As a financial planner, I talk a lot about investing your money wisely. You might want to invest in a new home, in grad school, or in the stock market. But we can expand this conversation to include other types of investing, too — like investing in yourself. Happiness comes from investing your money, time, and effort in the things that matter most to you. A new purse will make you happy for a … [Read more...] about The Importance of Investing in Yourself (and How to Do It)
You’re Doing Really Well Financially: Now What?
When you’re first getting your financial act together, the advice you’ll get pretty much boils down to: Create a budget Build up emergency savings Pay down debt Contribute enough to your 401(k) to get a company match, and fund a Roth IRA as well if you can You built up a solid career, got out of debt, started saving for retirement...in short, you’re doing everything right. … [Read more...] about You’re Doing Really Well Financially: Now What?
How to Make Networking Come Naturally
I've attended a lot of conferences this year, and these events are some of my favorite times to network. I get to hang out with my friends and meet other people who share my interests and goals. Through conferences, I’ve landed speaking gigs, new clients, media appearances, and more. This happened to me recently when I decided to attend Podcast Movement in Dallas. I thought the speaker lineup … [Read more...] about How to Make Networking Come Naturally
Travel Hack Your Way Through Wedding Season
Ah, wedding season. You’ve probably had a year or two when you have more Save the Dates than refrigerator magnets (and if you haven't yet, you probably will). As much as you'll enjoy witnessing your good friends get married, you can’t not think about how much attending all those weddings will cost you. The plane tickets, the hotel room, the clothes, the manicures, the gifts — and that’s just … [Read more...] about Travel Hack Your Way Through Wedding Season
Buying vs. Renting: Which One Is Right for You?
Like getting a job, buying a car, getting married, or having a child, home ownership is viewed as one of the markers of becoming a “real” adult. Despite hitting those milestones at a later age than their Baby Boomer parents, and dealing with the blow of a tough economy right as they entered the job market, the majority of Millennials still believe in home ownership — even though it’s not the best … [Read more...] about Buying vs. Renting: Which One Is Right for You?
The Power of Simplifying Your Life
Between work, family, friends, and errands, we all have a lot going on. When you’re pressed for free time, even fun things like a dinner out with friends can feel like an item on a to-do list. The standard answer for “how are you?” used to be “good.” Now it’s “busy.” Frantically trying to get everything done has become something we brag about, as if never having a moment to breathe affords you … [Read more...] about The Power of Simplifying Your Life