The Art and Science of Budgeting

The Art and Science of Budgeting

Do you have trouble tracking or sticking to a budget?  If so, You’re not alone.   Many Americans experience stress on a monthly basis when they pay their bills or experience unforeseen situations which always brings unforeseen expenses.   

Below are some simple and easy to apply concepts to help you become a better budgeter. Give them a try to help you regain control over your personal finances or household budget:

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Thinking About Becoming A Stay-at-Home Parent? 4 Financial Considerations Before Making the Transition

Thinking About Becoming A Stay-at-Home Parent? 4 Financial Considerations Before Making the Transition

Making the decision to transition from the workplace to becoming a stay-at-home caregiver can be a scary decision.  There are many pros and cons to consider with both choices.   Weighing and discussing these options with your spouse/ partner (while potentially difficult at times) will help you both to feel better supported by the other and more financially sound.  

Reviewing these four financial considerations before deciding to make the transition can help you lower stress, have a smooth transition into becoming a stay at home parent and will help you down the line should you decide to work or not.

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So, You Want a Promotion… 5 Ways to Better Position Yourself for the Promotion You Want

So, You Want a Promotion… 5 Ways to Better Position Yourself for the Promotion You Want

Being up for a promotion can be a stressful time. However, it doesn’t have to be. Positioning yourself for a promotion should be something that you prepare for well before the interviewing process begins.  Remember that old saying, “ABC… Always be closing”?   When it comes to your future career aspirations and advances you should be thinking, “ABP… Always Be Positioning”!  

If you are ready for the next step in your career or a new challenge these 5 tips will help you better position yourself the next time a promotion is on the line:  

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3 Reasons Your Spouse or Partner Should be Included During Planning Conversations

3 Reasons Your Spouse or Partner Should be Included During Planning Conversations

Have you and your spouse discussed your retirement plans?  In the 2017 study, Age Wave/ Merrill Lynch, “Finances in Retirement: New Challenges, New Solutions” showed that only 16 percent of pre-retirees older than 50 feel prepared for a 20-year retirement.  

Personally, I found that to be a truly sobering statistic.  As a Certified Financial Planner™ I’ve seen the importance and difference working with a professional to develop and follow a financial plan can make.  Also, I know there is a significant need in our country to help individuals plan their finances and retirements.  However, I was shocked to see a number less than 20 percent!  

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Think You Are Too Young or Can’t Afford to Hire a Financial Professional to Help…. Think Again!

Think You Are Too Young or Can’t Afford to Hire a Financial Professional to Help…. Think Again!

Just because you have recently graduated from college or are early in your career doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be thinking about your financial future or that you can’t seek help in answering questions you may have.  This is the exact time you should be asking questions.  First, from a saving for your retirement perspective, the younger you are when you start planning and saving for your retirement the better your chances of having a financially independent retirement age.  

But, if you are like many young workers or graduates you feel as if you are unable to save toward many of your life goals.  You may be like the many other recent graduates who have higher levels of student loan debt, lower levels of wealth and personal income than any other generation at the same stage in life according to The Pew Research Center.  Depending on the type of student loans you have federal (subsidized/ unsubsidized) loans or private loans your repayment options will vary. That only means you need some help to review your student loans to see if you could benefit from refinancing them or help you figure out a plan to begin paying off your loans. 

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You’re Speaking, Is Your Advisor Listening???

You’re Speaking, Is Your Advisor Listening???

Recently, women have been the topic of a lot of financial industry conversations, studies, and white papers in the financial services industry.  With women making up slightly over half of the population it seems it is past time for industry professionals to realize the importance of female clients and to begin questioning if their current practices are female friendly. 


As a female who has worked in the financial services industry since 2006, I can say the industry as a whole has made several steps to engage more female clients.  However, overall the industry still has a long way to go.  To the industry’s credit many practicing professionals have read the numerous articles, white papers, and research studies written whose focus has been “Women & Investing” or “How to Communicate with Female Clients” and attended many seminars created that tout, “How to Attract and Retain Female Clients” or “The Opportunity Female Clients Represent”.    Still, with all the research and studies as an industry, we are missing the mark. 

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