Are you worried about the possibility that your child might live at home or be financially dependent on you forever? The truth is that parenting is hard work, and being intentional to prepare them for the realities of adulting with money can feel overwhelming. If your goal is to raise a confident, productive, and financially independent young adult, these six strategies can give you a solid starting point. Whether your child is in elementary school or a postgraduate still living at home, kids of any age can begin learning wise money management skills that will serve them well into adulthood.

1. Style Matters: Work with their design

You may be thinking, “How do I make teaching money skills a manageable part of our family’s daily life?” You can start by integrating lessons that are easy and natural for them.
Ask yourself these questions:

• What is their stage of brain development right now?
• Are they naturally a saver or spender?
• What makes them tick or ticks...

Picture this: the sun on your face, the sand between your toes, or the whispering winds through lush mountain forests. The prospect of a vacation is undoubtedly exciting. But what if the glow of your getaway fades when you open your mailbox a few weeks later to find a daunting credit card bill? We believe your vacation should leave you with great memories, not financial stress. In this comprehensive blog, we'll help you craft a spending plan to ensure your trip is both unforgettable and financially stress-free.

Step 1: Define Your Vacation Goals: Every vacation is unique. Do you seek adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, or perhaps a blend of experiences? Before diving into budgets and bookings, understand your vacation objectives. This clarity will guide your entire planning process.

Step 2: Create Your Spending Plan: Here's the essence of your vacation planning – the spending plan. A well-thought-out budget will empower you to enjoy your vacation without...

In today's world, stores and banks bombard us with credit card deals that promise points and cash back. It's wise to be cautious. People often argue about whether credit card points or cash back are better. I've encountered this dilemma with clients more times than I'd like. Some say, “I use my credit cards because I get 5% cash back,” while others boast about the great points they earn. These benefits might look great at first glance, but there's usually more going on than meets the eye. Credit card companies are experts at luring us in with the chance for points and rewards, yet are these rewards really as simple as they seem? Rewards can trick you up with high interest rates, spending temptations, and complex ways to use your points. However, if you're smart about it, use your cards wisely, and understand all the rules, these same rewards can be like money in the bank. Let's take a good hard look at both the good and the bad in the world of credit card rewards....

Are your grocery bills eating up your budget? Food expenses can quickly spiral out of control, but fret not; there's a smart way to maximize your meal planning and minimize what you spend at the grocery store, all while still enjoying delicious, healthy meals. This 6-step grocery reduction plan is your guide to saving hundreds of dollars a month. It's time to take control of your food budget!

1. Set Your Food Spending Plan Goal:

Start by assessing your current grocery expenses. Estimate how much you currently spend on groceries every week and how often you go to the grocery store. It's essential not to try to drastically cut your budget right away, as you might find it hard to stick to and end up overspending. Take a gradual approach to ease into the process. Begin by challenging yourself to save $100 this month, roughly $25 a week, from what you typically spend.

For example, consider this real-life scenario: If you usually spend $150 a week on groceries, aim to reduce it to...

In the fast-paced rhythm of life, where financial responsibilities often pull us in different directions, finding a way to manage and prioritize these demands is essential. Imagine a simple process that not only helps you maintain focus on your primary financial goals but also enables you to address imminent needs and maintain balance in your financial journey. Designed by the financial accountability coaches at Accountable Network, this is where the Priority List process becomes your financial compass.

Understanding the Priority List Process

Before delving into the intricacies of the Priority List, it's essential to comprehend its role in your financial toolkit. This process is more than just drafting a list; it's a dynamic, adaptable system aimed at maintaining a balance between your immediate needs and long-term financial aspirations.

Foundations Before Priorities

Before embarking on the Priority List journey, ensure that your financial foundations are solid:

1. Define...

In the dynamic landscape of personal finance, healthy communication around money is the cornerstone of financial harmony. Whether you're navigating the complexities of budgeting, aspiring for a debt-free future, or wealth building the key lies in fostering a culture of healthy money communication with your spouse. In this blog post, we unravel a game-changing tip for couples striving to stay on top of their finances while aligning their visions.

The experts and Accountable Network have found that a couple that is aligned and communicating well gets exponentially more traction than those that aren’t and the best tool to encourage this key behavior/habit is to prioritize a consistent time each week where you will visit about important life topics. We call it the Weekly Meeting.

Unlocking Financial Focus: The Standing Weekly Meeting

One of the most potent habits observed among the financially affluent is their ability to stay focused. To cultivate this focus, establishing...

What is Financial Intimacy?

No one would argue that intimacy is critical to a successful and sustainable relationship, would they? But how intimacy is defined and prioritized within a budding relationship can tend to vary. Most couples will focus on physical, emotional and even spiritual intimacy without hesitation, but when considering finances and money, intimacy can be seen as taboo. Many factors can contribute to this prevailing perspective, but statistics suggest that avoiding financial intimacy can be as detrimental to a relationship as any other type of intimacy.

“Nearly half of Americans (48%) who are married or living with a partner say they argue with the person over money…. Most of those fights are about spending habits…. The remaining fights are pretty evenly split between someone being dishonest about money, how to divide the bills and other types of money fights.”

While I’m a firm believer that money cannot buy happiness, I also...

Optimizing Your Finances: Uncovering the Advantages of a Well-Designed Cash Flow Plan

We all need a little help or guidance with our finances now and then. Whether you're a business owner or a family on the path to financial stability, it's important to have a cash flow plan in place that works. In this blog post, we will look at the key components of a structured cash flow plan, a strategic tool that can lead you to financial success.

1. Clarity and Control  

If one is to have financial success, they will need to clearly understand how their money flows. Understanding where it is coming from and where it is going is the first step in taking control of your financial life. It will result in you taking control which results in making better money decisions and less financial stress. 

2. Budgeting Made Easy

Having a cash flow plan in place creates an environment in which it is easier to create a ...

Nick was a man who had a lot going on. He was a member of the sandwich generation, taking care of both his small children and his old parents. He was also self-employed, so he had to file his tax return on top of all that. He was unsure how to pick the best accountant to manage his particular issue because there was so much going on.

Nick conducted some research and discovered an accountant with experience working with clients in comparable situations. He had to confirm that they were a good fit for him, though. Nick posed the following three questions to the accountant to ascertain his level of expertise:

#1 How many clients have you worked with that were in a similar situation and how did you resolve their biggest concern?

Nick had to make sure the accountant had previous experience working with clients in his situation. By having the accountant explain their biggest concern, Nick could determine how closely their situation resembled his. Asking this question helped him...

It’s important to take a step back and think about who you’re trusting with your business finances. Sure, you might just be focused on getting your taxes filed on time and at a reasonable cost, but there’s so much more to it than that.

For example, Nick was a man with a lot on his plate. He was a member of the sandwich generation, taking care of both his small children and his aging parents. On top of all that, he was self-employed and had to file his tax return amidst all the chaos of his life.

Nick wasn’t sure how to pick the best accountant to manage his particular situation. He found someone that seemed reasonable and hired him on the spot, without much thought. At first, things seemed to be going fine. But as time went on, Nick began to realize that he had made a mistake.

The accountant never bothered to ask him any questions about his future plans. Nick had mentioned that he was planning to start another division, but the accountant didn’t...