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.
Articles by Maya Ellison
Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: Which Strategy Saves You More Money?
Calculate which debt payoff method works better for your situation with real examples, psychological benefits, and step-by-step implementation guides for both approaches.
Apr 9, 2026Emergency Fund vs. High-Yield Savings vs. CDs: Where to Park Your Money in 2024
Compare the pros and cons of different savings vehicles for your emergency fund, including current rates, accessibility, and how much you should save in each option.
Apr 9, 2026How to Create a 50/30/20 Budget That Actually Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to implement the popular 50/30/20 budgeting rule with real examples, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical tips for making it work with any income level.
Apr 9, 2026Time 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, 2026Unit 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, 2026How 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, 202650/30/20 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, 2026Debt 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, 2026Emergency 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, 2026How 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