finance

The Fastest Way To Make Buying A Home A Reality

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

A new year always brings that itch for something different.
A fresh start.
A new chapter.
A place that finally feels like yours.

If buying a home is on your heart this year, the best place to start isn’t Zillow, a drive through your favorite neighborhood, or a chat with a realtor.

The first step lives in one place:

Your credit report.

It’s not flashy.
It’s not exciting.
But it’s the foundation that decides whether your homebuying journey feels peaceful… or stressful.

Let’s walk through why credit is so important and how to get it ready before you step into the homebuying world.

Why Credit Comes First

Your credit score affects everything about your mortgage:

  • What loan programs you qualify for
  • Your interest rate
  • Your monthly payment
  • The amount you pay over the life of the loan
  • Your mortgage insurance
  • Your level of bargaining power

People hear that FHA will approve scores as low as 580 and think, “Great, I only need to hit the number.”
Not quite.

A lower score may get you approved,
but a higher score gives you a more affordable and comfortable mortgage.

You’re not just buying a house, you’re borrowing money to borrow money.
That’s the part your credit score controls.

In a high-rate market, this matters more than ever.

A higher score can lower your rate, reduce your payments, and open the door to cheaper, better loan options.

Start the Year With a Credit Deep Dive

If you’ve avoided looking at your credit report, you aren’t alone.
Most people only check it when something goes wrong.

But checking your credit is not about judgment, it’s about seeing the path forward.

Here’s where to begin:

1. Pull all three credit reports

Experian, Equifax, TransUnion.
Not the score your bank gives you — you need the full reports.

2. Go line by line

Look for:

  • Mistakes
  • Accounts that aren’t yours
  • Old items past the reporting period
  • Duplicate accounts
  • Late payments
  • High balances

You can’t fix what you can’t see.

3. Highlight the things hurting your score

Late payments and high utilization are the biggest score killers.
This is where many people get discouraged, but this is exactly where the opportunity sits.

4. Create a simple plan

Not a complicated spreadsheet.
Not a promise you can’t keep.
Just a realistic plan that helps you move forward one step at a time.

Here are practical steps that help most buyers to raise their score before house shopping:

Lower your credit card balances

Aim to get each card to a healthier range.
Even small changes here can move your score quickly.

Set every bill on automatic payments

Late payments are sneaky and damaging.
This stops that cycle.

Dispute errors

If something is wrong with your report, fix it now, not when you’re sitting in a lender’s office feeling stressed.

Add positive credit

A secured card or credit builder loan can add healthy activity if your credit is thin.

Stop applying for anything

No store cards.
No “pre-qualified” offers.
Protect your score while you’re preparing.

Why This Matters So Much in Today’s Market

Rates may shift throughout the year, but your credit score is one thing you can control.

When your score goes up:

  • Your loan options increase
  • Your rate can drop
  • Your payment becomes more comfortable
  • Your total cost of ownership goes down

This isn’t about chasing a perfect number. It’s about putting yourself in the best financial position possible before you commit to the biggest purchase of your life.

Give Yourself Time, Not Pressure

Many people wait until they want a house right now and then rush to fix years of credit habits in 30 days. That creates panic and disappointment.

Starting early makes the entire experience steady and manageable.

Think of it this way:

Fixing your credit isn’t just a step in the homebuying process; it’s part of becoming the future homeowner you want to be.

If You Want to Buy a Home This Year, Start Here

Before:

  • Shopping
  • Touring
  • Getting pre-approved
  • Choosing a lender
  • Talking interest rates

Start with your credit.

It’s the first step to a home you can afford, enjoy, and comfortably maintain.

If you want support with reviewing your credit, creating a simple plan, or preparing for a lender conversation, I can help you build a clear path to get ready for homeownership this year.

You’re not alone in this, and you’re not behind.
You’re just getting started on the right foot.

From Piggy Banks to Paychecks: Why Kids Need Money Lessons Early

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

I still remember the first time my daughter asked me for money. She was maybe four years old, holding a crumpled dollar in her little hand like it was gold. She looked up at me with those big brown eyes and said, “Mommy, can I buy all the candy?”

That was my wake-up call.

