Slow seasons are part of the game. But that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and “ride it out,” crossing your fingers and hoping that business will pick back up in the fall. That’s not a strategy. It’s a gamble. But, if you play your cards right, summer can be one of the most strategic seasons for your business. It’s a chance to pause, pivot, and prepare for the future without the frantic pace of your busier months.
Read MoreWhen you wear seventeen hats and race to meet client deadlines, creating systems feels like a luxury reserved for businesses with fancy offices and HR departments.
But here's the truth bomb I'm dropping today: Your business is never too small for systems. In fact, the smaller your business, the more critical solid systems become.
Read MoreSpring is all about fresh starts, so why not give your finances a little seasonal refresh? If your New Year’s financial resolutions have fallen by the wayside, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Now is the perfect time to dust off your budget, get back on track, and set yourself up for a strong financial season.
But here’s the thing with resolutions: the people who stick to their financial goals aren’t perfect; they’re the ones who know how to create momentum to keep going in their journey. And the best way to do that is by celebrating wins along the way.
Read MoreStudies have shown that by March, 78% of people have abandoned their resolutions (and only 6% of resolutions last beyond a year!). Not because they didn’t care or weren’t serious, but because of the simple fact that life happens. Unexpected home repairs, slow months in business, an impulsive shopping trip — whatever it was that may have derailed you, know you’re not alone.
But here’s the thing with resolutions: the people who stick to their financial goals aren’t perfect; they’re the ones who know how to create momentum to keep going in their journey. And the best way to do that is by celebrating wins along the way.
Read MoreRegular money meetings with your spouse can be a game-changer. They help prevent financial miscommunication, reduce stress, and (believe it or not) increase emotional intimacy. Yes, money talk can be romantic! It might feel awkward and overly structured at first, but with practice, these conversations will become second nature—and maybe even something you look forward to (no, really!).
Read MoreA solid business plan is your roadmap to success, guiding your decisions and helping you stay on course.
Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs skip this step when establishing their business, thinking it’s just paperwork; however, a business plan is an essential tool that can make a significant difference in your company’s growth, funding opportunities, and overall success.
Read MoreWhile New Year’s resolutions are filled with hope and promise, did you know that most are abandoned in the first few weeks?
Research has shown that around 80% of resolutions fail by February! Ditching resolutions is so common that the second Friday in January is known as “Quitter’s Day,” when most people give up on their resolutions.
Why do so many resolutions fail?
Read MoreThe holidays are magical—twinkling lights, joyful gatherings, and the thrill of giving gifts. But let’s be honest: they can also burn a serious hole in your wallet. Before the eggnog wears off, let’s talk about how this year’s holiday spending can teach us a thing or two about setting up for financial success next year. Ready? Let’s dive into some festive financial wisdom.
Read MoreThe holiday season: when you’re either frantically running from store to store, scouring online sales, or on the verge of throwing in the towel and just sending everyone gift cards. (Hey, they’re useful, right?)
But what if this year could be different? What if we stopped trying to “keep up with the Joneses” and made giving all about meaning, not just money? Here’s how to bring intentionality—and a little less financial stress—back to holiday gifting.
Read MoreIt’s a scary thought: common money mistakes can jeopardize your wealth and financial health if left unchecked. But if you can identify and avoid these pitfalls, you can be smart with your money, protect your financial well-being, and work toward building a healthy and secure financial future.
Read MoreMoney is one of those topics that can feel a bit tricky to discuss with your kids. How much do you share? When do you start? And how do you ensure they understand the value of a dollar without overwhelming them? Whether you’ve got a toddler just learning about the concept of “more” or a teenager eyeing that first job, talking to your kids about money is one of the most valuable lessons you can teach them.
Read MoreRenovating your home can be an exciting yet daunting task. Should you channel your inner HGTV star and tackle it yourself, or is it wiser to call in the cavalry of seasoned professionals? Whether you’re eyeing a kitchen overhaul or just sprucing up the bathroom, making the right choice can save you time, money, and a heap of frustration.
Read MoreI recently had a heartfelt conversation with a friend who, with tears in her eyes, shared a significant milestone in her life. For the first time ever, she managed to fund her family’s vacation without resorting to debt.
In previous years, she had been caught in a vicious cycle of racking up credit card debt to fund their trips, only to spend months paying it off just in time for the next vacation.
As I joined in celebrating this meaningful moment with my friend, it prompted a moment of reflection on my own journey and the profound impact of managing finances wisely.
Read MoreHere’s a tip that we often forget in the rush leading up to the end of the school year:
Plan ahead for the expenses of summer.
You’ll likely be thankful you did — preparing and planning can help you enjoy the season and focus on fun instead of finances. By creating a budget and saving early for certain seasonal expenses, you can make the most of your summer without the stress and worries of overspending.
Read MoreWe've probably all been there at some point in our lives — staring at those bills, trying to figure out how the heck we ended up drowning in debt again. Whether it's unexpected emergencies, lack of planning, or just a case of the "I want it" taking over, debt can quickly spiral into a vicious cycle that can leave you feeling suffocated.
If this is you — it's time to break free from those debt shackles and reclaim your financial freedom.
Read MoreKnowing where to stash your cash can feel a bit like choosing your fighter in a video game. Each option comes with its own set of powers, weaknesses, and strategies to maximize your wealth. Some of you might be thinking, "Any old bank account will do, right?" Let me stop you right there. Not all bank accounts are created equal — they come in different shapes and sizes, each with its own set of pros and cons.
Let’s look at some of the most common bank accounts. Getting your cash situated in the right spot can maximize returns, minimize fees, and generally make your money work harder for you.
Let's unpack these traits and see how to incorporate them into your financial journey.
Read MoreSimilar to other decisions you’ve had to make on your own, retirement is another crucial financial topic you must diligently explore to set you and your business up for success.
Small business retirement plans vary in terms of structure, benefits, and suitability, depending on the size of your business and team, your financial situation, and your goals. Choosing the right one for your business can feel daunting, but the sooner you decide which plan is right for you, the better handle you’ll have on your retirement planning.
Read MoreIn their book "The Next Millionaire Next Door," Dr. Thomas Stanley and his daughter, Dr. Sarah Stanley Fallaw, delve into the lives of self-made millionaires, revealing some surprising truths. These "millionaires next door" aren't living flashy lifestyles. Instead, they are hard-working people who share six common behavioral traits (“wealth factors”) that paved the path to their financial success.
Let's unpack these traits and see how to incorporate them into your financial journey.
Read MoreIt's that time of year again — tax season is fast approaching! As a successful small business owner, we know you’re busy enough without stressing about gathering receipts, tallying up expenses, and rushing to file your taxes on time.
But fear not! With a few organizational tips and tricks in place throughout the year, you can reduce your tax prep stress and breeze through tax time next year.
Read MoreYou're working hard to build wealth and lead a purposeful life where you have the freedom to make financial decisions that align with your values (no easy feat!). But with a proper plan, those decisions aren't confined to your lifetime.
How is that possible? Estate planning. It's a term you might have heard before, but if you never got to the bottom of what it is, why it's so important, and how you can use it to secure your financial legacy—now is your time to find out!
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