MILSPOUSE BLOG
Military Consumer Month: Smart Shopping for Military Spouses Feeling empowered to make smart money moves is critical year-round, but this Military Consumer Month is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of savvy purchasing decisions and maximizing your hard-earned money. The month isn’t just about consumer protections and avoiding scams; it’s about making conscious choices…
Read MoreOctober is known for pumpkin spice lattes, changing leaves and sweater weather. It’s also Financial Planning Month — a perfect opportunity to take a holistic look at your money matters. So, before you start carving pumpkins this month, carve out time in your schedule to review your finances. Here’s a checklist to help you get…
Read MoreYou wouldn’t prepare your holiday meals without your favorite recipes, so start this season with a savings plan. Think of it as your very own recipe for financial success. It may seem early to be talking about the holidays, but as a mother and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, the best tip I can offer…
Read MoreIf you’re like me, I had thoughts of chilling my favorite beverage in preparation for the first day of school when my girls were younger. 😉 I was also thinking about all the money I’d have to spend getting my kiddos ready. Back-to-school shopping is so much more than buying pencils, notebooks and rulers. It’s…
Read MoreI love PCS season! After 10 moves in the last 19 years, I still thrive on turning my type-A, task-driven mind into a weapon of mass organization. Last spring, my dear husband came with orders for a cross-country move. Due to the logistics of having to coordinate multiple travel plans over five weeks, we chose…
Read MoreFor me, the goal of a vacation is to fully unplug and recharge. So when my husband and I experienced travel issues during our recent vacation, it was stressful and led to unexpected expenses, which led to even more stress! The irony is that we spent a year planning and saving up for this big…
Read MoreThere’s nothing like spring! I love the renewal of the season, warmer weather, blooming flowers and (yes) getting to spring clean. Why do I love spring cleaning? When completed, I feel I’ve accomplished something and that makes me feel good. It reduces my stress and gives me a sense of control over my life —…
Read MoreIt’s often a difficult decision to end a marriage. Or sometimes it may come as a surprise. Either way, it’s the end of a chapter, which can be a challenging transition. As with many challenges, it also offers the opportunity to persevere and prevail. Several years ago, I was facing a divorce. I had two…
Read MoreThe holidays are a great time for celebration and connection. With some good, advanced planning, I’ve found I can prepare for major purchases, spread the seasonal cheer and avoid a dreaded holiday debt hangover – all at the same time! Last year, the average consumer spent an estimated $1,000 on holiday-related shopping, according to the…
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the country and world is having a dramatic impact on how we live our lives and function within our communities. Many of us are affected by school and work closures and possibly even stay-at-home orders. Military families may also face additional uncertainty with the Stop Movement order impacting future assignments and…
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