Were you bad with money this year? You’re not alone

Nadia Vanderhall made some money missteps in her early adulthood that compounded and reverberated for years. She won’t have to look far for clients: A new Harris Poll for Credit Karma reveals that 70% of Americans have financial regrets this year, largely because they didn’t save money. The top look this year, ironically, is “Old Money,” a fashion trend that emphasizes expensive, quality pieces and classic styles — not so much head-to-toe logos, but more tailored blazers, preppy vibes and subdued hues. We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism Among social media users, a whopping 79% of Gen Z and 70% of millennials have made impulse “hype purchases” of skincare and makeup, wellness products, electronics, alcohol, tickets, home décor, clothing and travel solely because a celebrity or influencer — usually compensated for leveraging their platform — encouraged them to. One of the first things she teaches her clients is to plan for the worst-case scenario: “Even if you do not have three to six months of savings, having some is better than having none.” She also teaches folks about negotiating severance, what to do if unemployment runs out and how to think about plans B, C and D when plan A doesn’t materialize.