Teaching kids about money is a lot like teaching them to ride a bike. You don’t just shove them on a two-wheeler, give a little push, and pray they figure it out before crashing into the mailbox. No, you start with training wheels. You run alongside them. You let them wobble, tip, and scrape a knee or two while you cheer them on.

Money works the same way.

Kids don’t come with a built-in money manual. They come with big dreams, sticky fingers, and an uncanny ability to find the toy aisle like it’s the Promised Land. But if we don’t start teaching them about money when they’re small, they’ll grow up learning about it the hard way, usually from the school of overdraft fees and credit card debt.

Money is one of those topics we sometimes whisper about, like it’s too big or too grown-up for kids to understand. But we need to remember, they’re watching us. They notice when we swipe a card at Target like it’s magic. They notice when we sigh at the kitchen table with the stack of bills. They notice when we drop a $20 in the offering plate on Sunday. They’re learning whether we say anything or not. Just like little seedlings, they soak it all in, even if they don’t have words for it yet.

And that’s why it matters to start early.

Give them chances to handle money. Instead of waiting until they’re teenagers and suddenly expect them to “get it,” why not start now? Give them little bits of responsibility early. A dollar to put in the offering plate. A piggy bank where they can watch their coins grow. Let them save for something they want instead of handing it to them right away. That’s watering the seed.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Yvonne, my kids can’t even keep their shoes on the right feet, and you want me to trust them with money?” Yep. Because learning about money when the stakes are small is exactly the point. Better they “waste” $5 on slime or Pokémon cards now than $500 on a credit card bill later.

God says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” That doesn’t just mean teaching them to say “please” and “thank you.” It means showing them how to live wisely including how to use money in a way that honors Him.

When we start early, those lessons take root.

And if they mess it up? Well, isn’t that the safest time for them to learn while the “budget crisis” is just about a lost dollar and not about not being able to pay rent?

So, start the conversation. Make it fun. Let them make a few mistakes while the stakes are low. Teach them about giving, saving, and spending in that order. You’ll be planting seeds that will grow into wisdom later and maybe, just maybe, you’ll save yourself from being the family ATM when they’re 25.

Because at the end of the day, money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about values, choices, and trusting God with what we’ve been given. And those are lessons worth teaching as soon as their little hands can hold a dollar bill.

You Can’t Take It With You, But You Will Leave a Trail

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Most of us don’t lie awake at night thinking about our “financial legacy.” We’re thinking about how to stretch this week’s paycheck, how to pay for braces or college or a leaky roof, and how to somehow enjoy life in the middle of all that. Legacy sounds like something for the rich. Like a trust fund with a nameplate.

But that’s a myth.
Your financial legacy isn’t about wealth. It’s about intention.

It’s not just what you leave behind, it’s how you live now.

And whether you’re the type to meal prep and coupon clip, or you’re on a first-name basis with DoorDash, you’re already building your legacy.

Let’s Back Up: What Is a Financial Legacy?

Your financial legacy is the impact your money habits, decisions, and values have on others, long after you’re gone. It’s not just a will or a life insurance policy (though please, go make one of those).
It’s the story your finances tell about your life. About what mattered. About what you prioritized. It’s the story your dollars tell about what mattered to you. Maybe it’s the house you built equity in and passed on. Maybe it’s the business you started from scratch that changed your family’s future. Maybe it’s that you taught your kids to tithe before they even understood how taxes work. Maybe it’s simply that you taught your kids how not to fear money.

Everyone leaves one.
The question is: Will yours be by design or by default?

Let me ask you this: when you think about your parents’ or grandparents’ relationship with money, what comes to mind? Was it survival mode? Scarcity? Generosity? Guilt? Hustle culture? Were there unspoken rules about debt, giving, or talking about money?

Those silent messages are part of a financial legacy. And if we’re not careful, we pass them on, whether we meant to or not.

So… What Do You Want It to Be?

Here’s where things get exciting, and, yes, a little convicting. You get to write this story. You get to choose what your money says about your life. And before you start spiraling into shame or overthinking your current bank balance, take a breath. Legacy isn’t about never making mistakes. It’s about being intentional.

Some of the most powerful legacies don’t come with dollar signs.

Legacy isn’t just for “someday.” It starts now.
In the daily decisions.
In the silent generosity.
In the way you manage what you’ve been given, whether that’s a little or a lot.

