The harsh reality is that most of us weren't lucky enough to be blessed with parents who talked openly about finances in the home and ensured that we were equipped with the foundational education needed to know how money works and build wealth. The reasons may vary, and this oversight, in most cases, occurs because they never had this conversation with their families growing up. While we may brush this off as adults, the discussion around the money mindset is more significant than we realize; it has layers of emotions surrounding it. And as adults, we have to dig deeper!

As a certified financial planner who has experienced this misfortune and the lack of education on money matters, I am writing this post to share this emotional journey and connect with you regarding your challenges in maintaining and managing your finances. Maybe you were like me, grew up dirt poor, or experienced financial challenges mixed with loads of debt in your marriage (yes, we've been there too). I'm...

Empower your kids with essential money skills: Budgeting, decision-making, savings, and financial responsibility. Prepare them for a successful future

A monthly budget is a foundational piece for healthy finances. Teaching your children how to budget will serve them throughout their lifetime, especially because it’s never formally taught in schools as a part of the curriculum. 

That being said, guiding your child on how to create and manage a budget doesn't have to be difficult. One good way to help your children learn how to handle money is through early hands-on experience. How do you do that? By involving them in the family budget!

Why You Should Start Involving Your Kids In The Family Budget? 

Teaching intelligent money management and budgeting to your children will touch every aspect of their lives:

• They will gain confidence in themselves and learn good decision-making skills
• They will know how money works in the real world and how to put it to good use
...

So, you're getting hitched! You're making what you hope will be a lifelong commitment to the one you love through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, now and until death do you part. Sounds heavy? Well, it is! And the best way to make it less heavy is by getting the leading cause for marital splits out of the picture: money fights. 

Financial disagreements are among the top 3 causes for divorce, along with infidelity and basic incompatibility. That's why it's crucial to get started on the right foot by addressing any potential money issues upfront, discussing short and long-term goals as a couple, and having open and intentional conversations about money. By doing so, you can avoid unnecessary stress and focus on building a strong and lasting partnership.

Before we go further, bear in mind that money is a very sensitive topic for some people. Why? Because it's personal, and it's based on what you've been taught by people you respect and trust, like your parents....

The long-term success of a business is dependent on several variables. As a business owner, you need employees you can put your faith in and lean on 100%. You need efficient processes and systems that help you save time and money. And you need a solid marketing strategy, so you can get the word out there and attract more clients.

But what truly keeps your business going at the end of the day is its ability to make and manage money. And even though it can sound intimidating (especially if you don’t have all the details figured out), the truth is that there are some simple, tried and true tools that you can employ to get ahead of the game and improve your probability of success!

Today, we’re going to discuss five of them!

Tip 1: Identify Your Key Business Goals 

If you find yourself actively worrying about cash flow management, it might be a sign that you need to sit down and review your business goals. Why, you ask? because you’re...

A holistic financial wellness program can help your congregation in more ways than one. It can help church members heal their relationship with their finances, align their money habits with their spiritual values, and become generous givers and grateful stewards of God's Kingdom. 

Further, financial wellness programs can also be beneficial for church leaders. They can help church leaders save time and energy they would've otherwise spent solving their congregation's financial problems, leaving them free to focus on other important church matters. 

Here are 3 key reasons why a financial wellness program can make a world of difference to your church and congregation.

1) Reduce Church Members’ Financial Stress 

One of the biggest benefits of hosting a holistic financial wellness program in the church is having less stressed church members. 

Growing up, most of us weren’t even taught basic financial...

So, you’re nearing retirement and want to make an impact before leaving. 

It’s almost like when music artists are asked to come back on stage after an electric performance for one last hurrah. Sounds like you’re gearing up for an “encore” career!  

Maybe you’ve been looking forward to retirement and hoping that you’ll finally be able to relax and do whatever you want. But many people retire only to discover boredom that is unbearable and unfulfilling. 

The good news is that you can do things differently! You can make an impact! You can enjoy an encore career where you love what you do, make a difference, and achieve financial freedom. All you need is some focus and a solid savings plan. And these tips will give you a plan that will work! 

You may wonder if you’ll ever be able to stop working so much and still be secure about your finances. You may not be sure about changing your career while you still...

Is There Really a Need?

The importance of creating an inclusive culture is vital to designing a workplace where all employees can flourish and do their best work - resulting in ideal business outcomes. Companies that care about employee comprehensive wellness and support them in multiple areas of their lives, are places which draw and retain the best people.

What is a Holistic Financial Wellness Program?

Financial wellness is the ability of a person to precisely check their present financial position, identify personal goals, and be motivated to achieve the knowledge, support and resources to create behavioral change.

Money impacts all areas of our lives: health, faith, relationships, career, etc.  Make sure your wellness program does more than financial investments.  Going deeper impacts the root cause of issues and the driving force for transformation... the habits, behaviors and mindsets... not the symptoms like a budgeting form or meeting with an adviser...

Most people believe that to win with money, you need to be naturally good at numbers, investing wisely and slapping your wrist when you want to eat out for the 5th time in a week. 

But wealth-building and financial fulfillment involve a lot more than just numbers and sacrifice. 

Your attitudes and behaviors around money are shaped by your life experiences, your relationship with scarcity and abundance, the conversations around money that took place around you as a child, and many, many other subtle and invisible factors.

These internalized money mindsets can, in turn, impact your approach to money and impair your peace, happiness and well-being in ways you may not even recognize.

For instance, if you and your partner frequently argue about your financial future, if you feel sweaty and on edge every time you have to make a big purchase, or if you lie awake at night wondering if you’ll have enough to send your kid to college, it’s likely because your money habits...