The Blog

Freedom, Fun, and Financial Wellness: Summer on a Budget budgeting family finance fourth of july freedom juneteenth spending wisely summer Jun 18, 2025

Summer is here—and so is the pressure to fill every day with picture-perfect adventures.

But the best summer memories don’t require a big budget. In fact, some of the richest moments come from simple traditions, meaningful celebrations, and time well spent.

This week, I want to share a few ways to...

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My First Money Memory (and the Crispy Fries That Made Me Cry) budgeting children magic number Jun 11, 2025

I was about three years old when I staged my first financial protest.

It happened in a parking lot after a long morning of errands. Tired, hungry, and full of preschool-sized drama, I threw myself into full-blown tears with one singular goal: crispy fries from McDonald’s.

“I want McDonald’s!” I so...

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Start Where You Are: A Mid-Year Money Check-In That Actually Helps budgeting financial goals financial wellness mindset motivation Jun 04, 2025

It’s June—which means we’re already halfway through the year. 😳
If that made your stomach flip a little, you’re not alone.

But this check-in isn’t about shame, hustle, or playing catch-up. It’s about curiosity. It’s about taking a breath, looking at your money with fresh eyes, and giving yourself p...

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529 Day: Why I Call My Daughter My Not-So-Broke Bestie 529 plan college savings education savings family finance financial goals financial literacy financial wellness May 29, 2025

Every May 29th, we celebrate 529 Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about 529 plans, one of the most powerful (and underused) tools for building a child’s educational future.

As a public health expert, financial wellness strategist, and mom, I know the ripple effects education—and student de...

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How to Use Your 3 Currencies (Time, Money, Energy) Wisely This Summer financial goals financial wellness mindset motivation three currencies May 21, 2025

Every decision we make costs something—time, money, or energy. And during summer, when everything speeds up and slows down at the same time, knowing how to spend each currency is a game-changer.

And with Memorial Day weekend around the corner, it’s the perfect chance to practice.

⏳ Time

You don’t...

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Affording Summer: Travel, Camps, and Chill Days Without the Stress budgeting children motivation power session saving money summer summer reset May 14, 2025

Let’s be real—summer can get expensive fast.

Between travel, kids’ camps, rising electric bills, and more Target runs than you’d like to admit, summer can sneak up on your wallet.

But with a little planning (and some boundaries), you can create a summer that’s both fun and financially grounded.

S...

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Budgeting for Big Life Moves: School, Career, and “Surprise!” Expenses budgeting college financial wellness job loss May 08, 2025

Life doesn’t always give you a heads-up—and neither do your finances.

Whether you’re going back to school, switching jobs, preparing for a new baby, or relocating unexpectedly, big transitions usually come with big price tags. But here’s the thing: with a little foresight, your budget can flex with...

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Financial Literacy Month Wrap-Up: What’s Next on Your Money Journey? budgeting financial goals financial wellness mindset motivation Apr 30, 2025

April might be Financial Literacy Month, but your money journey doesn’t end when the calendar flips.

If you spent the last few weeks learning, reflecting, or just trying to get your finances under control—take a moment to celebrate that. Progress counts, even when it’s messy.

Now, let’s keep that ...

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Spring Into Action: 3 Financial Goals to Tackle Right Now Apr 23, 2025

It’s not just your closets that need a little spring cleaning—your money might too.

As the weather warms up and routines shift, now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and realign your finances with your current goals. Whether you're recovering from tax season or prepping for summer spending, th...

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What They Should've Taught Us in School About Money Apr 02, 2025

Why Financial Education Matters Now More Than Ever

Let’s be honest—most of us didn’t get a solid financial education growing up. Sure, we learned how to calculate compound interest in math class (maybe), but we didn’t learn how to budget, how to manage debt, how to build wealth, or how to use money...

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How to Talk About Money (Without It Getting Awkward) Mar 26, 2025

Money is one of the most important things in our lives, yet it’s also one of the hardest things to talk about. Whether it’s splitting the check with friends, discussing salaries at work, or teaching kids about spending and saving, these conversations can feel uncomfortable—even taboo.

But avoiding ...

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Tax Refunds Done Right: The Smartest Ways to Use Your Windfall Mar 19, 2025

First Things First: If You Need It, Use It

Let’s be real—tax refunds aren’t extra money, they’re YOUR money coming back to you. And if you’ve been waiting on this refund to catch up on bills, handle car repairs, or cover something your kids need, that’s okay. Taking care of immediate needs is a sma...

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