The BOOK DRAFT currently includes 23,540 words — and although that’s only 812 more words than last week, I’ve more than made up for it in practical book-related work. The next section of the draft is likely to progress more slowly than the previous two, simply because I’ve gotten to the point where I need to turn my hypotheses into theories, my theories into practice, and my practice into results.

On that note (pun always always always intended) it’s time to share another piano video! I finally have the first movement of Walter Saul’s Sonata #3 for Piano memorized, or at least I thought I did before I made the recording (and that is always always always how it goes [and why I made the recording in the first place]).

On the one hand, I would rather not have anyone think that this is how Walter Saul’s sonata is supposed to be played. I need to smooth out a few sections, sort out some memory issues, and play the entire movement in six minutes instead of ten.

On the other hand, this is a project in showing my work — and this video is both an accurate and positive representation of the work I’ve been able to complete so far. ❤️

Here’s where I got published this week!

How to choose an everyday spending card, Bankrate

What credit card do you use for your day-to-day purchases? Whether you’ve thought about it or not, you probably have an everyday spending card—that is, a card you automatically reach for every time you complete an in-store checkout or make an online purchase. Tools like digital wallets make this process even easier by allowing you to select a single credit card as your default card.

When to ditch your high-interest credit card, Bankrate

The average credit card APR is currently hovering above 16 percent. If the interest rates on your credit cards are significantly higher than the average—say around 25 percent APR, for example—you might want to consider lowering your rates. This means you’ll either need to contact your credit card issuer and request a lower credit card interest rate or cancel your credit card and apply for a low-interest card instead.

Should you use a HELOC to pay off credit card debt? Bankrate

If you have a lot of credit card debt, you probably wish there was an easy way to pay it off all at once. For some people, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) provides the solution. Taking out a line of credit against your home’s equity can help you consolidate and pay off old debt, and HELOCs generally offer significantly lower interest rates than credit cards.

Using Ultimate Rewards for Apple products, CreditCards.com

If you’re interested in redeeming your Chase Ultimate Rewards points for a new iPhone or your first Apple Watch, here’s what you need to know about the Apple Ultimate Rewards Store. We’ll show you how to shop, how many points you’ll need to make a purchase, and how the point redemption value compares to other Chase redemption options.

Will paying down my credit card balance reduce my minimum payment? CreditCards.com

If you are dealing with high minimum payments every month, you’re probably wondering how you can lower those payments and get a little more breathing room in your budget. The best way to reduce your minimum payment is by paying down your credit card balance – but there are a few other options you might want to consider.

Guide to the Ramp corporate card, CreditCards.com

The Ramp corporate card is one of many startup business credit cards designed to meet the needs of small business owners. If you have a corporation, limited liability company (LLC) or limited partnership (LP) based in the U.S. with at least $75,000 in a U.S. business bank account, you might be able to use the Ramp corporate card to streamline your expense tracking, save money on monthly bills and earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase.

7 scenarios where a single person might need life insurance, Haven Life

Life has a way of changing. Fast. If you’re currently single, financially secure and debt-free, a life insurance plan probably doesn’t need to be on your radar right now. By understanding the scenarios that would necessitate coverage, you’ll be better prepared for whatever comes next.

How financial professionals are thinking about climate change, Haven Life

A lot of people are wondering if now is a good time to buy an electric car, for example — or whether they should adjust their retirement portfolio to include more environmentally responsible investments. People with young families may be wondering whether it’s time to move to a city that’s less likely to experience severe weather or natural disasters, and older people may be asking themselves what they need to do to ensure that they leave the best possible legacy not only for their descendants — but also for the planet.

Inflation adds to financial stress this year — but should it change how you invest? MoneyWise

Whether you check how your portfolio is performing daily or barely glance at your monthly 401(k) statement, you might be wondering whether you should rethink your investment strategy when inflation and uncertainty are high. It can be hard to stomach stock losses this year as the market reacts to high prices, lingering pandemic effects and global conflict, especially when you’re also feeling the pinch from your money not stretching as far as it used to.