Money Management / Financial coaching

Growing wealth and creating better spending habits

Overview

This is, by far, my favorite subject! I would love to walk with you as you set and achieve your financial goals. If you are interested, please scroll down to the bottom of this page to set up a free 15-minute consultation.

Below are budget apps that I have used or am currently using, as well as some people who have something to say about personal finances.

BUDGETS help you know where your money is going.

The first budget software that I used was Mint (www.mint.com), owned by InTuit. You provide your bank account information, and it syncs up with your bank(s). It worked well with coding most of my transactions correctly, but the budget portion is not

as user-friendly. I still have it, so I can get a free credit score once per month.

My FAVORITE budget software is YNAB. They offer a 34-day trial, as well as classes, podcasts, newsletters, and more. The set-up is easy, and the price is reasonable, given everything YNAB offers - $99/year or $14.99/mo. Sign-up using my referral link below, and we both get a free month.

My Favorite Budget Software

Financial Gurus

The two people that I listen to the most about finances and financial wealth are Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.

I prefer Dave Ramsey's simple baby steps to get out of debt, but it is a whole lot easier if you do not get into debt to begin with. This is why I put the budget first! Dave does offer several different budgets on his website, and Financial Peace University (FPU) is offered on his website and locally.

I used to watch Suze Orman on TV, maybe PBS. I couldn't tell you what her methods are, but she is someone I would look into.

Dave Ramsey

Dave's Baby Steps for Getting Out of Debt

Baby Step 1: $1,000 cash in a beginner emergency fund
Baby Step 2: Use the debt snowball to pay off all your debt but the house
Baby Step 3: A fully funded emergency fund of 3 to 6 months of expenses
Baby Step 4: Invest 15% of your household income into retirement
Baby Step 5: Start saving for college
Baby Step 6: Pay off your home early
Baby Step 7: Build wealth and give generously

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office offers simple and complex budget templates in Excel. Below is a link to a personal budget template that looks pretty and functional.

Microsoft Office's budget templates

Note

Check your local library for books to borrow on budgeting, finances or other things.