Have you tried to budget, vowed to pay off your credit cards and committed to save… repeatedly? The difference we help people understand is how to pay off that card, or attempt the budget, without running in the dark, blind, toward a concrete wall (because let’s be honest that’s what paying off credit card debt feels like). […]
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Heads up to Avoid Money Problems.
Keep your head on a swivel. I love this expression. It’s so descriptive. In the military, it means “be aware of what’s going on around you.” Obviously, for a soldier, that could mean the difference between life and death. But in everyday life it’s critical too. Stuff happens! Pay attention, and be ready to change […]
Spring Cleaning … not just for closets!
When spring flowers bloom we seem to sprout motivation to freshen up our lives. Luckily that often translates to purging closets, organizing garages, and cleaning windows. How about taking the same approach with your money. It will put a spring in your financial step! […]
DIY. Good for your budget or not?
Last year we did some remodeling to our house. Remodeling… that’s when money hemorrhages at the speed of a nail gun. In a moment of monetary anxiety, I considered saving money by doing the complicated interior painting myself. Clearly the hemorrhaging clouded my sanity. Kudos to our contractor for repressing his laughter. Luckily, sanity surfaced quickly … […]
What? Don’t Pay Down My Credit Card?!
Have you ever been in this situation? You get a big tax refund, or a good bonus and you can’t wait to blast a big chunk off your credit card balance. Sounds logical. So when I tell my clients “not yet”. Build up your savings first. I usually get this response: “What?1? Don’t pay down my Credit Card.” […]
Forget Resolutions. Just Be Sensible.
January at my gym is a zoo! It’s New Years resolution time. The new “lose weight, be healthy” crowd flock in.
Parking, getting a lane in the pool, or getting a spot in my Pilates class takes on battle tones. Don’t get me wrong. I applaud the good intentions and I don’t mean to be disrespectful. But I do know that by the end of the month, parking won’t be an issue and I won’t be sharing a lane in the pool. […]
Common Sense + Dollars & Cents = Smart Giving
Here we go! The holiday frenzy has begun.
Does holiday spending stress you out? Do you find yourself spending in ways you really don’t want? Have you lost the joy of celebrating? Are you overwhelmed by your credit card bills once the holiday madness has diminished? If so, perhaps it’s time to stop. […]
Do Your Family a Favor. Get Your Affairs in Order. Now.
Do your family a favor. Plan for your death.
Hope it doesn’t happen of course, but plan for it anyway.
Given my recent experience, this is a personal plea.
We tend to think there’s always more time to do our Will, or organize our stuff or update our list of passwords. Sometimes there’s not. […]
Budgets = Freedom
As a money coach I talk to lots of people about money. I notice that the word budgeting almost always triggers a subtle (or not so subtle) grimace. Most people don’t want to hear about it, let alone do it.
According to a poll by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling,
57% of respondents viewed budgeting as nothing more than a restriction of their spending.
Here’s the irony. It’s actually just the opposite. […]
Staying Organized is Money in the Bank
Creative ways to save money and score bargains are plentiful. But before you download your next price comparison, consider this: You can save money just by getting organized.
Disorganization is an insidious drain on your bank account. When you plug it up, you can bolster your finances without needing to search for the next great deal.
First, I have a disclaimer. Organization is not my strong suit. So there are a few things I know first hand. […]