Zero-Based Budgeting Video

Check out this week's video post on zero-based budgeting. 




Popular Reads

Excited about the New Car Loan Deduction? Pump Your Brakes

Image
The New Car Loan Interest Deduction: What You Need to Know Before You Buy The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 introduced several new tax provisions, and today I'd like to talk about the new car loan interest deduction. While a potential tax break is definitely something to get excited about, please pump the brakes before diving in ( or driving off... get it? 😊 ). It's crucial to understand all the details before purchasing a car just to claim this deduction, only to discover later that you don't actually qualify. That would be a costly mistake! So is it worth your time? What exactly is it? What are the requirements? Is it even the right time for a new car? Let's break it all down. What is the Car Loan Interest Deduction? Beginning in 2025 through 2028, taxpayers who purchase a qualified vehicle for personal use meeting certain criteria may deduct interest paid on their car loan. This is an above-the-line deduction, which means you can claim it even if you take the s...
Read more

Treat Yourself, Don't Cheat Yourself: A Smart Spending Strategy

Image
My mom always says, "Treat yourself, don't cheat yourself." It's simple, but it carries so much wisdom. What she means is that we don't live to work. We work to live, to enjoy life, and to experience the fruits of our labor. If there's something you want or need, why deprive yourself of it? Now, before you think this is permission for reckless spending, let me be clear. My mom has always been smart with money. This isn't about throwing caution to the wind. It's about balance. It's a gentle reminder that taking care of your responsibilities and paying your bills is important, but that's not what life is all about. If you've had your eye on something and you can reasonably afford it, get it. If you have a taste for a particular meal and you usually cook at home, who says you can't dine out from time to time? I absolutely love this mindset, and I want to take it a step further. The Match-Your-Treat Strategy What if treating yourself do...
Read more

New Year, Same Money Habits (And That's OK!) 🎯

Image
Don't Fix What Isn't Broken: A Fresh Take on New Year's Financial Resolutions 🎯 The new year brings a flood of "new year, new you" messages. But here's a thought: what if the "old you" is already on the right track? Maybe instead of overhauling your financial life, you just need to stay the course of your well-established journey. That's my perspective as we enter 2025. After years of building solid financial habits, I'm choosing to maintain what works while making thoughtful adjustments where needed. This approach might resonate with you, too. Taking Stock: The Four Pillars of Financial Health 🏛️ Before jumping into changes, let's reflect on the core areas of our financial lives: Spending : How effectively did you manage your expenses? 💳 Saving : Did you meet your emergency fund and short-term goals? 🌱 Investing : Were you consistent with your retirement and other investment contributions? 📈 Giving : Did you support the causes ...
Read more