Life Scenarios
Financial Insights
Michael spends around $3,000 each month on expenses using a credit card. He glances at the statement each month, and then faithfully pays off the balance so as not to incur any interest charges. He is thinking about starting a budget but has no clue where to start because he doesn’t know what he spends his money on.
Michael is not alone. According to the Pew Research Center (PEW), roughly half of U.S. adults report knowing a "great deal" or "fair amount" about personal finances. Credit card companies analyze spending habits by transaction and know more about spending than most consumers do.
We can help you build regular habits for analyzing your spending
Saving Money
Kalee has a friend that's a certified financial planner and is meeting with her to start planning for retirement. When Kalee’s CFP asks her for details about her monthly spending habits, she is annoyed by the question because she thought that was why she hired the CFP in the first place – to answer all of her financial questions.
Kalee didn't realize that in order to effectively plan she needs to have an understanding of her foundational financial data. Knowing where your money comes from and how it is spent allows you to have effective collaboration with a financial planner or tax preparer. Those professionals can produce the needed data, but they will charge a premium to do so. Save money by learning how to do it yourself.
Financial Continuity
Karin’s mother is beginning to show signs of cognitive decline and Karin knows that she needs to take over her finances. Her mother left no instructions or detailed information for managing her financial affairs.
Karin's challenge is all too familiar to many. An unexpected illness or tragedy can be a very stressful event. Learn how to start using basic financial practices that will help those who come to your aid in times of trouble.