Annika Stepanov, Author at Ash & Pri

Happy Man Holding Various Cheese On Board In Store

15 customs boomers miss that are never coming back

Ask Boomers about the past, and you’ll find they don’t discuss milestones, but routines. Sunday phone calls home, a pot of coffee after supper, the corner store run for a paper, and walks in the evening. Habits wove lives together, and I asked my grandparents, ‘Which do you miss most?’ Ten rose to the surface.

Annika Stepanov March 11, 2020

young sad and depressed Asian Korean student woman or bullied teenager sitting outdoors on street staircase overwhelmed and anxious feeling desperate suffering depression problem. teen.

Lifestyle Personal Finance

People who grew up in a financially unstable home often have 11 overly frugal habits as adults

Growing up can be an adventure and, sometimes, an unexpected journey, especially if you're navigating the waters of financial hardship. Many users on a social media thread recently shared their…

Annika Stepanov March 11, 2020

Lifestyle

What It Actually Costs to Own a Home in 2026

Homeownership still builds equity over time. But in 2026, the full annual cost of owning a typical home goes far beyond the mortgage payment — and in many markets, that…

Annika Stepanov March 5, 2020

Lifestyle

America’s Childcare System: Who Actually Pays?

Childcare in America is expensive — but the real question isn’t just how much it costs. It’s who actually absorbs that cost. Here’s how the financial burden breaks down. Parents:…

Annika Stepanov March 5, 2020

Lifestyle

Renting vs. Buying in 2026: What the Numbers Show

For years, buying a home was considered the obvious financial move. But in 2026, with higher mortgage rates and elevated home prices, the rent-versus-buy math looks very different depending on…

Annika Stepanov March 5, 2020

Lifestyle

The Quiet Economic Divide Inside “Middle Class” America

Two families can both call themselves middle class. One owns a home, invests every month, and has retirement savings. The other rents, carries credit card debt, and lives paycheck to…

Annika Stepanov March 4, 2020

Lifestyle

States Where Federal Funding Plays a Bigger Role Than Many Residents Realize

Some states publicly emphasize independence from Washington. Others openly rely on federal partnerships. But federal spending data shows certain states receive significantly more federal dollars per resident than others —…

Annika Stepanov March 4, 2020

Lifestyle

Why Americans Work More Hours Than Most Other Developed Countries

Americans don’t just feel busy. International labor data shows they work more hours per year than workers in many comparable high-income nations. The reasons aren’t cultural alone — they’re structural.…

Annika Stepanov March 4, 2020

Lifestyle

Be cautious about marrying a woman who finds these 10 things acceptable

Healthy relationships are built on respect, not demands. When a partner starts expecting more than they give, or asks for things that cost your peace or independence, it’s a red flag. From controlling behaviors to emotional manipulation, here are 12 expectations that should make you think twice about staying in the relationship.

Annika Stepanov March 3, 2020

Lifestyle

10 Ways Religion Still Shapes American Law

The U.S. separates church and state — but religion still intersects with law in practical ways. Some influences are historical. Others show up in court rulings and policy debates today.…

Annika Stepanov March 2, 2020