon,...

4 Ways to Know if Your Wine Is Good
4 Ways to Know if Your Wine Is Good

Invariably whenever I’m at a friend’s home, there comes a time in the evening when my hosts pull out a...

5 Tips for Faster Mental Division (Part 1)
5 Tips for Faster Mental Division (Part 1)

If you're anything like me, you don't exactly love doing long division. Which is exactly why I avoid it as...

The Carrageenan Controversy
The Carrageenan Controversy

Carrageenan has been the subject of a lot of controversy and several of you have asked me to comment. For...

Can You Start a Sentence with a Preposition?
Can You Start a Sentence with a Preposition?

Many people were taught that they shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition. Today, however, most language experts don't abide...

What Is It Called When You Mishear Song Lyrics?
What Is It Called When You Mishear Song Lyrics?

Oh, English. There are so many different kinds of errors that sometimes it seems overwhelming, but today, we’re going to...

How to Relieve Constipation
How to Relieve Constipation

Today's show is for all you folks who wish you were more regular…and by that I don’t mean more normal. That’s...

What are Numerators and Denominators?
What are Numerators and Denominators?

In the  last article, we discovered that integers alone are not sufficient to fully describe the world around us—we need...

How to Remember Your Passwords
How to Remember Your Passwords

I always wanted to be a spy! It seemed like fun. You’d meet a shadowy figure at night. “The cumquats...

Can You Tighten Loose Skin After Weight Loss?
Can You Tighten Loose Skin After Weight Loss?

If you’ve lost a lot of weight recently, then you may have noticed that you have a bit of loose...

How to Strengthen Your Lower Back and Avoid Injury
How to Strengthen Your Lower Back and Avoid Injury

If you are one of those unlucky people who has “thrown their back out,” you know that sinking feeling that...

What to Eat to Avoid Mosquito Bites
What to Eat to Avoid Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes find their victims by smell. Specifically, their sensory organs are trained to zero in on sources of carbon dioxide...

How Should Skinny People Exercise?
How Should Skinny People Exercise?

Ask Get-Fit Guy: How Should Skinny People Exercise? Q. Luis recently wrote in and asked: "I have thin legs and...

Is Carbonated Water Bad for You?
Is Carbonated Water Bad for You?

Although I don’t drink much soda (or, as they call it where I grew up, “pop”), I do enjoy drinking...

17 Gym Terms You Need to Know
17 Gym Terms You Need to Know

In a recent article, “10 Tips For Gym Etiquette,” I taught you how to navigate through your workout without offending...

How to Convert Decimals to Fractions
How to Convert Decimals to Fractions

The numbers we use in our daily lives can be broken up into two main groups: rational and irrational numbers....

How to Convert Repeating Decimals to Fractions, Part 1
How to Convert Repeating Decimals to Fractions, Part 1

  Over the last several articles we’ve learned that many of the numbers we deal with in our daily lives...

How to Convert Repeating Decimals to Fractions, Part 2
How to Convert Repeating Decimals to Fractions, Part 2

In the last article, we learned how to turn simple repeating decimal numbers into fractions. Specifically, we learned how to...

How to Tell If a Number is Divisible by 7, 8, or 9
How to Tell If a Number is Divisible by 7, 8, or 9

Two weeks ago we looked at how to quickly test whether or not a number is divisible by 2 or...

How to Get a Super-Defined Chest
How to Get a Super-Defined Chest

A while ago, a listener named Jock wrote in and asked: You know those pecs that go all the way...

How to Multiply Any 2-Digit Number by 11
How to Multiply Any 2-Digit Number by 11

To multiply any two-digit number by 11, simply add the digits of the number together and then put this sum...

8 Strategies for Dealing with a Defiant Child
8 Strategies for Dealing with a Defiant Child

When a child acts out and demonstrates defiant behavior, there's usually an underlying reason. Maybe your child is seeking attention,...

How to Quickly Calculate Percentages
How to Quickly Calculate Percentages

How to calculate percentages can be easier than you may realize. Keep reading for some simple tricks. Long time math...

6 Ways to Increase Testosterone With Exercise
6 Ways to Increase Testosterone With Exercise

This article was originally authored by Ben Greenfield. It was significantly updated by Brock Armstrong on March 2, 2020. According...

How to Find Common Denominators
How to Find Common Denominators

Quick, what's 1/4 + 3/4? If you remember your math from school, you probably know that the answer is 1....

Group Workout Tips for Fitness Boot Camps
Group Workout Tips for Fitness Boot Camps

Fitness boot camps and group workouts are all the rage these days. From the external social motivation to push yourself...

9 Superhuman Strength Secrets
9 Superhuman Strength Secrets

by Ben Greenfield You’ve probably heard this story. A small child is trapped under a burning car, and in a...

What is the Golden Ratio and How is it Related to the Fibonacci Sequence?
What is the Golden Ratio and How is it Related to the Fibonacci Sequence?

Some math is functional. Some math is fun. And some math is simply stunning. If that last description sounds improbable...

Do Olives and Olive Oil Have the Same Health Benefits?
Do Olives and Olive Oil Have the Same Health Benefits?

When I was growing up, there were only two kinds of olives at the grocery store: green olives stuffed with...

Why Exercise Can Cause Weight Gain
Why Exercise Can Cause Weight Gain

A listener named Marcia sent an email asking about weight loss and exercise. This is what she asked: I've been...

Domestic CEO
Domestic CEO

I’ve got savvy tips and tricks to create an efficient, enjoyable, budget-friendly home – without spending a ton of time...

Ask Science
Ask Science

Why do apples turn brown? Could Jurassic Park really happen? Ask Science will help you make sense of the science...

Modern Mentor
Modern Mentor

Modern Mentor is your guide to leadership and communication, helping you craft workplace success and an employee experience you can...

Grammar Girl
Grammar Girl

Mignon Fogarty is the founder of the Quick and Dirty Tips network and creator of Grammar Girl, which has been...

House Call Doctor
House Call Doctor

Medical terms and conditions can be anxiety-provoking. I’m here with straightforward advice on symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments so you’ll be...

Project Parenthood
Project Parenthood

Parenting is tough. But with Project Parenthood's practical advice, tips, and tricks you’ll add more balance, perspective, and fun into...

Modern Manners Guy
Modern Manners Guy

Live a more polite life in your personal and professional worlds with my humorous, down-to-earth approach to 21st century etiquette.

Money Girl
Money Girl

From credit, to taxes, to retirement, to insurance – Money Girl makes money simple so you rule your finances, pay...

Nutrition Diva
Nutrition Diva

Nutrition Diva will help you sort food facts from fiction, separate the good information from the bad, and make eating...

Tech Talker
Tech Talker

Whether you're a seasoned tech pro, or just starting out, I’ll teach you to leverage technology to be a fun,...

Digital Marketer
Digital Marketer

Want to take your business to the next level? I will help use internet tools to rev up your branding...

The Dog Trainer
The Dog Trainer

My mission is to help you have a wonderful relationship with your dog. Learn how to teach good manners, to...

The Public Speaker
The Public Speaker

The Public Speaker provides ultra-practical, science-based tips at the intersection of leadership, psychology, and communication.

Get-Fit Guy
Get-Fit Guy

Get-Fit Guy will give you the fitness tools to rise above your former self and achieve the healthy balance between...

The Math Dude