Category: Financial Education

How Do You Answer the Question “Can I Afford It?”

It is one of the most basic questions of personal finance. But have you ever thought about what it REALLY means to answer the question “Can I afford it?” Do you just look at the balance in your checking account? Or do you go with your gut? Is it okay if the monthly payments aren’t … Continue reading How Do You Answer the Question “Can I Afford It?” →

“How can I get ahead when something always comes up?”

We’ve all been there. You’re going along, spending is on track, and then … something comes up. It’s the annual insurance payment, or it's someone’s birthday, or there is an out-of-town trip, or an unexpected car repair. Now you are scrambling to come up with the money, and you find yourself saying, “How can I get … Continue reading “How can I get ahead when something always comes up?” →

7 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund to Level Up Your Finances

Expecting a tax refund this year? If you are one of the people getting money back, why not use this as an opportunity to make a real difference with your finances? Below are seven unique ideas for turning your tax refund into a bigger paycheck, smaller bills, more money for the future, more peace of mind, or just a … Continue reading 7 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund to Level Up Your Finances →

The ONE Image That Shows How Investing Can Make You Rich

You’ve probably already glanced down and seen the image and thought, “What’s so special about that?” But let me break it down for you and you will see the incredible power that this image represents. This is a graph of what happens when someone invests $160 per month for 45 years (such as from age … Continue reading The ONE Image That Shows How Investing Can Make You Rich →

Don’t Be Afraid of the “B-Word” (Budget)

I know, a budget sounds awful. It sounds like pinching pennies and never being able to have the things you want. But it is actually the opposite! A budget can help you get what you want in life because a budget is about spending with intention. It is about consciously choosing what things are most … Continue reading Don’t Be Afraid of the “B-Word” (Budget) →

Five Awesome Things to Know Right Now About Social Security

First of all, yes, we all hear dire-sounding news stories about whether or not Social Security will still be around when you retire. But the reality is that most people need Social Security as part of their retirement plan. That probably includes you! But how much do you really know about Social Security? If you want … Continue reading Five Awesome Things to Know Right Now About Social Security →

The Debt Consolidation Trap, or How I Saved My Client $48,000

A client came to me recently because of credit card debt and feeling like she never had anything left over at the end of the month.  I had her do something that I have all my clients with credit card debt do—I had her make a list of all of her credit cards with the … Continue reading The Debt Consolidation Trap, or How I Saved My Client $48,000 →

What Is a Roth IRA and Why Should I Care?

For most of my adult life the term “Roth IRA” was one of those things that I would hear people mention, and I would nod knowingly, pretending I knew what it was when I actually had no idea. Which is unfortunate, because while I was busy looking at the Walgreens sales flier trying to save … Continue reading What Is a Roth IRA and Why Should I Care? →

What To Do When Willpower Doesn’t Work

Trying to change habits and keep resolutions is hard. Our brain wants to keep doing things the way we always did them, so when you try to disrupt that with new habits or new choices, willpower alone doesn't always work.  My advice? Take willpower out of the equation as much as possible. Luckily when it … Continue reading What To Do When Willpower Doesn’t Work →

Turn $312 into $600 with 401(k) Magic

So, your financial coach tells you that you should be putting $600 per month in your workplace 401(k)—but you don't know where the money is going to come from. Enter … 401(k) magic! First of all, 90% of companies with 401(k) plans will match employee contributions, and the most common option is to match 50%. … Continue reading Turn $312 into $600 with 401(k) Magic →

What To Do When Debt Collectors Are Calling

Even if you have never had to deal with debt collectors, I urge you to read this post. You might be able to help a friend or family member who is going through this situation. I remember getting calls from bill collectors back during my days as a struggling Chicago theater artist. It was extremely … Continue reading What To Do When Debt Collectors Are Calling →

What’s the Difference Between Credit Profile, Credit Score, and Credit History?

Not sure about the difference between these three things? Simply put, your credit profile is made up of two things: 1. Your credit score.2. Your credit history. Your credit score is based on your credit history. But here is the thing – your credit score only matters if you are planning to get a loan … Continue reading What’s the Difference Between Credit Profile, Credit Score, and Credit History? →

“I hope I can retire one day.” Don’t hope – know!

I often hear people say “I hope I can retire one day” or “Who knows if I’ll ever be able to retire.”  Retirement can seem like this large, foggy area in the future that you can’t really picture, don’t know how to predict, and are afraid to look at because what if the outlook is … Continue reading “I hope I can retire one day.” Don’t hope – know! →

Why Am I Seeing A Christmas Tree? (It’s about future planning.)

I know, we don't want to start thinking about the holidays! But now — not after the fact when the bills come due — is the time to start thinking ahead about what extra expenses will be coming up between now and the end of the year. This might include: holiday travel annual payments that … Continue reading Why Am I Seeing A Christmas Tree? (It’s about future planning.) →