Do not use money to make yourself feel good… especially during this holiday period. The psychological high that comes from a purchase, like other vices, is fleeting. There is nothing wrong with buying designer handbags and shoes as long as you are living well below your means and not using the purchases as a way […]

If you think you have found your prince, it is a good idea to be certain that both of your beliefs and habits about money align before marrying. During the dating period, determine if you both have the same values when it comes to money. In addition, observe the other’s actions: Do they live within […]

Our beliefs about money and our emotional attachment to it strongly influence how we spend and manage money. In fact, for most of us, money is never just about money; it is a tool that helps us accomplish other goals. Thus money is love, power, happiness, security, control, independence, freedom, and more.

Budgeting has gotten a bad rap. Instead, try thinking of it as future freedom to spend your money on the things that bring you the most joy! Best yet, it removes the guilt associated with spending on the things you love because you will have satisfied obligations and thus can have the confidence that some […]

There are a few proven strategies to manage credit responsibly. Use only one credit card and use it sparingly. Pay your balance in full each month, try and avoid keeping high balances, and review your credit report annually. Also, by deducting all credit card purchases from your checking account register, you will avoid financial surprises […]

If you have debt, paying off balances should be your top priority and an important step in gaining control of your finances. Remind yourself that credit-card debt is completely within your control. Getting out of debt requires you to be disciplined on two equally important fronts. First, you must refrain from using debt for future […]

When getting married, consider exchanging credit reports and discussing prenuptial agreements. One of the most common reasons couples fight is over money issues. Getting on the same page financially and knowing one another’s values around money will help avoid conflicts throughout your marriage.

Beyond childcare, there are other expenses associated with raising a family to be considered, like routine medical care, and physical space limitations (do you have enough room in your house once the baby gets out of the crib in your room, and can you fit another car seat in your car?).

There is no doubt conversations about money and legal arrangements may be uncomfortable and tense. But consider them as preventative maintenance. Choosing a fiscally irresponsible mate is hazardous to your finances and your relationship. After all, arguments over money are one of the leading causes of divorce. Therefore, you need to think about protecting yourself […]

What are some steps you can take to protect your family financially should you decide to stay home to raise your children? It is most important to have a risk management plan in place to help protect or minimize financial damage in the event of a crisis. It’s important to protect the income of the […]