Melanie Allen, Author at Partners in Fire

A sad looking man sits at his table with bills in front of him, holding up a tiny piggy bank.

“You Know You’re Poor When…” Poor Folks Share the Biggest Clues You Know You’re Poor

The poor live a life that the rich can’t fathom. But at least they have a sense of humor about it! One optimistic yet financially … Read more

A woman sits alone on her couch. She looks sad and unsure what to do, to represent the millennial mid-life crisis.

“I’ll be Better off on Welfare” Our Society Makes Working Impossible for Some

The labor market is so messed up right now that some folks are better off staying home on government assistance. Let that sink in. People … Read more

Giant boss sitting in a chair towering over a tiny employee who stands defeated below him.

Boss Cuts Pay, Steals Tips in Illegal Effort to Stay Afloat

“No one wants to work anymore,” cries the ruling class while doing everything they can to siphon more and more away from their employees. The … Read more

A diverse group of adults in a class learning life skills.

Critical Skill Deficiency: 15 Vital Life Skills Most People Lack

Life takes skill. From infancy, we’re taught how to navigate the world through schooling and real-life experience. Unfortunately, a lot of people choose to ignore … Read more

Four employees wearing birthday hats and smiling too wide at an obviously staged office pizza party.

Office Pizza Party is a Foul Reward for Overworked, Underpaid Workers

Workers love pizza parties! Or do they? One day in the not-so-distant past, they did. Managers used to surprise the team with a tasty pizza … Read more

A man and a woman on the couch gaming together to represent when my girlfriend plays games with other guys.

My Girlfriend Plays Games with Other Guys. How Should I Handle it?

Technology allows us to fire up our gaming systems and play with friends worldwide. We meet people from different places and learn new perspectives while … Read more

A stressed man sits in front of a computer pinching his nose.

“Efficiency is Punished” How Appearing Busy Became More Important Than Working

Most corporations hire people for a reason. A job needs to get done, and they need someone with the right skills to do it. Somewhere … Read more

An adult daughter laughs with her senior parents outside.

Elderly Parent Tug-of-War – She Refuses To Let His Parents Move In

The sandwich generation has it rough. As our parents age, we must determine how to best care for them. Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and … Read more

The camera focuses on the divorce papers and wedding rings in the foreground as a couple sits, angry and slightly blurred in the background.

She’s Hates Her Husband’s Political Views. Is Divorce the Answer?

At one point in the not-too-distant past, folks could have political disagreements while remaining friends and even lovers. But as America’s political divide grows ever … Read more

The unsure landlord stands in front of his renters. He wants to sell, but they've asked him to reconsider.

Selling a Rental When It Hurts the Tenants: What Should Landlords Do?

The constant battle between renters and landlords wages ever onwards. As renters search far and wide for affordable housing, landlords raise prices to get as … Read more