Financial planning involves moving toward a future that fits your personal values. That “future state” can be envisioned as a goal. The first step to creating goals is writing something that is meaningful to you. The acronym SMART gives you a logical framework for developing goals that impact your direction in life. Without a directional bearing, we are a car … Read More
Renters Insurance Saves the Day
Insurance is designed to make you whole if the unexpected should happen. While banks and mortgage companies require us to have homeowners insurance, you may not have it if you are renting. Given the cost, Renters Insurance provides a huge value. Karina Moretz, ChFC®, shares her story of how Renters Insurance saved them thousands. Pre-Insurance Once upon a time I … Read More
Navigating Senior Year of High School Expenses
Your child’s senior year of high school is here. You have both spent the last 11 school years working towards this milestone. The monthly countdown to graduation begins! This year is filled with pride, accomplishments, anxiety, and…expenses?! You’re used to the normal expenses such as dance tickets and apparel, sports fees, game tickets, and club dues. But, goodness, all that … Read More
Tackle and Tame Your Tech Budget
Home entertainment budgets used to be easy to calculate. But things have changed and our budget for streaming and tech services has gotten out of hand. Let’s find out why and how to fix it so you can get these pesky fees under control. Not long ago, you would have one or all of the Big Three: Phone, Cable, & … Read More
Top Money-Saving Tips for Summer Vacation Planning
Summer is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to plan your much-awaited vacation. However, vacation expenses can quickly add up and put a strain on your budget. If you have a Vacation Savings account, you are already have some money set aside for fun. More good news – with some smart planning and a few money-saving tips, … Read More
How to Create Your “Oh Crap” Maintenance Fund
Any time you have something big, you have to take care of it. We’ve been having maintenance work done on our home to repair windows and woodwork. My car is due for an oil change and tire rotation. These expenses always make me say “Oh Crap!” but it’s just part of ownership. Important items need regular maintenance, however, you never … Read More
Five Easy Steps to Tame Your Food Budget
Without a doubt, the number one budget challenge I hear from clients is their food spending. Everyone knows to eat at home, but how can you do that? Don’t worry, Your Financial Mom is here to help! This article will give you a foolproof process to fix home cooked dinners and save money in five easy steps! My Eat at … Read More
Build Your Financial Planning Tower
Building a Financial Planning Tower may seem like a lot of work. Any time you are building something, you want it to be strong so it will last. The top layers need to stand on a sturdy foundation so it won’t topple or break. This is equally true for financial planning. Let’s explore how to build a financial planning tower … Read More
Organize Your Budget with Kon-Mari
As a financial planner, I like having an organized budget. So, when I saw the show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, it became my new guilty pleasure. I started wondering how her tidying concepts could apply to our finances. Marie Kondo is a superstar in the world of organizing who has completely revolutionized the art of decluttering with her trademarked … Read More
How to Get Organized in 2021
2020 was a hot mess. Given that, you may be thinking about getting better organized in the new year. Your money is no different. Organizing your finances now will set you on the right track for the rest of the year. How do you decide when and where to spend your money? Do you use a rational, well thought-out process? … Read More