It is hard to believe that Linda Leitz and I have been writing this column for close to 12 years. It has been a tremendous honor to share personal finance information with you over this time.

I am incredibly grateful to the Colorado Springs Gazette and my amazing editors for giving me this opportunity. I have enjoyed writing the column and appreciate all the feedback I have received from you, my readers. I have learned so much over the years.

However, I have reached a point in my practice where I need to focus more time on providing excellent service to my clients.

This will be my last article, but most of my articles are available on my website at www.morethanyourmoney.com. I plan to continue doing some writing and speaking, but I no longer can devote the time to a regular column.

I have written countless articles on the technical aspects of personal finance, but I would like to end by highlighting some broader concepts and behaviors that I hope you will keep in mind as you navigate through your personal finances.

Below are some behaviors and habits that will help you achieve and maintain financial success:

• Live below your means: This is the single most important behavior to follow to achieve financial success. It is essential to create a plan to spend less than you earn so you can save and invest for the future. Ideally, you should save and invest 15% of your income.

• Practice gratitude: Gratitude improves your attitude, enabling you to maintain a positive mindset. A positive mindset results in reduced stress, better sleep, improved focus and increased emotional resiliency. Gratitude can transform your financial life. When you appreciate what you have, you can approach finances with greater confidence and less emotion. You are more likely to make financial decisions that align with your values and goals.

• Long-term perspective: Maintaining a long-term perspective is essential to effectively managing your portfolio. Create and stick to a plan that supports your long-term goals. A long-term perspective can help you avoid emotional reactions to short-term market fluctuations and the temptation to time the market. It can also help you save more for the future by understanding the importance of delayed gratification.

• Invest in yourself: Successful people are constantly learning. You do not need to be an expert, but a general understanding of personal finance will help you stick to your plan and avoid emotional decisions. A greater understanding of finance can also reduce anxiety and lead to greater patience during times of market turmoil.

Investing time to stay healthy also contributes to greater financial success. Good mental and physical health leads to a positive attitude, improved relationships and more enthusiasm to set and meet financial goals.

Jane Young is a business columnist and a fee-only, certified financial planner. She can be reached at jane@morethanyourmoney.com.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A new bill in North Carolina could change the landscape of campaigning and elections.

It started as a bill limiting the use of masks during protests — until lawmakers added a revision concerning campaign finances.

“I think it definitely obscures the transparency because it allows what people refer to as dark money to come in, unlimited contributions without donor disclosure. Again, I think this is a matter of context,” says Dr. Susan Roberts, a political science professor at Davidson College. 

She says it’s not the first time legislators have tucked away unrelated items in a piece of legislation.

In 2013, the North Carolina House passed a controversial bill 74-41 about two unrelated goals: it restricts access to abortion and increases safety for motorcyclists.

“Campaign finance law is never really neutral. And that’s one of the things that’s in this piece of legislation. Sometimes it depends on the context. And here the Republicans can do that. Whether or not this is something that benefits someone in the governor’s race is yet to be seen,” Dr. Roberts said. 

The latest campaign finance records show Attorney General Josh Stein had raised $19.1 million as of February, with $12.7 million left to spend.

Lt. Governor Mark Robinson was millions of dollars behind with only $10.7 million raised in that same period, with $4.5 million left to spend.

“It will essentially level the playing field when it comes to outside groups that are going to be playing in various elections in the state,” says Republican Speaker of the House Representative Tim Moore.

“Well, we’re calling a foul because neither party should be hiding money and allowing mega-donors to pay to play,” says Ann Webb with Common Cause North Carolina.

The bill now goes to Governor Roy Cooper’s desk for his signature or veto. Republicans have veto-proof majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly.

A Bengaluru resident named Neha has found a unique way to find a new apartment: by using a viral TikTok trend. Neha created a video using the music from the song “Man In Finance” by TikTok creator Megan Boni. Boni’s song lists qualities she wants in a partner, but Neha changed the lyrics to reflect what she wanted in an apartment, including features like being furnished, having two rooms, and having a balcony. 

The caption shared along with the video read, “Desperate times call for desperate measures. So here’s my take on the trend.”

Watch the viral video here:

Neha’s creative reinterpretation of the original song lyrics has generated significant buzz on social media. The video has amassed over 140,000 views and garnered a wide range of reactions in the comment section.

“This is tougher than finding “finance, trust fund, 6’5, blue eyes,” commented a user.

“I might as well buy one in Mysore. It’s almost the same time to commute if you have one in Electronic City,” wrote another user.

“Bengaluru is like a galaxy. You have to mention which part of the galaxy you are looking at; prices fluctuate accordingly,” commented a third user.