Start with questions like:

  • What money values do I want to pass down?
  • What do I want my kids (or community, or nieces and nephews) to learn by watching me?
  • How do I want to model both faithfulness and freedom?

Maybe your financial legacy is showing your daughter she doesn’t have to go broke to prove she’s successful. Maybe it’s modeling generosity in small, consistent ways. Maybe it’s paying off your debt so your kids don’t inherit your stress.

And yes, maybe it is setting up a trust, or teaching your children how to run the family business. But that all starts with a change of mindset.

If all of this feels like a lot, take it one step at a time. You don’t need to fix everything overnight. You don’t need a six-figure income to have a seven-generation impact. You just need to start living your values with your money, right now, right where you are.

Your legacy isn’t just something you leave. It’s something you live.
And every time you choose wisdom over worry, generosity over fear, stewardship over chaos, you’re building it.

So again I ask:
What do you want your financial legacy to be?
And better yet…
What are you doing about it today?

It’s Okay to Change the Plan

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

There’s a moment in life when you look around and think: I’m not who I used to be.

Maybe it’s subtle like realizing you no longer enjoy the things you used to. Maybe it’s big like going through a divorce, getting married, having a baby, switching careers, or stepping into entrepreneurship. Whatever it is, something inside you has shifted.

You’ve grown.

You’ve evolved.

So why are you still using the same money plan from a version of you that no longer exists?

The Budget That Doesn’t Fit Anymore

A money plan isn’t just a spreadsheet. It’s a reflection of your values, your priorities, your goals, and your identity. And if you’ve changed, if your life has changed, then sticking to the same old budget is like wearing clothes that don’t fit anymore.

Sure, they technically cover you. But they don’t feel right.
They pinch. They restrict. They don’t give you room to breathe, stretch, or move forward.

So, if you’re feeling off financially, it’s not necessarily because you’re doing something wrong.

It might just be that you’ve outgrown the plan.

A plan made by a different version of you. A version who was in survival mode, or trying to please everyone, or following rules that never really fit in the first place.

You’ve healed. You’ve evolved. You’ve stepped into a new season.

And new seasons call for new plans.

You’re Not “Bad With Money”—You’re Outdated

This part is important, so read it twice:
If you’re struggling with your finances right now, it might not be because you’re bad with money.

It might be because your money plan is built for a person you no longer are.

A single mom going back to school has a completely different financial reality than she did when she was child-free and working full-time.
A new entrepreneur can’t rely on the same paycheck-to-paycheck plan they used when they had a 9-to-5.
And someone who’s healing from a toxic relationship might need space, and a spending plan, that prioritizes self-care and rebuilding trust in themselves.

Your money needs to meet you where you are now, not where you were two years ago, or where someone else thinks you should be.

The Spiritual Side of Shifting Your Finances

For those of us who walk with faith, change is not only allowed, it’s expected.

God does not create you to stay the same. He prunes. He redirects. He places you in new seasons, not to punish you, but to grow you.

So why would your finances be any different?

Too often, we treat our finances like a separate part of life, like God is invited into our relationships, our parenting, or our healing… but not our bank accounts.

But God cares about it all.

He sees your desire to be a good steward. He knows the pressure you carry. And He’s not asking for perfection. He’s asking for surrender.

Sometimes, the tension you feel in your finances isn’t a failure. It’s God whispering, This plan no longer fits the person I’m growing you into.

So what if instead of judging yourself… you paused and listened?

What if the struggle was just an invitation to co-create something new with Him right beside you?

Give Yourself Permission

Here’s what I want you to know: You have permission to change your mind. You have permission to rewrite the plan.

You’re allowed to create a money strategy that reflects the season you’re currently in, not the one you survived, or the one you’re trying to impress others with, or the one that “should” make sense on paper.

Let it reflect your values now. Let it support your mental health now. Let it guide your decisions in ways that align with the truth of who you are now.

Your Financial GPS

Think of your money plan like a GPS. When you take a detour, whether by choice or by circumstance, the map doesn’t yell at you or freeze in judgment.

It simply says:
“Recalculating.”

And it gives you a new route.

