How Do You Answer the Question โ€œCan I Afford It?โ€

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 โ€œCan I afford it?โ€ 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 arenโ€™t … Continue reading How Do You Answer the Question โ€œCan I Afford It?โ€

Celebrating Financial Wins (Even When You Think You Don’t Have Any)

Celebrating financial wins (and yes you do have them) is what gives us the positive energy we need to stay engaged and reach our goals. When I talk to my coaching clients, one thing that I consistently find is that people donโ€™t give themselves enough credit for what they have achieved. When we focus on … Continue reading Celebrating Financial Wins (Even When You Think You Don’t Have Any)

Book Reviewโ€”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 โ€œBroke Millennial Talks Money: Scripts, Stories and Advice to Navigate Awkward Financial Conversationsโ€ by Erin Lowry.   Everyone should read this book! Ever needed to know how to ask for a raise? … Continue reading Book Reviewโ€”Broke Millennial Talks Money

Donโ€™t Be Afraid of the โ€œB-Wordโ€ (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 Donโ€™t Be Afraid of the โ€œB-Wordโ€ (Budget)

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 donโ€™t have โ€“ 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 doโ€”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

Using the Holidays for Family Money Conversations

Having a money conversation over the holidays probably seems like the LAST thing you want to do. But if your family members live in different cities, the holidays might be the only opportunity you have to talk in person.  Talking with family members about finances can feel awkward, and can bring up emotional issues. But … Continue reading Using the Holidays for Family Money Conversations

Can $10K Make a Baby a Millionaire?

The short answerโ€”yes! If you investedย $10,000 at 9% when a baby was born,ย and never added another penny, they would haveย $1.1 million at age 55ย and could retire early! When you have long periods of time โ€” like 55 years โ€” the results from compounding interest seem almost hard to believe. That being said โ€” why don't people … Continue reading Can $10K Make a Baby a Millionaire?

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 โ€” not after the fact when the bills come due โ€” 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.)

August is National Wellness Month

August is National Wellness Month, which was founded to encourage people to focus on their health โ€“ self-care, stress management, and healthy routines.  But financial health is also a big part of a personโ€™s overall wellness. Financial issues contribute to stress, put strain on relationships, and can impact our mental well-being. Addressing your finances during … Continue reading August is National Wellness Month

Book Review: “The Millionaire Next Door”

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko is on many lists of โ€œtop personal finance booksโ€ โ€“ but should you read it?  If you are looking for a book on how to manage your personal finances โ€“ this isnโ€™t it. But if you are curious about the lifestyle of the … Continue reading Book Review: “The Millionaire Next Door”