Financial Counselor vs. Financial Coach
You may be wondering, “What is the difference between a financial coach and a financial counselor?” And, “Which one can help me better?” These terms are interchangeable. I prefer the softer feeling of the term “financial counselor”, but both positions will educate you and guide you to achieve your financial goals. Both positions will refer…
Politics Always Affect Personal Finances
You can’t talk about money in this world without talking about the social/political makeup of this country. According to Empower, 37% of Americans cannot afford an emergency cost over $400. Let’s think about that for a second. Just over a third of Americans cannot afford a $400 unexpected expense. Here are some more stats from…
Making a Financial Plan When the Economy Feels Hopeless
It is hard to talk about money without talking about the economy and the current political climate. Making a financial plan when the economy feels hopeless is harder than most people admit. On top of having an economy that is being tanked by political policies and uncertainty, so many of us are at a disadvantage.…
My Financial Equity – Now Run By An AFC!
Hello, readers! As of Friday, August 23rd, 2024, I am an Accredited Financial Counselor. It has been a long time coming, but I am finally here. I am so ready to showcase my ability to help people. You. My readers. Individual financial counseling. I would like to expand this blog. I am honestly not sure…
The Value of Building Credit at 18
Turning 18 marks the beginning of financial independence, and one of the most important steps you can take is building credit. This foundational step often goes unnoticed by many young adults, but getting started early offers long-term advantages that shape your future financial opportunities. Let’s explore why building credit at 18 is not only smart…
Mental Health Focus for a Cross-Country Move: Essential Tips
It has been awhile since my last post. My life has been so insanely busy, but I have come here to talk about something that is, hopefully soon, relevant to my life. I want to talk to you about making a cross-country move for a job, while you are unable to save for that move. …
2024 Costs of Buying a Car: What to Know
Purchasing a car is a significant financial decision for most individuals and families. In 2024, the cost of buying a car is influenced by various factors, including market trends, technological advancements, supply chain dynamics, and economic conditions. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the costs associated with buying a car in 2024,…
Safeguard Your Wealth: The Necessity of Insurance
In the realm of personal finance, understanding and managing risk is crucial for maintaining financial stability and achieving long-term goals. Financial risk encompasses a broad spectrum of uncertainties that can affect your financial well-being, ranging from unpredictable market fluctuations to sudden and unexpected personal emergencies. These risks can pose significant threats to your financial health…
Mastering Student Loan Repayment: Empower Your Path to Financial Freedom
Student loan repayment can feel like a daunting journey, but with the right approach, it can also be a step towards financial freedom. Understanding the various repayment options available is key to managing your student debt effectively. Moreover, in recent updates, the introduction of the Student Aid Verification for Eligibility (SAVE) plan has replaced the…
Determining Your Values and Aligning Them with Your Budget
In the realm of personal finance, a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect is the distinction between what you can afford and what you are willing to spend. Understanding this balance is crucial for maintaining financial health, achieving long-term goals, and ensuring peace of mind. Additionally, aligning your financial decisions with your personal values ensures that…
What You Can Afford Vs. What You’re Willing To Spend
In the realm of personal finance, a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect is the distinction between what you can afford and what you are willing to spend. This differentiation is crucial for maintaining financial health, achieving long-term goals, and ensuring peace of mind. Understanding this balance requires a deep dive into the principles of budgeting,…
Filing for an Extension and Understanding Tax Penalties: What You Need To Know
Tax season often brings a sense of urgency and stress as taxpayers rush to compile their documents and file their returns by the April deadline. However, circumstances aren’t always ideal for meeting these deadlines, and sometimes, filing an extension is necessary. Understanding how to file for an extension properly, and the implications of tax penalties…

Free Bi-Weekly Budget Template and User Guide
I will go over everything you need to know about using the free bi-weekly budget template including where to put your income and expenses, how to use the income estimation box on the side, how to make new sheets within the spreadsheet, and how to copy the spreadsheet for a new year. You can see…
Financial Literacy Workshop
Hello, All! I am planning to do a workshop on various financial literacy topics. Each week I will do a separate topic, and I will present that topic on both Sunday and Tuesday of every week. Each presentation will be 1 hour long. None of the presentations will build on each other, so it is…
Letter to My Readers
I used to be gung-ho about blogging. I set it all up and I was learning how to manage a blog. I started writing… and then I gave up. At some point in the blogging process, I thought I should start writing the way the internet said I should write. I started comparing my thought…
