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
How to Calculate Your Optimal Monitor Setup for Maximum Productivity: Screen Size, Resolution, and Multiple Display Analysis
Discover how to measure the productivity impact of different monitor configurations. Learn to calculate screen real estate efficiency, eye strain reduction, and task completion speed across single vs. multi-monitor setups to find your perfect display arrangement.
Jun 7, 2026How to Calculate Your Financial Stress Score: Income Volatility, Debt Load, and Emergency Fund Adequacy Analysis
Learn to quantify your financial anxiety with a comprehensive stress score that weighs income stability, debt obligations, and emergency preparedness to identify your biggest financial vulnerabilities and create an action plan.
Jun 7, 2026How to Calculate Your Password Strength Score: A Complete Guide to Measuring Security vs. Memorability
Learn how to mathematically measure password security using entropy calculations, character variety scoring, and brute-force resistance formulas. Includes practical tools for balancing strong security with user-friendly memorability across all your accounts.
Jun 6, 2026How to Calculate Your Target Date Fund vs. Self-Directed Portfolio Returns: Convenience Cost Analysis
Compare the long-term costs of target date fund expense ratios against building your own three-fund portfolio. Calculate potential savings over 10, 20, and 30-year periods while factoring in rebalancing frequency, tax efficiency, and time investment required for self-management.
Jun 6, 2026How to Calculate Your Cloud Storage Sync Efficiency: Measuring Upload Speed, Bandwidth Usage, and File Access Time
Discover how to measure your cloud storage performance across different providers, optimize sync settings for maximum productivity, and calculate the true time cost of file accessibility delays.
Jun 5, 2026How to Calculate Your Optimal Credit Card Rewards Strategy: Cash Back vs. Points vs. Miles ROI Analysis
Learn how to calculate the true value of different credit card rewards programs by analyzing your spending patterns, redemption options, and annual fees to maximize your return on everyday purchases.
Jun 5, 2026How to Calculate Your Optimal Standing Desk Height: A Comprehensive Ergonomics Guide for Maximum Comfort and Productivity
Learn the precise calculations to determine your perfect standing desk height based on your body measurements, monitor position, and keyboard placement. This guide includes formulas for elbow angle, viewing distance, and posture optimization to prevent fatigue and boost productivity.
Jun 5, 2026How to Calculate Your Financial Independence Glide Path: Dynamic Withdrawal Rates for Early Retirement
Master the advanced strategy of adjusting your withdrawal rate based on market conditions, portfolio performance, and life stages during early retirement. Learn how to calculate flexible withdrawal rates that protect your nest egg while maintaining your desired lifestyle.
Jun 4, 2026How to Calculate Your Meal Timing Impact on Productivity: Optimizing Eating Schedules for Peak Mental Performance
Discover how meal timing, blood sugar fluctuations, and eating patterns affect your cognitive performance. Learn to calculate your personal productivity windows around breakfast, lunch, and dinner to maximize focus and energy throughout the day.
Jun 4, 2026How to Calculate Your Wealth-Building Velocity: Net Worth Growth Rate vs. Income Growth Analysis
Learn to track and optimize your wealth accumulation rate by calculating the relationship between income growth, spending increases, and net worth progression. Discover benchmarks for different income levels and age groups.
Jun 3, 2026How to Calculate Your Seasonal Affective Disorder Impact on Productivity: Measuring Light Exposure, Mood, and Work Performance
Learn to quantify how seasonal changes affect your work performance, track light exposure levels, and calculate the productivity cost of winter blues. Includes formulas for measuring mood fluctuations, vitamin D impact, and optimal light therapy scheduling.
Jun 3, 2026How to Calculate Your Quarterly Tax Estimated Payments: Avoiding Penalties and Optimizing Cash Flow
Master the IRS quarterly payment system with precise calculations for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and investors. Learn safe harbor rules, income smoothing strategies, and penalty avoidance techniques to optimize your tax payment timing while maximizing cash flow throughout the year.
Jun 2, 2026