Hi Reader! Zero-Based Budgeting. 50/30/20 Rule. 70/20/10 Rule. Cash Stuffing. Pay-Yourself-First. Anti-Budget. No-Spend Challenge. Mindful Spending. There are so many buzzwords and trendy opinions around how to manage your money. But how do you choose? Which one is actually right for you? Finding the right system can feel a little like Goldilocks trying to find the right bed. Not every approach fits just right. It takes time to get comfortable and start seeing results. But once you find a...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Are you getting a tax refund this year? Refunds can feel like a gift from above (pennies from heaven!), and they generate a lot of excitement. But without a little planning, that excitement can work against you. A windfall, whether it is a refund, a bonus, or a gift, has a way of sparking big dreams. We start mentally spending it the moment we hear it's coming: pay down debt, build up savings, finally make that purchase we've been putting off, book that vacation. And honestly? That...
29 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Do you have an Easter egg hunt? Colorful eggs, little kids with baskets, fun prizes inside - it brings a joyfulness to Spring. But what if there was missing money to be found? Do you know where to look? You may have missing money that couldn't find its way to you. Maybe a company didn’t know where to send the refund after you moved. Maybe there was an old forgotten or inactive account somewhere. This left behind money gets gathered up by the government in a process called...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! It’s that time of year when everyone seems to have a March Madness bracket to fill out. The office pool, the neighborhood bar, the family chat - everyone is weighing in with their picks. Now, I could give you my best tips for picking a winner (I pick by cutest mascot, of course), but I’m going to suggest a different type of contest. Having discretionary or fun money is essential to sticking with a budget. A restrictive diet rarely works long-term, and money is no different. But the...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! What is your favorite holiday? Is it the sparkly joy of Christmas? The summer vibes of July 4th? The creativity and mystery of Halloween? Mine is Pi Day. March 14th or 3.14 celebrates the day that matches the mathematical constant pi: the relationship between a circle’s circumference (its outer edge) and its diameter (its width). The delightful quirk that pi, a circle equation, sounds like pie, a circular food, creates a holiday that celebrates math, food, and puns - what could be...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Let the Good Times Roll! Parties, parades, music, and food - Mardi Gras is known for fun, indulgence, and excess. But when you are on a budget, you may feel like you have to choose between being frugal and saying no to a social life or going out and blowing through the budget. It doesn’t have to be either extreme. But it can mean some strategic planning and communication. When money is tight and your friends have big plans, you have three options. Say thanks, but not right now....
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! You’ve probably been on a movie date, a dinner date, maybe even a blind date—but have you ever been on a money date? If you’re in a partnership where you share expenses, having regular money dates can help you stay aligned as you work toward your future goals. They strengthen communication, prevent issues before they start, and yes—they can even be fun! Steps to a Money Date Set the vibe and clear distractions. You want both partners to be relaxed, ready, and focused. Whether it’s...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Oh, the weather outside is frightful,But the fire is so delightful,And since we've no place to go,Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. My favorite way to enjoy snowy weather is with a big mug of hot chocolate next to a crackling fire. But did you know the snow can also help you pay off your debt? Debt can feel like being buried under a mountain of snow. Thankfully, three strategies can help you dig your way out—the Avalanche, the Snowball, and the Yeti. AvalancheThis method...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! 61% of people with New Year's resolutions want to be better with money, second only to getting healthier at 79%. You are far more likely to succeed with a support system and professional guidance. Extra support provides the accountability, knowledge, and backup you need to overcome obstacles you’ll face on your journey. It keeps you on track to your goals. And importantly, working with others makes it more enjoyable - even when it gets hard. Finding the right pros to help is key....
4 months ago • 1 min read