BasaltBlog
Financial privacy tips, budgeting advice, and updates from Basalt.
The AI Competence Crisis
Mitchell Hashimoto warned about AI psychosis. He's right. We're speed running a competence crisis and the recovery will cost more than the shortcuts saved.
Three Financial Decisions That Matter More Than Your Budget
You can trim grocery spending all you want. But three financial moves will save you more than any budget ever could. Get these right first and the rest follows.
The Psychology of Money: 12 Biases That Are Wrecking Your Budget
Loss aversion, the endowment effect, recency bias. You think you're rational but biases are wrecking your budget. Here's how to spot them.
How to Build a No-Money-Excuses Budget: The Emergency Fund First Approach
Before cutting expenses or paying off debt, you need a financial cushion. Here's how to build an emergency fund that protects you from life's surprises.
The Canadian's Guide to TFSA vs RRSP: Stop Guessing Which Account to Use
The TFSA vs RRSP debate is everywhere and most advice contradicts itself. Here's a straightforward guide to choosing the right account for your situation.
How to Budget as a Couple Without Sharing Your Financial Life with a Tech Company
Two salaries, one household, zero reasons to hand your bank data to Mint. Here's how to budget as a couple on your own terms.
How to Budget When Your Income Changes Month to Month
The gig economy has made irregular income the new normal. Here's how to budget when you don't know what you'll make next month.
The Hidden Fees in 'Free' Budgeting Apps (It's Not Just Ads)
You know apps like Mint sell your data. But free budgeting apps have hidden costs too — Rocket Money takes 35-60% of your savings to cancel things.
Your Financial Data Should Be a File, Not a Subscription
Most budgeting apps hold your data hostage. File-based budgeting means your financial life lives in files you own, not on a server. Here's why it matters.
Best Privacy-First Budgeting Apps in 2026
Tired of apps selling your financial data? Here's our roundup of the best budgeting apps that put your privacy first.
Why Your Budgeting App Is Probably Selling Your Data
Think paying $100/year means your data is safe? Think again. The data broker industry doesn't care about your subscription.