Do you ever wonder what makes up your credit score? Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, car loan, or a credit card, this three-digit number plays a pivotal role in determining whether lenders will trust you with their money. Here are the elements that make up your credit score: Payment History (35%): Be Punctual…
Recently, I have noticed a trend with my clients: I am issuing challenges with saving money. This happens because I see how much they are making and what monthly ballpark expenses are, so it would make sense if they could save $X each month. Why not try? Sometimes they can, sometimes they can’t—but that’s good…
You know what’s interesting? Many clients like to compare their spending to the so-called “average.” It’s natural to be curious, but it’s essential to remember that your financial planner is less concerned with how you spend your money and more focused on helping you achieve your personal financial goals. You’re Not a Statistic Statistics, while…
Often I write things for my blog that maybe our actual client base doesn’t need to prioritize as much here in the economically vibrant, high-tech, dual-income world of Seattle. However, I believe that we can ALL be better with our spending and debt management. And since I know there are still TONS of people who…
As we start to shift into the holiday/year end season, people are thinking of this as the perfect time of year to practice our generosity. I see gift guides out there that include everyone from the janitor at your kids’ school (who DEFINITELY needs some love) to your second cousins, twice removed. But do you…
Traditional money advice sometimes bugs the crap out of me. Articles about money by so-called money experts often come up with these inane little suggestions that are supposed to help you get control of your money. My favorite is the idea that skipping your daily or weekly latte (every money advisor’s favorite analogy) or your…
A while ago, my car broke down on me. It wasn’t an awful experience, because I broke down next to a park, and people kept stopping to ask if I needed help. It was a rare, sunny Seattle day; and other than missing a phone appointment I had been looking forward to, nothing in my…
It’s SO HARD to get back into good routines after the holiday season (Sugar! Carbs! Chocolate! Spending too much!) but I have found it’s useful to take smaller steps and find something to re-energize yourself around your money goals in January. You don’t have to do things exactly the same every single month–some months you…
What a year, huh? I think I have said that for like three years in a row… Welp, we’re in the home stretch now… and hopefully, people can take some time and regroup for the next few months. Thinking about the holiday-year-end season, people often think of this as the perfect time of year to…
I always re-up this post welllll before Thanksgiving because I want to plant the seed… I think Thanksgiving is the perfect time to check in with family and friends about gift giving for the upcoming season. Ask them: How many times have you sat around the day after Christmas and vowed that next year —…
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