Back to the Basics
January is often a time for fresh starts. We clean out closets, set new goals, and promise ourselves that this will be the year we do better. When it comes to personal finances, however, it can be easy to get distracted by the latest headlines, investment trends, or policy changes. In both financial planning and […]
Three Financial Resolutions You Will Actually Keep in 2026
Every January, millions of Americans vow to keep new resolutions, only to abandon them by February. Statistics show that 80% of resolutions are given up by mid-February. Why? Because most resolutions are either too vague, restrictive, or overwhelming. The most successful strategy is to implement small, intentional changes that over time make big impacts. This […]
Christmas Reflections
The Christmas season is a time of great joy and celebration. Unfortunately, for many of us, the added festivities on the calendar – combined with year-end workloads at work, school, and home – can quickly pile up and steal that joy. This year, my husband and I decided to give each other an experience instead […]
Keep the Magic, Cut the Stress: Smart Holiday Spending
Christmas is a season of joy, generosity and an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family. It can also bring financial stress if we are not careful. Overspending in December does not just hurt now, it can follow you into the New Year when property taxes, income taxes, and other annual bills are often due. […]
Preparing for OBBBA: What You Should Know Before the Year Ends
Every year since becoming a mom, I am amazed at how fast time seems to accelerate after Halloween. One minute you are carving pumpkins, and the next Thanksgiving is here, followed by school programs, dance recitals, and Christmas festivities. Before you know it, January rolls around and you are left catching your breath after the […]
Moving On and Moving In: Tax Tips for Homebuyers and Sellers
As someone who is currently in the process of both buying and selling a home, I’m reminded how many moving pieces there are. Between inspections, appraisals, and closing dates, taxes may be the last thing on your mind. Still, a few smart steps can make a real difference when tax season comes around. When You […]
Tax Season Starts Now
With the calendar winding down and holiday season approaching, small business owners can be proactive and get ahead of tax season. Year-end preparation is not just about compliance with the IRS; it is a chance to strengthen your financial foundation and set the stage for a successful new year. Here is a practical checklist geared […]
Combining Piggy Banks: A Lesson in Shared Finances
Recently, two of my sons got into a heated argument over a toy they had purchased together after combining their piggy bank savings. One claimed greater ownership because his piggy bank had been fuller. But neither had counted their money before merging it, leaving no way to determine individual contributions. I stepped in and declared […]
Reducing Financial Blisters
When I told my brother that my husband and I were expecting our third child, one of his first half-joking remarks was about how much life insurance we had. The question came as no surprise to me. He and my sister-in-law had already agreed to be the designated guardians for our minor children in our […]
Is It Worth It?
Six years ago, just before my wedding, I set a goal – one that many people have at that time in their lives, I suppose: to lose some extra weight, get leaner, and build more muscle. Like most people, I already knew what to do—I just wasn’t doing it. So, I hired a personal trainer. […]