Category: Financial Planning

3 Student Loan Initiatives You Should Know About

If you’re confused about where you stand with student loans, you’re not alone. Over the past year, so many programs have been announced that it can be hard to keep track of them all, never mind understanding whether they

5 Ways to Stretch Your Summer Travel Budget

Summer is one of the most popular times to travel—about 85% of Americans plan to take a trip this season. And while summer can be a great time to get away, it can also impact your wallet. Here are

Costs to Consider When Adopting vs. Fostering a Pet

While we love the idea of getting dogs and cats out of shelters, we want to remind you that pets are a financial investment. The energy and time it takes to care for a pet comes with a price

Everything You Need to Know to Start Travel Hacking

Travel hacking can help you afford more travel with less money. Learn all about how to get started by choosing a travel hacking strategy that works best with your travel goals and financial situation.

How to Calculate Your Emergency Fund Goal

You may have heard you should save an emergency fund of 3 to 6 months of expenses, but what does that actually mean? Learn what’s included in these expenses and how many months you should have.

4 Major Saving Mistakes You Might Be Making

We all know that we should be saving — and yet, nearly 60% of Americans could not cover a $1,000 unexpected expense in cash. While income and the cost of living are issues for many people, that’s not always

Ask a Trainer: Should I Live at Home or Move Out After Graduating?

Graduating from college is a significant milestone in one's life, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. It's a time of mixed emotions, with feelings of excitement, accomplishment, and uncertainty all intertwined.

Why You Need a Money Date (With Yourself)

Even with the best of intentions, it’s easy to fall out of touch with your money. With everything else going on in life—family, friends, work, and life—keeping tabs on your finances falls by the wayside. But you spend 40

How to Choose the Best Rewards Credit Card for You

Deciding on your first rewards credit card is exciting, but it can also be tricky. All of your friends (and everyone on the internet) have an opinion about what is “the best” rewards credit card—but what is right for

When Should You Use Your Emergency Fund?

So many personal finance experts (us included!) preach about the importance of having an emergency fund. We do this for a reason! A recent survey found more than two-thirds of Americans worry that their emergency savings would not even

3 Things Holding You Back from Getting Help With Your Finances

Many people struggle with their personal finances. In fact, according to a recent survey, more than three-quarters of Americans feel anxiety about their financial situation. Action is the antidote to anxiety—you have to address your finances head on to

How to Manage Your Finances Through Mental Health Challenges

We’d all love to be on top of our finances, but we are not always in the right headspace to do that—especially if we’re facing mental health challenges. Mental health and financial health are so intertwined. Financial stress can

Brokerage Account Vs Retirement Plan: Which is Best

So you’ve successfully saved for an emergency fund and now you’re wondering: what next?  Knowing where to focus most of your money depends largely on your personal goals and the amount of risk you’re personally willing to take on

What is the Stock Market and How to Invest

If you’re not a seasoned investor, the world of investments can seem intimidating. Between the confusing jargon and the constantly changing nature of the markets, many people choose to put off investing.

Here's an investing 101 guide to get

Financial Forgiveness: Releasing Yourself From Past Financial Mistakes

If you are reading this and feeling shame or embarrassment about your financial past (or present) and are wondering if there is any way to feel empowered and confident, here are 4 foolproof steps to develop financial forgiveness so

6 Tips to Manage Your Impulse Buying Triggers

On average, Americans spend more than $300 per month on impulse purchases. Retailers actively encourage impulse buying because it helps their bottom line—not yours. Try these tips to reduce your impulse buying and regain control of your spending.

4 Annoying Bank Fees and How to Avoid Them

Few things get me more riled up than shelling out cash unnecessarily. This is especially true for bank fees! I feel this way about my own bank account and those of my clients. I hate seeing that a bank

3 Money Mindsets to Cultivate this Spring

The year comes with natural cycles; your energy may ebb and flow or feel different throughout the seasons. Rather than expecting yourself to feel and act the same way all year, you can take advantage of the natural seasons

How to Refresh Your Spring Wardrobe Without Spending a Lot

Spring brings warmer temperatures and the desire for a refresh. You naturally want to shed old layers and bring something new into your closet but buying clothes adds up fast. Even if purchasing a whole new wardrobe isn’t in

What is Happening with SVB & How Do I Know if My Bank is Safe?

Do not panic! As long as you have less than $250,000 in your FDIC-insured bank account (<$500,000 in a joint account) your money is safe. By keeping your money in your bank you’re doing your part to avoid making

4 Ways to Improve Your Financial Anxiety

We know that money is one of the top sources of anxiety among Americans. Paying bills on time, tackling student loan debt, supporting a family-- all of these tasks (and more!) can be very daunting and overwhelming. We’re here