So if you’ve changed… maybe it’s time your budget says, “Recalculating,” too.
Not because you failed. But because you’re headed somewhere new.
And you deserve a financial plan that can grow with you. One that’s rooted in grace, grounded in reality, and fueled by hope.

Need help with that recalculating moment?
That’s what I’m here for. Let’s make sure your money plan reflects this version of you, the one who’s still learning, still growing, and still worthy of wealth and peace.

The Startup Fantasy They Don’t Show on Social Media

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Starting a business sounds so glamorous. You see the Instagram reels: laptops on the beach, perfect coffee mugs on pristine desks, captions like “be your own boss.” And sure, that part exists. Kind of. But behind those polished posts is a lot of sweat, late nights, and more than a few moments of quietly panicking while whispering “What have I done?” into a lukewarm slice of pizza.

The financial side? Well, let’s just say it’s not the part people rush to post about.

When you first get the itch to start your own thing, money feels like both the fuel and the fire. You need it to get going, but you’re also terrified of watching it burn too fast. It starts with those “just a few startup costs.” A website here, some software there, maybe a logo that you swear you can design yourself but end up spending hours searching UpWork and Fiverr to pay someone to do it for you. Before you know it, your credit card balance looks like a phone number and you’re muttering, “Well, that escalated quickly.”

Then comes the rollercoaster of income. One month you feel like a rock star. The next you’re googling “how to sell a kidney legally.” Welcome to entrepreneurship.

Here’s the thing most people don’t tell you upfront: the biggest danger isn’t the spending or even the slow months. It’s not having a plan. A lot of people walk into entrepreneurship with nothing but a great idea and a hope that “it’ll all work out.” Hope is lovely. But hope doesn’t pay vendors, taxes, or that health insurance bill that somehow doubled when you left your 9-to-5.

This is where having a financial coach comes in. And no, I’m not just saying that because it’s my job (okay, maybe a little). But seriously, someone needs to be your financial reality check while you’re dreaming big. You need someone who’ll ask, “Do you actually need that $900 course on how to grow your Instagram following?” Or, “Have you set aside money for taxes or are we going to cry together in April?”

A financial coach helps you build a plan that fits your actual life. Not someone else’s glossy highlight reel. We talk about things like setting up a business emergency fund (because stuff will go sideways), separating personal and business accounts (so you don’t accidentally use your grocery money to buy a new laptop), and figuring out how to pay yourself consistently—even when business feels like a rollercoaster strapped to another rollercoaster.

Starting a business is one of the most exciting and terrifying things you can do. You’ll have days where you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. You’ll have days where you Google job openings at Target because at least they offer benefits. But with a solid financial foundation, you can ride the ups and downs without constantly living in panic mode.

Money doesn’t have to be the thing that breaks your business. Done right, it can be what gives you freedom. The freedom to grow, to experiment, to fail and pivot, to take time off, to eventually sit on that beach (without bringing your laptop). And if you need someone in your corner helping you figure it out—well, you know where to find me. I’ll bring the spreadsheets. You bring the big dreams.

https://meetings.tulincu.com/schedule/672919734bae9a002c333ede

Mid-Year Money Check-Up: Are You Where You Wanted to Be in 2025?

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Let’s start with the obvious: somehow, it’s already summer.

Wasn’t it just January? One minute we’re toasting to “New Year, New Me,” and the next we’re knee-deep in sunscreen, graduation invites, and last minute plans.

But before we get swept into vacation season and BBQ weekends, now’s a good time to ask: how are things going with your money?

No guilt. No panic. Just a good, honest check-in.

It’s about noticing where you are, what’s working, what isn’t and making small tweeks so you don’t roll into December with a shrug and a credit card bill you forgot about in July.

Here’s a simple way to reflect, adjust, and refocus without feeling overwhelmed or needing a spreadsheet-induced nap.

1. Look Back Before You Look Ahead
Pull out the financial goals you set in January if you can find them. If you didn’t write them down, no worries. Think back: what did you hope would happen with your money this year? Pay off a credit card? Build an emergency fund? Finally stop fighting with your budget?

Now ask yourself: are you closer to those goals than you were six months ago? Even a little bit? Great. If not, don’t spiral. You’re not behind you’re just getting data. Life throws curveballs. Budgets break. Priorities shift. That’s not failure. That’s being human.

