Decisions

You need a budget, but do you need You Need A Budget?

I review You Need a Budget (YNAB) after having tried it for the very first time, and offer my thoughts on the service. “What money apps do you recommend I use?” is a question I get a fair amount. It’s … Read MoreRead More

Why I no longer do pro bono coaching

While in a perfect world I would offer my services pro bono, charging for money coaching will more likely ensure your own success. I recently had someone reach out to me and, in effect, ask me to justify my rates. … Read MoreRead More

Why you could benefit from a spending reset

It’s easy to spend based on emotions or with a lack of intention, so a spending reset can help you reconnect with what’s important to you. I’ve done some fun experiments with money over the years. I’m thinking most specifically … Read MoreRead More

If you were automatically enrolled in an IRA, would you opt-out?

A look at the state-run auto-IRA plans and whether they are a net benefit for employees who don’t have (or utilize) other retirement options. Not everyone has access to a workplace-retirement account like a 401(k). A few years ago, I … Read MoreRead More

Year in review 2020: Top 10 posts

A look back at the best posts of 2020 on this site, including both my favorites and the ones readers viewed most. It has been a year of changes, to say the least. I went full-time as a money coach, … Read MoreRead More

Why holiday shopping is more complex this year

Black Friday deals have a greater urgency this year because of the pandemic, but it doesn’t mean that you should do your holiday shopping indiscriminately. I can’t lie; I’ve always had challenges with this time of year. It’s not the … Read MoreRead More

Why you may want to ignore the 4% rule for retirement withdrawals

The creator of the “4% rule” for safe retirement portfolio withdrawals doesn’t even believe in 4% anymore. That’s good news, as the actual safer percentage appears to be higher. So you’ve spent decades of your life building up a sizable … Read MoreRead More

Don’t stop, no matter how (painfully) long it takes

In light of the 2020 election, it’s worth remembering that some dreams take years to come true. Or even decades. History says, Don’t hopeOn this side of the grave,But then, once in a lifetimeThe longed-for tidal waveOf justice can rise … Read MoreRead More

Why a new fee on mortgage refinancing shouldn’t affect you

Refinancing a mortgage is getting pricier due to the Adverse Market Refinance Fee, but refinancing doesn’t offer the benefits you think. There’s a new fee in town. The Federal Housing Finance Agency has instituted a 0.5% fee on refinancing of … Read MoreRead More

How to pay off a $10,000 debt

Paying off debt requires drive, focus, patience, and accountability. In this post I show how you can pay off a large debt. In a recent YouTube video, I talked about a hypothetical $10,000 debt. Now, for many people, this sort … Read MoreRead More