glass jar labeled Budget

Budgeting App Showdown: Mint vs. You Need a Budget

Most of us have tried and failed to stick to a monthly budget at least once in our lives, and many of us have come to have a strong dislike for the word “budget” as a result. But we all have important financial goals that we want to achieve, and one way or another we need some kind of system that helps us both put money towards those goals and have enough for daily necessities. There are a lot of budgeting apps that can help you do this and today […]

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Cross road signs for Short Term and Long Term

Should You Pay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?

One of the questions I’m asked quite often, is whether it’s better to pay down debt or save for retirement. The answer, as is almost always the case in personal finance, is that it depends. Both are smart moves and the right decision depends on the specifics of your situation, the goals you’re trying to achieve, and, to some extent, your personal preferences. Let’s dig into it. How to Think About Paying Down Debt vs. Saving for Retirement There are three big factors you need to consider when you’re trying

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Your plan described by circle for your money and circle for your values overlapping

Your Financial Philosophy vs. Your Financial Plan

Potential clients often come to me in one of two predicaments. Some people feel stuck in their current financial situation, unable to see how they could possibly change things. Others have a lot of ideas, but they can’t tell good from bad and they don’t know what to focus on first. Whichever end of the spectrum they fall on, they’re usually looking for two things: direction and certainty. They want to know what to do (direction) and they want to feel confident that doing those things will provide a specific

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dollar bill

Taking the Bite out of Budgeting

“Budgeting” has earned itself a negative reputation. People hear the word and think of strict limits, a spartan existence, and the guilt that comes from overspending.

There’s also the idea that your budget should look like other people’s budgets. I regularly get asked what’s a “normal” amount to spending on groceries or rent, or what’s a “normal” amount of savings. And while I understand where the question is coming from, it’s honestly frustrating for me to hear.

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keyboad with retirement plan keys

7 Factors to Consider as You Contemplate Early Retirement

Early retirement is a topic that’s generated a lot of buzz over the past few years. More than ever, people are talking about not just retiring a few years early, but actually retiring as early as their 30s and 40s.

It’s an exciting prospect and it is possible with a little bit of luck and a lot of careful planning. There are a number of things to consider before you make the leap and this post will help you get started.

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receiving hand, giving hand

Charitable Giving for Anyone

We’ve all heard the stories of people like Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates giving millions, and even billions, to charitable causes.

And while that’s certainly admirable, it’s hard to relate when you’re trying to balance supporting your family, paying off debt, saving for retirement, and all your other financial responsibilities.

I work with a lot of clients who want to support the causes they believe in, but don’t always have a lot of extra money to spare. And the good news is that there are plenty of ways to give, no matter how much money you have.

Here are six ways to support charitable causes, even on a tight budget.

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