2. Check the Numbers (Without Letting Them Boss You Around)
This is your quick glance at reality. Look at your spending. Check your savings. Peek at that debt. Are the numbers moving the way you want them to?

You don’t need to create a brand-new budget from scratch unless yours is a total dumpster fire, in which case, maybe give it a little refresh. But this is more about noticing trends. Are you spending way more on takeout than you realized? Is your savings account still sitting at $73.20?

Awareness is power, and it’s a lot less painful than pretending it’s all fine while your money quietly tiptoes out the back door.

3. Rework the Plan (Yes, You’re Allowed to Change It)
Maybe you’ve had some wins. Maybe you’ve had some setbacks. Either way, it’s okay to change the plan. In fact, it’s smart.

If a goal no longer makes sense, change it. If something felt realistic in January but now feels laughable, adjust it. Let this mid-year moment be about setting yourself up for success not holding yourself hostage to a plan that no longer works.

Refocus on what matters most now. Maybe you’re ready to go all in on paying down debt. Or maybe what you really need is a little breathing room in your budget so you can stop feeling tense every time your phone dings with a bank alert.

4. Choose One Thing to Stick With
This part’s important. Pick one small habit to carry into the rest of the year. Just one. Something doable. Something that keeps you connected to your money. Maybe it’s tracking your spending once a week. Maybe it’s putting $50 into savings every time you get paid. Maybe it’s finally canceling that gym membership you’re not using (we both know it’s time).

Financial success isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about doing one thing consistently. Then another. And another.

Let’s Wrap This Up
Mid-year is not a reason to panic. It’s an invitation to pivot. Whether you’re on track, off track, or have no idea where the track even is, this is your moment to stop, check the map, and decide where you want to go next.

You don’t have to overhaul your entire financial life in one weekend. You just have to pay attention. Reflect. Adjust. Keep going.

And if you need a little help on your journey? That’s where I come in. No judgment. Just direction. Think of me like your financial GPS – recalculating when needed, but always helping you get back on the road.

Quick Fixes Won’t Fix You

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

It’s easy to get drawn in by the idea that one simple trick can turn your finances around. Maybe it’s a new budgeting app, a viral savings challenge, or the perfectly timed ad for a loan consolidation or low-interest credit card. It feels like if you just find the right fix, everything will click into place. But the idea that one quick move can solve years of habits, patterns, and beliefs about money is misleading.

There’s a seductive quality to shortcuts. When you’re financially stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, your brain craves relief. It offers a moment of calm in the chaos, even if it’s temporary. But financial transformation is never just about the numbers It’s about who you’re becoming through the process. And real transformation isn’t fast. It’s often uncomfortable. It’s deeply personal.

Quick fixes are surface-level solutions. They focus on what you do like cutting expenses, downloading a tool, following a plan, without addressing why you spend the way you do or what you’re trying to feel when you swipe your card. You can set up automatic transfers to savings, but if you still feel like you never have enough, that money might not stay there for long. You can follow a budget, but if it feels restrictive or disconnected from your real life, you’ll eventually abandon it.

Then life happens. A tire blows. A friend invites you on a spontaneous weekend trip. Your old habits sneak back in, disguised as self-care or “you only live once” indulgences. The app gathers digital dust. The quick fix fades, and you’re back where you started, sometimes even more discouraged than before.

Why? Because quick fixes address symptoms, not core issues. They aim to change behaviors without addressing the beliefs that drive them. You can automate savings, but if you still believe you’re “bad with money,” that savings account will stay empty. You can follow a debt payoff plan, but if you haven’t built the discipline to say no to impulsive spending, the cycle will repeat. There is no app or spreadsheet that can replace the inner work of developing financial resilience.

This kind of change isn’t as exciting as a new app or a bold financial goal. Real change looks less like a sudden leap and more like a slow, intentional climb. It’s committing to tracking your spending even when it’s boring. It’s revisiting your goals regularly, not just when you’re inspired. It’s learning how to sit with discomfort instead of numbing it with a shopping spree. It’s asking yourself hard questions: What do I believe about money? Who taught me that? Does it serve me? What am I avoiding by chasing the next quick fix?

