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...
20 days 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....
about 1 month 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...
about 2 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...
2 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....
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Goodbye 2025 - Hello 2026! Just like people set resolutions for health or career goals, having an annual financial ritual can help you close out the year with clarity and step into the new one with confidence. Here are the steps I follow to wrap up my money and reset for a new year: Check In Check your budget against your accounts. Make sure all your outstanding bills are covered and accounted for. The total money you’ve budgeted should match the total money in your spending...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader! The holidays are a wonderful time of year—but they can also be financially challenging. There’s often pressure to find the perfect gift and spend more than you planned. So how do you create that holiday magic while staying on budget? I’d like to share a family tradition of mine that I love. As our extended family grew, we decided to stop giving Christmas presents and start giving “Christmas Adventures.” Each family unit—my parents, siblings, and now their families—plans an outing...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! It seems Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) options are showing up everywhere these days. You can even use them for groceries! But is it really a good idea? Is there a better way? BNPL plans can sound like an easy way to get what you want fast. But it’s easy to lose track of how much debt you’re racking up across different platforms. Late fees and interest charges can grow quickly, and you may end up paying much more than your purchase was ever worth. It can even hurt your credit score. But...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Black Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. But how do you enjoy the excitement without the post-purchase guilt? It all starts with a good game plan. Make a list of all the things you want to buy and who you want to shop for. Research the item and write down the current price and any sales. Sometimes Black Friday deals aren’t as great as they seem, and knowing the historic price helps you spot the real bargains. Set your own price. Imagine you could decide what...
4 months ago • 1 min read