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Showing posts with the label Financial Coach

Are We Setting Our Kids Up for a Successful Launch?

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As parents, we want the best for our children. We want them to have fulfilling lives and to achieve their dreams. But are the financial messages they're receiving—both from us and the world—truly preparing them for success? Our kids are bombarded with commercials and social media feeds that equate worth with what you own. They see a culture that prioritizes instant gratification, from expensive cars to luxury vacations. We might have built our lives and wealth over many years of hard work, but are we inadvertently teaching them that they should have it all right away ? The Homeownership Trap A common piece of advice many of us have heard is, “renting is just throwing your money away.” While the desire to own a home is a wonderful goal, encouraging a child to buy before their finances are in order can be a recipe for disaster. Owning a home isn’t just about the mortgage payment. It's about property taxes, insurance, and unexpected repairs—costs that fall to someone else when you...

Your New Favorite Date Night: The Money Date

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The end of the month is here. For some, that might mean a sigh of relief, while for others, it’s a moment of dread. Are you still sifting through receipts, wondering, "Which budget category should this purchase go into?" Are you and your spouse playing detective, trying to remember what you bought from Target on the 5th that cost $34.26? Or maybe you’re asking, "Do we even have a budget or spending plan? And how can it even help us?" If any of this sounds familiar, don't worry—you're not alone. But I'm here to tell you that it's the perfect time for something truly transformative: a money date. What Exactly Is a Money Date? A money date isn't about rigid spreadsheets and stressful interrogations. Think of it as a dedicated, intentional time for you and your partner to connect over your finances. It's about teamwork, transparency, and aligning your financial future. This is your opportunity to: Review this month's budget: See where your...

Is Your Car Driving Your Finances? What I learned from My Driveway

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  On a quiet Saturday morning, as I poured my coffee, my gaze fell upon two black vehicles parked outside our house. They looked ordinary enough, but in that moment, I saw more than just cars; I saw stories. Stories of decisions, emotions, and financial journeys that stretch far beyond our curb. These vehicles, in particular, evoke powerful memories and lessons for me and my kids. Vehicle #1: The Unsung Hero Minivan. It’s the quintessential “mom car,” and I’ll admit, driving it probably cost me a few 'man card' points. Yet, its engine purrs reliably, and while the driver’s side window stubbornly stays up (a feature that, incidentally, saves money at the drive-in), this van has been a workhorse. When one of our kids needed a reliable ride, we sold it to him for a mere $1,000 cash. Add in new tires and a few maintenance items, and he's invested about $2,000 for dependable transportation—nothing flashy, just pure joy and independence on four wheels. Vehicle #2: The Sleek, Hig...