If you’re stuck in a cycle of hoping the next idea will be the one, take a step back. Ask yourself what you’re avoiding. Are you looking for a fix, or are you ready for real change? You don’t need a miracle. You need a plan that fits your life, habits that support your values, and the patience to let progress build.

Quick fixes might feel good in the moment. But they won’t build the kind of financial life you actually want. Real change is slower, steadier—and far more rewarding.

So the next time you’re tempted by a financial fix that promises overnight success, pause. Ask yourself if it’s addressing your foundation or just patching a crack. You’re not broken. You’re just evolving. And evolution takes time, intention, and a willingness to go deeper than the surface. Quick fixes won’t fix you. But showing up for yourself every day, even in small, imperfect ways just might.

Your First Paycheck Is Coming. Let’s Make Sure It Stays

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Graduation caps have been tossed, your diploma is somewhere under a pile of moving boxes, and you’ve finally figured out how to make ramen taste like a real meal. Congratulations! You’re officially a recent graduate and now, welcome to adulthood, where you’ll quickly discover that your student loan servicer knows more about you than your grandma does.

As you prepare to dive into the job market or just landed your first “real” job, there’s one person you might want to bring into your corner, no, not your cousin who’s “really into crypto” or your roommate who swears they’re going to retire off of TikTok earnings. We’re talking about a financial coach.

Now, you might be thinking, “Why would I hire a financial coach? I don’t even have any finances yet. I have vibes and debt.” Fair point. But that’s exactly why now is the perfect time.

A financial coach isn’t just someone who tells you to stop buying $6 lattes (though they might gently suggest a reusable mug and a better budgeting app). They’re more like your personal money GPS helping you avoid the financial potholes you can’t even see yet. Most people only think about financial guidance once things are already on fire. Collections notices, overdraft fees, or the haunting realization that they accidentally blew their entire paycheck on concert tickets and Uber Eats. A financial coach helps you get ahead of those moments and build a roadmap for your money that doesn’t rely on hope and impulse.

Imagine starting your financial life with intention instead of regret. Knowing how to set up a budget that doesn’t make you feel like you’re grounded. Understanding how to tackle student loans without crying. Learning how to save for future-you—yes, the one who wants to travel, buy a house, or finally replace that cracked iPhone screen.

Plus, working with a coach can help you build confidence. You’ll finally stop nodding blankly when someone says “Roth IRA” and start using terms like “emergency fund” and “compound interest” without breaking into a cold sweat. It’s like having a financial translator—someone who helps you make sense of adult money things without making you feel like you failed Econ 101.

And the truth is, building good habits early is like investing in your future self. Think of your money like a plant: if you water it now and give it the right conditions, it grows. If you wait too long, it gets droopy, weird, and you end up frantically Googling “how to revive dead succulents” except it’s your credit score.

Sure, you could try to figure it all out on your own. There’s YouTube, TikTok, Reddit threads with advice from anonymous users named “StonkMaster420.” But if you want tailored guidance, real support, and someone who doesn’t vanish when the economy wobbles, a financial coach is worth it. They’ll help you build a plan you can stick to even if you’re still living with roommates and your “retirement plan” is just “not working forever.”

So, before you splurge on celebratory sushi or finance a couch you can’t afford, consider this: hiring a financial coach as a recent grad doesn’t mean you’ve got it all together. It means you’re smart enough to want to have it together. And that, my friend, is the kind of energy your bank account will thank you for—long after the ramen days are behind you.

*Whether you just said “I do” or just tossed your graduation cap, this summer is the perfect time to take control of your finances and set yourself up for long-term success.

I’m offering special discounted financial coaching sessions for:
Engaged or Newly Married Couples – Build a solid financial foundation together with guided money talks, budgeting support, and shared goal planning.
Recent Graduates – Learn to manage your income, student loans, and savings with confidence as you step into the real world.

No matter your stage, now is the time to create a plan that works for your future.

Offer ends August 31st — Limited spots available!

Schedule a free insight session here

Love and Marriage-Planning Past The Party

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Marriage is love, commitment, and companionship. It’s also receipts, shared passwords, and arguments about whether buying an $800 espresso machine is “an investment” or “completely ridiculous.” Love may be blind, but money has 20/20 vision and it’s keeping score. So if you’re planning to say “I do,” it’s smart to figure out your financial life before it turns into a reality show called Who Spent What?

