Feeling stuck with your money and not sure where to start? You're not alone. Everywhere I turn, folks are asking the same questions: "How do I save when I’m barely making it?" or "Where do I even begin with investing?" Here’s the truth: you don’t need to have it all figured out or a massive bank account to make progress. Small moves matter—and they add up fast.

In this blog, I’m breaking it all down for you. From auditing your wallet to setting goals you can actually stick to, we’re getting back to the basics. Real talk, no fluff. Whether you’re saving your first $400 or finally tackling that lingering credit card debt, these tips will help you turn your financial fumbles into something powerful. Ready to make those moves? Let’s get started!

We used to play CDs, and now you’re looking at CDs to pay you! Dive into the world of savings with our beginner-friendly guide on Certificates of Deposit (CDs). Discover how CDs can serve as a valuable addition to your savings strategy, whether you're planning for a big purchase or simply looking to earn more interest. Learn about the different types of CDs, how to ladder your investments, and create a savings plan that aligns with your financial goals. From understanding maturity dates to exploring auto-renewal options, this post will help you make informed decisions that put your money to work for you!

If you’ve hard to do a hardship withdrawal or loan against your 401K, this post is for you! I delve into the realities of hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts, sharing my personal experience and insights to help you navigate unexpected financial challenges. Understand the types of withdrawals and loans available, the tax implications, and practical steps to rebuild your retirement fund. This post aims to empower you to take control of your financial future, transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth.

Are you ready to take your IRA game to the next level? In this blog post, we’ll dive into how to build beyond the contributions often touted on social media. Whether you have a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, understanding the cash and carry ratio is crucial for maximizing your retirement savings. We’ll break down the importance of setting up a sustainable contribution plan, investing in low-fee index funds and ETFs, and making the most of your existing savings. Learn how to set realistic financial goals, find your target date funds outside of employer plans, and effectively manage your old 401(k) accounts. Join us as we explore practical action steps to create a solid strategy for long-term growth—because your financial future deserves more than just social media advice!

We have a love/hate relationship with the “B” word but that “B” word is critical to how we build our relationship with money. Budgeting is the intersection of accountability - that you have with [bank] accounts and yourself. This article walks through the different types of budgets and some insights on how to find a “better balance” and understand "What's In My Wallet?! "

In this "Life Insurance 101" post, we break down the different types of life insurance, how to choose coverage that fits your budget, and the importance of adding beneficiaries. Learn how to make life insurance a key part of your financial plan. Did you know that only 54% of Americans have life insurance? Let's change that.

Congratulations! Did you just got a new job or a raise?! This post guides you through choosing a budgeting method that fits your lifestyle, automating savings, and making the most of your higher salary while avoiding lifestyle creep. Plus, get personal insights and recommendations for budgeting tools to help you stay on track.

Catastrophic events can devastate your finances. Learn essential steps to build an emergency fund, understand insurance coverage, protect important documents, and plan for post-disaster finances. Stay financially resilient with practical advice from an experienced financial planner.

Ever heard of those special savings accounts that can be used for Sephora, Amazon, and more? Learn how FSAs and HSAs can help you save on medical costs, from budgeting and tracking expenses to investing your HSA for greater returns. Discover tips to maximize your benefits, plan for a healthier financial future, and make the most out of every dollar you set aside.

Tired of overspending? Discover how gift cards can transform your budgeting game! Learn practical strategies to track expenses, set spending limits, and save money. You'll learn how to create a personalized gift card system tailored to your financial goals. Improve your budgeting and cash flow planning by taking control of your finances and achieving financial freedom with this easy-to-follow guide.

Struggling to save? This guide unlocks the secrets to finding extra cash & saving your first $1,000 (or more!). Move from news articles and social media algorithms to start seeing the money in your savings account. Budget tips, wallet audit tricks, and motivation to get you started.

Don't let summer fun turn into summer debt! Learn how to find deals, save for summer programs, enjoy summer as a single, and budget for a low-spend or no-spend summer.

Peter and Paul can’t rob each other forever, let’s talk about how to plan your paycheck so you can know what’s coming in and what’s going out!

Are you tired of overpaying for your bills? This blog post will show you exactly how to negotiate lower rates for everything from your cable bill to your auto insurance. Learn how to gather information, craft your arguments, and approach negotiations with confidence. Stop letting high bills drain your budget – take control today!

Feeling lost in the world of financial planning? This article explains the key differences between planners, advisors, and coaches. Discover how you can get the benefits of all three for one flat fee, ditching the high costs of traditional services. Build your personalized financial roadmap towards a secure future!

No matter if you’re new or true to personal finance, you can always learn more! As I love to say “learners are earners”, the more you learn can give you the foundation to earn more. Also, “leaders are readers”, reading or listening to money books could help you understand how your money stacks up in your wallet. Sharing some of my recommended money books to get started with your money.

Dread tax season? Feeling overwhelmed by forms and confusing rules? You're not alone, especially if you have a low income. But fear not! This guide breaks down everything you need to know for a smooth tax filing experience, with a special focus on getting the most out of your return (without actually paying more than you owe).

You got your tax return, now what? This post will give you insight into how to move from just getting your refund to re-uping your finances with it! Mix the blowing with the building!

No matter the new year or new week, unleash hidden resources with fun No/Low Spend Challenges. Some would call them to be a financial fast or diet - either way, this holding back of spending can be the set up of better financial management. This blog post walks through what they are and how to build your account with them!

Don’t be one of the 82% of Americans who aren’t seeing the most of their savings. In this blog post, we walk through not only what a High Yield Savings or HYSA is but how to move from pennies to profiting more due to the APY!