Family Retirement

05/01/2026

Expecting a child comes with more than baby showers and nursery prep—it also means navigating a complex web of leave and income options. This article breaks down FMLA, short-term disability, employer-sponsored benefits, and state-specific programs in California, Washington, and Texas, helping you understand how to protect your job and income during parental leave. A must-read for soon-to-be parents who want clarity and confidence before stepping away from work.

It’s time! The flawless phrase from every movie about having children. You’ve had your baby shower, been to all the classes, and set up the nursery; now you are about to go on maternity/paternity...

04/13/2026

I was a contributor for NerdWallet reviewing the psychology of spaving!

Chasing free shipping and discounts feels thrifty. The math can work in your favor, if you do it right.

04/08/2026

I heard it's hard to move old 401ks to your own account. DM and I will tell you the keywords to say to get it done in 30 mins or less

04/06/2026

You Have a Virus, Now What?

It only takes one click. One email that looks real, one moment of distraction—and suddenly your personal and financial information could be at risk. What you do in the first few minutes after a potential security breach can make all the difference. Before panic sets in, here’s exactly how to respond and protect yourself.

What to Do After a Security Breach That sinking feeling after you’ve clicked the button. The email looked legitimate, but now it’s downloading malware. Your mind starts racing: What do I do...

03/12/2026

What was your first milestone and how did you advance yourself?

Brooke Barley used my input on her most recent article "The Most Important Financial Step To Take at 4 Fiscal Milestones".

Hit a financial milestone recently? Experts share what to do next with investing, emergency funds, student loans, homeownership and financial independence.

03/02/2026

Most people are taught to grind their way out of debt first and then start living. But what if that approach is quietly costing you millions? This article breaks down the numbers behind early investing vs. aggressive debt payoff and exposes the “one day” mindset that keeps so many people stuck. You’ll see why a balanced, passive strategy can help you pay down debt and build long-term wealth at the same time without burnout or sacrifice. If you want financial freedom that doesn’t put your life on hold, this is where it starts.

Doing it all doesn’t have to be exhausting, it has to be passive. When you create a plan to pay off debt, that plan can’t be the only lane you’re in during your 20s and 30s. It has to be...

02/18/2026

This week’s article shows how planning ahead, buying with intention, and reducing food waste can significantly lower your grocery bill while still keeping your freezer full and your meals satisfying.

​Let’s keep it short, like my grocery bill. The only reason I have a shopping budget as low as I do is because I don’t like to do it regularly. I set myself up at 8 a.m. one day during the...

02/10/2026

This week’s article helps you take a closer look at how often you’re spending, identify where excess is happening, and begin shifting toward more intentional choices that align with what truly matters to you.

​How many days of the week do you spend money? Every day, three times a week, or one day a week? U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data found that the average American spends about $164.55 per day on...

02/03/2026

Fix Your Mindset, Fix Your Money

It’s the most thrifty time of the year. Well, for me it is. Welcome to Lean February. Every year I challenge myself to have a month that I save the most money and set myself up for success. This year I’ll be breaking it down into 3 Weeks of tips to achieve this goal. This week we’ll talk about how your mind is getting in the way and how to trick it into success.

Why do we do this to ourselves? We have lofty goals for the beginning of the new year, and in order to set yourself up for success, you need to have mental stability and financial support. Many of us...

01/06/2026

Here’s a practical strategy for managing side hustle, bonus, and one-off income so it builds long-term wealth instead of disappearing through extra spending. It explains how to structure recurring income, budget effectively, protect profits, and invest with intention. The focus is on creating sustainable systems that turn additional income into lasting financial stability.

A side hustle, bonus money, or selling unused items are all ways to benefit from additional income outside of your nine-to-five job. Each offers an opportunity to grow your wealth faster than the...