Why you shouldn't automatically trust money advice from TV gurus

I can't afford to buy a home where I live, and last fall I fell into a months-long exploration of what I might do if I moved somewhere less expensive. I'm talking about perusing floor plans and real estate websites, calculating tax changes, and dreaming about custom tile selections. I didn't end up making a move, but I did notice I spent WAY less during this time.

It turns out that's science! I was essentially making an inspiration board — albeit in my browser bookmarks — which has helped people increase their savings by 73 percent, according to Brad Klontz, a Creighton business school professor and co-founder of the Financial Psychology Institute. Read more about how inspiration boards can help you be better at money at The Cut, and check out some more great advice below.

Janie

Take back your life

In order to make the most out of financial advice, you need to be able to tell when it might be compromised — by entertainers playing at being helpful, experts pushing products that benefit their bottom line, bloggers highlighting credit cards with whom they have affiliate marketing deals, etc. In fact, a whole slew of personal finance blogs and websites are actually owned by marketing companies, whose primary aim is not to empower people who need advice the most but to make money off those who have it. Casey Bond breaks down how it all works, who is left hanging, and what you need to know.

What's wrong with today's personal finance advice

Deal with it

Maybe you've seen the allegations that Sen. Amy Klobuchar mistreated her staff. Maybe you work for a difficult person whose own reputation precedes them. The "tough boss" is a trope for a reason, and that's because they're everywhere (and so is the term, which is commonly used as an excuse for bad behavior). The truth is, a tough boss can be good. We spoke to experts who revealed how to tell when someone crosses the line from tough but fair to toxic and bullying —at which point there's nothing good going on at all.

How to tell if your 'tough boss' is just toxic

Pro Tip:

I've been saving money with Raise, a marketplace for discounted gift cards. A couple weeks ago I was in an outlet store, found an item I've had on my shopping list at 30 percent off, and used the Raise app to buy an e-gift card that I displayed on my phone at checkout, bumping my total savings to 38 percent. It's extra great for big-ticket items: A colleague just saved nearly $100 using Raise cards to pay for a couch. I obviously can't be certain all electronic cards will be received within minutes, but that's been my experience so far. The other thing to keep in mind is that any returns will likely be refunded in a gift card, so be sure you're certain about your purchase before you buy a card.