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 Typing-to-Handwriting Speed Ratio: Finding Your Optimal Input Method for Different Tasks
Discover whether typing or handwriting is faster for different activities like note-taking, brainstorming, and creative writing. Learn to measure words per minute, accuracy rates, and retention levels to optimize your input method for maximum productivity and comprehension.
Jun 2, 2026How to Calculate Your Optimal High-Yield Savings Account Allocation: Emergency Fund vs. Short-Term Goals vs. Cash Flow Management
Discover how to strategically split your cash between emergency funds, short-term savings goals, and operational cash flow across different high-yield accounts to maximize interest earnings while maintaining liquidity for life's unexpected expenses.
Jun 1, 2026How to Calculate Your Digital Detox Recovery Time: Measuring Productivity Gains from Planned Technology Breaks
Learn how to measure the productivity benefits of planned breaks from technology. Calculate baseline performance, track recovery metrics, and determine optimal detox durations for sustained focus and mental clarity.
Jun 1, 2026How to Calculate Your Actual Investment Time Horizon: Life Goals vs. Market Cycles Analysis
Learn to calculate your true investment timeline beyond age-based rules. Factor in major life events, market volatility, and liquidity needs to optimize your portfolio allocation and withdrawal strategy for each financial goal.
Jun 1, 2026How to Calculate Your Phone Storage Impact on App Performance: Measuring Available Space vs. Processing Speed
Learn how to measure the relationship between device storage capacity and application performance. This guide shows you how to calculate optimal storage thresholds, measure app loading times, and determine when storage cleanup will boost your productivity tools' efficiency.
May 31, 2026How to Calculate Your Tax Withholding Sweet Spot: Maximizing Cash Flow vs. Minimizing Year-End Surprises
Learn how to calculate the optimal federal and state tax withholding from your paycheck to maximize monthly cash flow while avoiding underpayment penalties and large tax bills. Includes strategies for W-4 adjustments, quarterly estimates, and seasonal income variations.
May 31, 2026How to Calculate Your Workspace Humidity Impact on Productivity: The Science of Moisture Levels and Cognitive Performance
Discover how to measure and optimize your workspace humidity levels for peak cognitive performance. Learn the ideal moisture range for focus, creativity, and health, plus calculate the ROI of humidity control systems.
May 31, 2026How to Calculate Your Optimal Student Loan Forgiveness Strategy: PSLF vs. Income-Driven vs. Standard Repayment Analysis
Navigate complex student loan forgiveness programs by calculating which path saves the most money over time. Compare Public Service Loan Forgiveness, income-driven repayment plans, and aggressive payoff strategies with real scenarios and tax implications.
May 30, 2026How to Calculate Your WiFi Dead Zone Impact on Productivity: Mapping Signal Strength and Work Efficiency
Learn how to measure WiFi signal strength throughout your workspace, calculate the hidden productivity costs of poor connectivity, and determine the ROI of network upgrades. Includes tools for measuring signal quality and quantifying lost work time.
May 30, 2026How to Calculate Your Financial Runway During Career Transitions: Severance, Savings, and Bridge Income Strategy
Master the art of calculating exactly how long your money will last during job changes, career pivots, or entrepreneurial ventures. Learn to factor in severance packages, reduced expenses, bridge income opportunities, and timing strategies for maximum financial security during transitions.
May 29, 2026How to Calculate Your Playlist Optimization for Work Focus: Measuring Music's Impact on Concentration and Task Performance
Discover the scientific method to measure how different music genres, BPMs, and volume levels affect your productivity. Learn to calculate your optimal audio environment for deep work, creative tasks, and routine activities using data-driven metrics.
May 29, 2026How to Calculate Your FIRE Coast Number: When You Can Stop Saving and Still Retire on Time
Discover the exact amount you need to save by a specific age to let compound interest carry you to financial independence, even if you stop contributing entirely. Learn the Coast FIRE calculation formula and timeline strategies.
May 28, 2026