One of the biggest topics we discuss with clients is how to create and maintain a budget. Knowing what is coming in and what is going out is important, no matter where you are at in your financial journey. You could be working on being debt free, planning for a baby, looking to buy a house or car, or working towards retiring. No matter where you are at, it is always nice to know what you can do … [Read more...]
How to Choose a Financial Advisor
At a certain point in my 20s, I finally felt I was “adult” enough to work with a financial advisor. I had questions I just wasn’t comfortable trying to answer myself. Until that point, I didn’t really have any money, so I assumed there was no need for one! However, after having worked with a financial advisor, I wish I would have started the process sooner. It’s been vitally important to my … [Read more...]
How Much To Spend On A New Car
How much is too much to spend on a car? The Federal Reserve Bank of New York just released some startling news: More than 7 million Americans are at least three months behind on their car payments. To put it in perspective, that’s 1 million more than at the end of 2010, after the recession. What does this mean? It means, in many cases, Americans are buying more car than they can afford. The … [Read more...]
Financial Checkup: 7 Key Areas to Consider
You typically see your doctor once a year to check on your body’s health and well-being. So why don’t you do the same thing with your financial health? An annual financial checkup can help determine if you’re on the right track to reach your goals. Consider these seven key areas. Your budget. You may be making monthly budgets and tracking your spending, but now is the time to look at the big … [Read more...]
Setting Your Money Intentions for the New Year
Drop 10 pounds in the New Year! How to be happier in 2019! Declutter your house and your life! You’ve probably seen these headlines on social media, in the checkout lane at the grocery store or on TV—those New Year’s resolutions, all encouraging you to be a better, healthier, happier version of yourself starting on January 1st. Have you ever kept a single New Year’s resolution? Many of us … [Read more...]
The Value of a Dollar Spent
I was recently at a store with my three-year-old son and I told him going in that he could pick out one item. He wanted something that was Iowa Hawkeye-related (proud Dad moment). As we were browsing the toy section, he found a Lego set that was in the shape of a football helmet with the tigerhawk logo on the side. I looked at the price, and it was $25. I was not going to spend $25 on a Lego set … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Save During Your Child’s First Few Years
Your bundle of joy has arrived! You are settling into a new routine with your newly expanded family. The first few months can be hazy with round-the-clock feedings, and sleep-deprived parents can blow their budgets on things they think they need to have. So, let’s talk about ways to save money during those first years of life. Baby Clothes The cute onesies, the sweet sweaters and the sassy … [Read more...]
BUDGETING FOR YOUR NEW BABY: 6 WAYS TO SAVE
It’s some of the best news you’ll ever receive: You’re expecting! A new baby will be joining your family. It’s such an exciting time preparing for the new arrival with cute outfits, baby gear, and nursery decorations. But before you start spending, take some time to plan ahead and think about how the little one will impact your budget. Consider your out-of-pocket hospital costs. If you are … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Save for the Holidays
Wait, did you read that correctly? School just started, but we’re going to talk about Christmas? We sure are! Turns out, a few months prior to holiday craziness—cue, right now—is the perfect time to talk about Christmas and how you’re going to pay for it. Make this the year you don’t stress over holiday spending. Instead, get back to the joy of gift-giving with these five simple steps. Set … [Read more...]
Getting Your Budget Back on Track
For a lot of people, summertime is a time when budgets are often ignored. If you are anything like me, you might have found yourself splurging on trips, patio drinks, baseball games, date nights, and golf outings. You may have built up some credit card debt or have seen your cash reserves dwindle over the summer—it happens! You are not alone. How about we spend the next few months replenishing … [Read more...]