If you’ve built up savings and investments while single, it can be tough to shift your mindset from “me” to “we” when you meet someone you want to be with for the long haul. I answer a lot of client questions about merging finances and setting joint money goals -- while still leaving each half of a couple the space to be their own person. Odds are you won’t settle down with someone who has … [Read more...] about How to Combine Your Finances as a Couple: Real-Life Advice I Give My Clients
A Values-Based Way to Build Your Budget
Let’s be honest: budgeting sucks. There’s a reason everyone (including me) dreads sitting down and figuring out a budget. It brings to light all the things you spent money on that you probably shouldn’t have, and in the end you’ve got a list of super-responsible stuff to spend money on instead. It’s the financial equivalent of eating your vegetables. Yuck. But our philosophy at Gen Y Planning it … [Read more...] about A Values-Based Way to Build Your Budget
The Ultimate Guide to Roth IRAs
One of the best things young investors can do to ensure their future financial freedom is begin saving for retirement as early as possible. I recommend Roth IRAs to many of my clients and friends, because the way they work can be especially beneficial to young professionals. You might have a Roth IRA account set up (and even contribute to it!) without understanding its importance. Or maybe you’ve … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Guide to Roth IRAs
17 Quick & Dirty Money Moves You Can Make in 2017
It’s a new year, and you are pumped to make some changes to your finances. Only you don’t know where to start and you’re afraid to make a mistake. You’ll totally get around to it, though … once you’re done with a bunch of other chores you just remembered you had to do right now. I know. It’s easier to wrap your head around a to-do list item like “mop bathroom floor” than the one that says “start … [Read more...] about 17 Quick & Dirty Money Moves You Can Make in 2017
I Have a Trust Fund — Now What?
There’s a lot of advice out there for people who are looking to set up a trust for their younger family members. Setting up trusts can be a great way to pass your money down to the next generation. But what do you do if you find out you’re receiving money from a trust? Coming into a large amount of money is life-changing. You might have known about your trust your whole life, or it might … [Read more...] about I Have a Trust Fund — Now What?
Your Guide to Roth IRA Conversions
If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you’re one of my clients, or you took my course, Smart & Easy Retirement Planning for Millennials, you know I talk about Roth IRAs a lot. With a Roth, you contribute up to $5,500 post-tax dollars per year, hopefully it grows for a few decades, and then you can withdraw that money in retirement tax-free. I recommend them often, especially to people who … [Read more...] about Your Guide to Roth IRA Conversions