Money can either be a glue that bonds or a bomb that explodes. The difference comes down to communication, planning, and resisting the urge to lie about how much your shoes really cost.

Start with a Financial Full-Frontal (No Shame Zone)

Before you merge bank accounts or pick a wedding hashtag, strip it all down, credit scores, debt, income, savings, and spending habits. This is not the time for filters. You need to know if your partner is a frugal wizard or a closet spender who thinks the word “budget” is a personal attack.

Approach this like a team huddle, not a courtroom deposition. No guilt-tripping. Everyone has financial baggage, whether it’s student loans, medical bills, or a Venmo history that reads like a fast-food tour of the entire U.S. What matters is honesty and a willingness to work together.

One Account? Two Accounts? Three? Do What Actually Works

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to combining finances. Some couples go all-in with one joint account. Others split everything 50/50. And then there are those who create a joint fund for shared expenses and keep personal accounts for independence…and impulse buys.

Here’s a better way to picture it: treat your finances like planning a trip. Your personal accounts are like solo adventures-you decide the pace and the destination. Shared bills and expenses? Those are like traveling with a buddy-coordination and communication are key. And your long-term savings? That’s the dream vacation you’re both working toward-something that takes planning, patience, and teamwork. The secret to a smooth journey? Stay transparent and check in often, so no one ends up lost or footing the whole bill.

Designate a CFO—but Rotate the Role

Every household needs a Chief Financial Officer, but don’t let one person always be the budget police. That creates a weird parent-child type dynamic. Rotate who handles the monthly finances. One month, you track bills and savings. Next month, they do. It keeps things fair and forces both of you to stay engaged, and maybe even discover that spreadsheets are oddly satisfying.

Turn Money Fights into Strategy Sessions

Arguments about money are really arguments about values, fears, and expectations. It’s not about the $300 on sushi. It’s about whether you feel secure, respected, or heard.

So instead of fighting over past decisions, make a game plan. If one of you is a saver and the other is a spender, define roles. The saver keeps an eye on the safety net. The spender finds deals and upgrades your life without wrecking the budget. Different approaches can balance each other—if you recognize them as assets, not flaws.

Also, give yourselves a “no-fight zone.” Set a time, maybe Saturday afternoon, post-coffee, when you talk money like teammates, not gladiators. Use humor. Laugh about your worst purchases. (“Remember when I thought I’d become a home mixologist and bought a cocktail shaker set that’s now just holding pens?”)

Build a Plan Bigger Than the Wedding

Weddings are fun. But marriage is Tuesday night groceries, car repairs, and retirement accounts. So plan past the party.

Talk long-term: Do you want kids? A house? To travel? Start a business? Retire early? These dreams need dollar amounts. The earlier you map out your life goals, the more aligned your money decisions will be and the fewer “how did we get here?” moments you’ll have.

Make saving a joint mission. Treat it like a game: name your savings goals, celebrate milestones, and challenge yourselves to have “no-spend” weekends where creativity replaces consumption. Who knew board games, frozen pizza, and bad karaoke could actually feel like progress?

The Bottom Line: Love Is Work. So Is Money. So Do the Work Together.

Marriage isn’t just a romantic union. It’s a financial partnership with receipts. If you approach it like a team sport, with honesty, flexibility, and a sense of humor, you’ll be way ahead of the curve. Yes, you’ll have weird expenses, surprise bills, and moments where you stare at each other like, “Why did we think we could afford a dog and a vacation?”

But you’ll also have a plan, a shared mission, and if you play it right, a joint account that still has money in it at the end of the month.

Now go talk about money with love, laughter, and maybe a spreadsheet. Or at least a calculator and a cup of tea.

Layoffs, Dreams, and Detours: Can You Afford Your Next Move?

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Change doesn’t always knock politely. One minute you’re sipping your coffee, feeling semi-productive, and the next—ding—a surprise calendar invite from your boss with a vague title like “Quick Chat.” That’s never good. Your stomach drops. Is it a layoff? A restructuring? Are they finally getting rid of “casual Fridays”?

