Save First, Spend Second

Key Takeaways If you want to build wealth successfully, you need to save first and spend second. The rule of thumb when it comes to saving is to save about 15%. If you spend first, you can get used to the niceties in life, and then it can be very hard to have to go […]

Half the Clothes, Twice the Money

Key Takeaways When we get ready for a vacation, we typically pack too many clothes and don’t budget enough money. When we make big purchases, we tend to forget all the associated costs that come with buying the item. If you plan in some extra money beyond the main cost of what you are purchasing, […]

Going Once! Going Twice! Sold!

Key Takeaways There are a lot of emotionally driven triggers out there to buy things we may not necessarily need. Before making a big purchasing decision, ask yourself a few questions to determine if you really need it, or you just want it, and how the purchase will affect you and others. It’s important not […]

The 4 Key Habits

Key Takeaways There are 4 key habits you want to practice that will help you in all areas of life, but especially in your job. These 4 habits are showing up on time, doing what you say you are going to do, finishing what you start, and saying please and thank you. Practicing these 4 […]

Finding Your CAT

Key Takeaways When we first start off in life, we don’t always have the money right away to pay for financial services. Building yourself a CAT, or Collaborative Advisory Team, can help you get the financial services you need. As your wealth grows, so will your CAT as you continue to add other financial professionals […]

Financial Fridays

Key Takeaways Do a quick, three minute look at your finances every Friday to ensure there are no irregularities and to keep your budget on track. One Friday every month, look at your assets and liabilities to ensure you are on track for any financial goals you might have. Once a year, do long-term planning […]

Your Cash Flow Business

Key Takeaways  When it comes to your finances, view them from the standpoint that they are a business you are operating. Businesses do three things every year: they make sure they have positive net cash flow, they have working capital, and they plan and budget. Budgeting and planning every year ensures you are meeting the […]

Home Improvements – Now and Later

Key Takeaways Think about making your home improvements in terms of immediate, short term, and long term. Planning, budgeting and financing your home improvements are three important steps in ensuring you are able to make the improvements you need to enjoy your home, as well as to get a better return on your money when […]

Leveraging Expenses

Key Takeaways There are actually ways you can use your expenses as leverage to help you pay off your debt and save more money. Developing a budget, paying your bills on time, and prioritizing expenses helps to gain clarity of your financial picture, keeps your expenses low and credit ratings high, and helps you build […]

Auto Loan Basics

Key Takeaways When getting an auto loan, you want to be sure you know what’s involved so you are not caught off guard with hidden fees or payments. The elements to consider when getting an auto loan are your budget, savings, credit score, amortization, depreciation, and buying new or used. You can get a loan […]