Have you ever thought about how and why you dealwith money the way you do? Why do you choose to save, or not save? Why do you avoid talking about money, or is it no problem? Why do you make the spending decisions you do? Part of our money behavior comes from what we saw … Continue reading Learn Your Money Personality and Unblock Your Finances
Tag: money coach
A Pep Talk for Hard Times
We are going through some hard times right now. Our political system seems to be in constant chaos, economic indicators are bad, and every day the news seems both frightening and surreal. And against this backdrop we all have our own personal struggles and challenges. I see this with my coaching clients, who are often … Continue reading A Pep Talk for Hard Times
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?”
Eight Things I Don’t Spend Money On, and One Thing I Do
Ever been curious about how someone else spends their money? It’s not something we get to see that often, but it can be interesting to peek into another person’s life, and maybe pick up some ideas for our own spending. To give you a look into my own spending, below are some things that I do … Continue reading Eight Things I Don’t Spend Money On, and One Thing I Do
“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
A Tale Of Three Grocery Carts: Saving 80% On Groceries
As a personal financial coach I see a lot of people’s grocery budgets, and I can tell you two things: People spend vastly different amounts on groceries. People have a lot of set habits around groceries–so much so that our grocery habits can even be part of our identity. And I totally get it–we all … Continue reading A Tale Of Three Grocery Carts: Saving 80% On Groceries
My Top 10 Tips for Having Great Credit
To be honest, credit is kind of a game. If you know the rules, you can do well. If you don’t, you can end up in real trouble. It would be tempting to just ignore it, but a low credit score means: Higher interest rates on mortgages, car loans, and personal loans, which could cost … Continue reading My Top 10 Tips for Having Great Credit
Book Review—Broke Millennial Talks Money
As a financial coach I read a lot of personal finance books, and there are very few that I would recommend as whole-heartedly as “Broke Millennial Talks Money: Scripts, Stories and Advice to Navigate Awkward Financial Conversations” by Erin Lowry. Everyone should read this book! Ever needed to know how to ask for a raise? … Continue reading Book Review—Broke Millennial Talks Money
How To Make Your Graduate a Millionaire
Looking for a unique graduation gift? How about one that can make your graduate a millionaire? Does it sound impossible? Well, the thing you have to remember is that your high school or college graduate has one very important thing that you don’t have – a lot more time. That means there is time for … Continue reading How To Make Your Graduate a Millionaire
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
When “Working Until You Die” Won’t Work
The problem with this plan is that many people end up leaving the workforce earlier than they intend to for three main reasons:
Two Numbers That Can Help You Understand Your Retirement Fund
56% of workers in the U.S. contribute to a workplace retirement plan. However, most people just leave their retirement savings in the default option their company picked out for them. But is that really the best choice?
One of Your Biggest Financial Decisions — Where You Will Live
Where you will live is a big decision, but it can also be a big opportunity to change your financial future.
Is Five Years Costing You Half a Million Dollars?
I wish I could get into a time machine and tell my younger self … start investing now! The effect that time has on investments is so incredible that even just starting small, I probably could have retired at 42 instead of 52! Not sure what I mean? Here’s an example: At age 30 Jane starts putting $250 per month into an index fund in her company’s retirement plan
Why Your Credit Card Shouldn’t Be Your Emergency Fund
Imagine this scenario … Bruce has a sudden dental emergency and gets a bill for $2,500. He doesn’t have any savings – who knows where the money goes each month – so he puts it on his credit card at 20% interest. “Luckily” the minimum payment is only $42 per month – he can figure … Continue reading Why Your Credit Card Shouldn’t Be Your Emergency Fund
Book Review: “The Millionaire Next Door”
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko is on many lists of “top personal finance books” – but should you read it? If you are looking for a book on how to manage your personal finances – this isn’t it. But if you are curious about the lifestyle of the … Continue reading Book Review: “The Millionaire Next Door”
Why Choose Personal Financial Coaching?
Every person’s money situation is unique. We each have our own pre-existing financial habits, and a unique set of experiences that have shaped our relationship with money. As a personal financial coach I can give you straight answers that are specific for your situation – which is something you can’t get from a book or … Continue reading Why Choose Personal Financial Coaching?