← All writers
Maya Ellison

Maya Ellison

Personal-finance writer & recovering over-spender

Denver, CO

Maya writes about money the way she wishes someone had explained it to her at 22 — plainly, with real numbers and none of the jargon. She isn't a financial advisor; she's someone who spent her twenties digging out of credit-card debt, got a little obsessive about budgeting, and now turns intimidating financial math into decisions anyone can make. Everything she writes is meant to inform, not to be personal financial advice.

budgeting debt payoff financial independence mortgages & loans

Articles by Maya Ellison

Time Zone Math: How to Schedule Meetings and Calculate Time Differences Across the Globe

Navigate time zones like a pro with strategies for scheduling international meetings, calculating travel times, and coordinating across multiple locations. Includes daylight saving time considerations and business hour overlaps.

Apr 9, 2026

Unit Conversion Made Simple: When to Convert and How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Master everyday unit conversions from cooking measurements to construction projects. Discover which conversions matter most, common pitfalls to avoid, and quick reference guides for accurate results.

Apr 9, 2026

How to Calculate Actual Working Hours: A Complete Guide to Time Tracking for Productivity

Learn how to accurately calculate your working hours, track productivity, and optimize your schedule. Includes methods for hourly workers, salaried employees, and freelancers to measure effective work time.

Apr 9, 2026

50/30/20 Budget Rule: Complete Guide with Real Examples

Master the popular 50/30/20 budgeting method with step-by-step instructions, real household examples, and tips for adjusting percentages based on your income and goals.

Apr 9, 2026

Debt Avalanche vs Debt Snowball: Which Strategy Saves More Money?

Compare debt repayment strategies with real calculations. See how much interest you'll save and time you'll cut using avalanche vs snowball methods for your specific debt situation.

Apr 9, 2026

Emergency Fund Calculator: How Much Should You Really Save?

Learn how to calculate the ideal emergency fund size based on your income, expenses, and risk factors. Discover the 3-6 month rule alternatives and build a personalized savings strategy.

Apr 9, 2026

How to Create a Zero-Based Budget: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Learn how to build a zero-based budget from scratch, where every dollar has a purpose. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of assigning income to expenses, savings, and debt payments until you reach zero.

Apr 9, 2026

Install Unreliant