Welcome to Other People's Money

Too often, though, financial advice is inaccessible to regular folks. That means you’re left to navigate complex financial decisions like planning for retirement, choosing the right insurance, or saving for college. Or you suffer in silence with money worries because you’re afraid of being judged.

That’s where Other People’s Money comes in.

Hi, I’m Robin Hartill. For four and a half years, I also wrote The Penny Hoarder’s Dear Penny personal finance advice column. Now, I’m launching Other People’s Money to help demystify finances for everyone.

I’ve been writing and editing financial content since 2016. I earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2020.

But much of my financial training comes from lessons learned the hard way. In my younger days, I maxed out a bunch of credit cards, ignored them, and spent years paying for that. I financed a car at 18% APR. I didn’t start saving for retirement until I was 33. For years, my bank account balance was usually less than $25 in the final stretch leading up to payday. So trust me when I tell you this is a non-judgmental money space.

Every Tuesday, I’ll answer a few reader questions about money. Ask me about your Social Security, your home insurance or your 401(k) rollover. Or ask me about your mooching relatives, your cheapskate boyfriend or the friend who ghosted you after borrowing money.

There’s no question too big, too small, or too petty. I’ll do my best to answer your questions if I think I can help.

You can submit your questions using this anonymous Google form.

This column is primarily intended for entertainment purposes, though I hope it will also be helpful. If you’re looking for tax or legal advice, consult with a CPA or an attorney, not a stranger on the internet.

I also won’t provide advice on individual securities. So if you’re wondering whether Nvidia vs. Tesla is better for your portfolio, talk to a professional who can provide individual investment advice.