How Distinguishing Between Needs and Wants Can Help You Build a Better Budget
In order to create a budget that not only works, but that you can thrive on, it helps to consider your needs and wants. It can be hard initially to see any of your spending as a want because you can’t see your life without it. But if you take a step back and evaluate…
Read MoreHow to Balance Long-Term and Short-Term Savings Goals
We all know it’s important to save money. But how do you balance saving towards both your short-term and your long-term goals? I recommend creating a savings plan that takes your budget, goals, and timeframe into consideration. This can help you be successful in saving in both the short and long-term. Define Your Goals First,…
Read MoreHow to Re-Imagine Your Disposable Income During a Recession
The biggest threat to your finances during a recession is a reduction or loss of income. Seemingly disposable income now may be a lifeline to keep you from eviction, foreclosure, or repossession. So if you’re doing okay right now, it’s a good time to fortify your financial foundation. If anything in your financial picture changes,…
Read MoreWhat Is a Recession and How Do I Prepare for One?
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is the organization that decides if the US is in a recession. They define a recession as “a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and lasts more than a few months.” So, what the heck does this mean? In a recession, companies are…
Read MoreA Side Hustle Can Fix Your Budget
There are lots of articles written about cutting expenses in order to make your budget work. But there is an alternative. You can make more money to achieve the same desired result! Getting a side hustle, and bringing in more money each month, will correct the deficit of your budget just as quickly as spending…
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About High-Yield Savings Accounts
When it comes to saving money, where you save it can be almost as important as saving it. There are many different savings options available today. One that is often talked about is the high-yield savings account (HYSA). But what is a high-yield savings account and when is it the best choice for your savings?…
Read MoreWhat is Lifestyle Inflation?
Have you noticed that even when your income increases, it can feel like you still don’t have more money leftover at the end of the month? That’s because often, when our income increases, our expenses do too. This is a very real phenomenon called lifestyle inflation. It can sneak up on us despite our best…
Read More3 Strategies to Stretch Your Food Dollars
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you may have to stretch a lower income to cover regular expenses. If your income has been reduced or you have had a lot of unexpected expenses, having enough money to feed yourself and your family may be a challenge. Food is a necessity to maintain a healthy life. But…
Read More5 Tips to Stay Out of Debt on Black Friday
Your No-Debt Black Friday Survival Guide As a veteran, I often get eye rolls from my kids when I use military analogies to describe events. But as a financial coach, I can’t help but see Black Friday as an epic battle. You’re knee-deep in the trenches of holiday shopping goals and you’re experiencing the rapid…
Read More8 Tips for Financial Planning During an Economic Downturn
It’s difficult to create a solid financial plan when the economy is booming. Add an economic downturn and creating a financial plan can seem impossible. Here are eight tips for financial planning during a downturn that can help you stay the course. 1. Be Sure You’re Thinking Clearly It’s easy to give in to panic…
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