Dave Ramsey and I teach that if your combined household income is $40,000 per year, you should have a $1,000 emergency fund. If you earn $20,000 a year, then you should have a $500 basic emergency fund set aside. If you make $80,000, you should save $2,000 for emergencies. This basic emergency fund is your [...]

Now that you’ve written down your monthly expenses, I’m sure you have started to see spending areas in which you can cut back. Remember, when you are getting out of debt, it is imperative to make short-term, temporary sacrifices now so that you can win financially long-term. Everyone’s situation is different, and everyone has different [...]

Many individuals and families find setting a budget to be a daunting task and can’t seem to keep a budget intact for very long. The key to not feeling trapped and bossed around by a spreadsheet is to consider it a ‘spending plan’. YOU get to determine where your money goes! Spend your money by [...]

Today’s blog is a reflective exercise to acknowledge what is going well and not so well with your finances. If you’re not in a place where you can write your answers now, please consider your answers to these questions until you can complete the exercise fully.To get started on your debt-free journey, it’s really important [...]

I’m thrilled to have my article How to Create Your Millionaire Mindset appear on Melinda Emerson’s SmallBizLady site. Here is the beginning of the article: 1.  The first step to creating your millionaire mindset is writing down the lessons you’ve learned on your journey. If you’re like most of us, you’re probably not too happy [...]

If you are struggling with money and need help with money management, then it’s likely that these financial issues could be causing relationship stress. Dealing with money problems (or, most likely, not dealing with them) is a major factor leading to divorce in this country. Learn how to speak with your partner on a regular [...]

Regardless of income, we all deserve to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family. Start to plan out your holiday budget now so that you don’t find yourself digging out of more than snow this January! Here are some ideas to get you off on the right track to responsible spending and joyful sharing! [...]

The majority of clients I coach are in debt largely due to their relationship with money. Your attitude toward money and managing it directly affects how good or bad your financial reality is. Not only do I coach clients on how to utilize the tools and set action steps toward getting out of debt, but [...]

The “99%” of us often run out of money before our next paycheck comes in. Why is that and why do we always seem to “have to” use our credit cards? When funds are low, then expenses must become even lower. Every dollar that comes in must be 100% accounted for in your monthly budget, [...]