Money Management

As a financial planner for nearly three decades, I've seen a common pattern: clients sign up for budgeting apps like Rocket Money (formerly Truebill) with the best intentions. Only to realize the tool itself has become another costly, unused subscription. And I get it. With everything going on, these small charges...

Ready to take charge of your financial future but not sure where to start? Are you a financial dreamer looking to take control of your money and overcome financial struggles? If so, setting short-term financial goals is the perfect way to start. Here's something powerful: breaking your big financial aspirations...

Achieving financial independence is more than just accumulating wealth. it's about cultivating a strategic mindset that empowers you to navigate the complex world of personal finance. Drawing from my experience as a financial planner, I've curated a selection of five transformative books. These are the books that I have seen...

Converting hourly wages to annual salary isn't complicated—it's basic division. But the federal minimum wage hasn't budged from $7.25 since 2009, while 18 states are raising their minimum wages in 2026, some to $16+ per hour. That means your hourly rate matters more than ever for negotiating pay, budgeting,...

Did you know that the average American worker spends over a third of their life at work? That’s a staggering amount of time. Yet, when I ask new clients what their time is worth per hour, most salaried employees just shrug. They know their annual salary, but they've never...

Did you know that 67% of millionaires drive used cars? Surprising, right? This statistic from The Millionaire Next Door reveals a compelling truth: many millionaires don’t flaunt their wealth in flashy ways. Instead, they focus on financial independence through smart savings and investing. This book by Thomas J. Stanley...

Lifestyle creep is the subtle, ongoing increase in spending that happens when your income grows. Often without conscious decision, leading you to feel just as strapped on $100,000 as you did on $60,000. To beat it, use the "First Slice Rule": every time you get a raise or bonus, automatically put 50% into long-term investing, 30% into a specific savings goal, and only allow up to 20%...

Let's be honest: choosing a budgeting app feels overwhelming. The market is flooded with options, all promising financial clarity. But I've learned from nearly 3 decades of financial planning that the best budgeting app isn't the one with the most features. It's the money tracking app that matches your...

I'll never forget the panic in a client's voice when he called me. His Chime card inexplicably declined on a first date. When your money isn't working, you don't want to navigate a maze of bots and FAQs. You need a human, and you need them fast. How Do I...

In an era where our digital footprints are larger than ever, identity theft has emerged as a silent crisis, striking millions with devastating consequences. But the game has fundamentally changed. We're no longer just fighting off simple credit card thieves; we're in a full-blown AI arms race for the...