Ever wish you had a handy Money Wellness Checklist? One containing the specific steps you must take to become – and STAY – financially strong and healthy? Your wish is my command! Managing your personal finances might feel confusing and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. There are particular actions you should be taking weekly, monthly, and …

Money is emotional because we’re human. Humans are emotional creatures. You experience emotions in every area of your life, so why would money be an exception? But when left unexamined, your emotions have the potential to create financial chaos. So, why is money SO emotional? Why Money is So Emotional Because Science Neuroscientist, Antonio Damasio, made a groundbreaking discovery: humans cannot make …

I have 1000 reasons to be grateful, and I’m not over exaggerating. At the beginning of this year, I decided to start each day with a new habit: writing down three things I’m grateful for. With all simple habits, it’s easy to do. (But it’s also easy not to do.) By the time my birthday hits on December 31st, I’ll …

Do you know the difference between financial enabling and helping? Confession: I used to be a big-time financial enabler! My ex-fiancé, “Jeff,” spent every penny he made (and then some) plus he changed jobs the way some people change their socks. I was young and in love, and I thought with enough support and encouragement, I could help Jeff become …

Guess what? It’s okay to want things! The discussion of needs versus wants is a very interesting one, and unfortunately, many people get it wrong. There are really only a few things we truly need as humans. We need safety, we need shelter and clothing, we need food and water, and we need love. Anything beyond this is a want. …

Understanding the five love languages of money will improve your relationship with your finances and your significant other. You’ve likely read, or at least heard of, the classic relationship book, The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman. It discusses the five different ways people prefer to receive love from the important people in their lives. When one of my mentors …

Have you heard the “never buy a new car” myth? If you’ve read almost any book on personal finance, it probably contains a chapter on why it’s financially smart to only buy used cars. I get the sentiment, because I do see people buying cars, both new and used, in ways that damage their financial situation. But is it really …

If you want more income, you better think about the flip side! More money means more responsibility, not just more fun. If you want to grow and keep your wealth, it comes with more responsibility. They’re a package deal! There are some things you’re going to have to stop doing and some things you’re going to have to start doing …

When I recently polled my LinkedIn followers about their financial goals, “Optimize your income” scored the majority of votes. It makes sense because income puts more muscle into building up your savings and paying off your debt. Notice I didn’t say increasing your income. Why? Because there are plenty of ways to increase your income that might not be desirable. …