Or maybe the shift is internal. You’ve been staring out the window between Zoom calls wondering, What if I just quit? What if I finally launched that thing I’ve been dreaming about? Then your bank account gently taps you on the shoulder like, “Cute idea, but… how, exactly?”

Whether the change is forced on you or has been bubbling up from inside, career transitions can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff, equal parts thrilling and terrifying. But we can all agree that cliff-diving is way less scary when you know there’s a safety net waiting.

Here’s how to build that net—calmly, smartly, and with your sense of humor intact.

Start With Building an Emergency Fund (Your Financial Buffer)

Let’s start with the obvious, but often overlooked step: setting money aside.

An emergency fund isn’t just for flat tires or surprise dental work. It’s your buffer between income and uncertainty. Aim for 3 to 6 months of your core expenses. Don’t just guess, know your numbers. That means rent or mortgage, groceries, health insurance, utility bills, gas, minimum debt payments… the basics that keep your life running.

This number will look different for everyone, which is why it’s worth calculating your actual monthly “bare minimum” (more on that below).

Keep your emergency fund in a high,yield savings account—easily accessible, separate from your regular checking, and ideally out of sight so you’re not tempted to dip into it for impulse buys.

The goal isn’t to prepare for disaster. It’s to buy yourself time to think, adjust, and move forward on your own terms.

 Next, Know Your Bare Bones Budget (The “We’re Eating Rice and Beans Now” Plan)

Most of us have a general idea of what we spend each month—but if push came to shove, could you live on less?

Do you know how much it costs to keep your life running at the most basic level? Like, no extras, no takeout, no yoga with goats? That’s your bare-bones budget.

Take some time to map it out:

  • What’s essential? (Housing, food, insurance)
  • What can be paused, reduced, or cut temporarily?
  • Where are you spending out of habit, not necessity?

Knowing this number is empowering. It means you can act quickly and confidently, without scrambling to figure out how to survive if the unexpected happens.

Diversify Your Income (Before You’re Forced To)

Even if your job feels stable, having a little extra income is like carrying a backup charger for your phone, suddenly essential when the battery hits 1%.

Here are a few ways to start:

  • Freelancing or consulting with your existing skillset
  • Teaching, tutoring, or mentoring
  • Creating and selling digital products
  • Turning a hobby or interest into something monetizable. Pet sit, house sit, baby sit—someone’s always looking for someone.

You don’t need a full-blown side business overnight. Even $200–$500/month in extra income can reduce your stress and give you options.

Think of it as financial momentum. Start now, and when the time comes, you’re not starting from zero.

Refresh Your Resume, LinkedIn & Network (Quietly and Consistently)

This one may not seem directly financial, but it absolutely is.

It’s easy to put off updating your resume until you have to, but let’s be honest—that’s like trying to learn to swim while the boat’s sinking.

Your network and personal brand are assets. Keeping your resume and LinkedIn current—even if you’re not actively job hunting—means you’re ready when opportunity (or necessity) calls.

The same goes for your professional relationships. Reach out. Reconnect. Stay visible. You never know who might know someone who needs exactly what you do.

Think of this as preventative care for your career—it keeps things healthy even when nothing seems wrong.

Reframe the Fear: Preparation Is the Opposite of Panic

There’s often an emotional side to preparing for change. It can feel like admitting defeat before anything’s even happened. But that’s not what this is.

There’s this idea that preparing for a worst-case scenario means you’re being negative or dramatic. But really, it’s the opposite.

Life is unpredictable. Work changes. People evolve. You’re not bracing for doom, you’re creating space for clarity, and giving yourself breathing room and the ability to respond (not just react) when life shifts. And it will shift. When you’re prepared, you don’t have to wait for someone else to give you permission to move. You can make that decision yourself.

More Options, Less Anxiety

Preparing financially for a job loss or career shift doesn’t make you negative, it makes you nimble.

It means you’ve created space to think clearly, act wisely, and move forward without panic clouding your judgment. And it means when the next chapter comes, whether by choice or chance, you’ll be ready for it.

You don’t have to stay stuck in a job that drains you. You don’t have to panic if the economy hiccups. You’ll have options, and that’s everything.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s about permitting yourself to dream bigger than the job you’re in now.

Because the world is changing. And so are you.

And with the right financial foundation, you can face change not with fear, but with freedom.