The recent signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) has just made having kids less expensive! No, not really, having kids is very expensive. However, the OBBB did do a couple of things to blunt the financial impact of adding that bundle of joy to your family. While most know that OBBB made permanent… Continue reading It’s a Good Time to Have a Kid!
Article Categories: Articles
The Ripple Effect: How a Weak Dollar Shapes the U.S. Economy
Recently, the value of the dollar compared to other currencies has become a political football, resulting in more confusion for consumers. Politics aside, does a weak dollar matter? A weak U.S. dollar can have far-reaching implications across the economy, influencing everything from trade balances to consumer purchasing power. When the dollar depreciates, American exports become… Continue reading The Ripple Effect: How a Weak Dollar Shapes the U.S. Economy
One Big Beautiful Bill Signed into Law
If you’re working hard to keep up with bills, kids, and the cost of living, there’s some good news that could put real money back in your pocket. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act—signed into law on July 4, 2025—makes several tax provisions permanent and increases the standard deduction for millions of Americans.… Continue reading One Big Beautiful Bill Signed into Law
How to Intentionally Pay Down Debt
You may be in a spot where managing debt is a critical part of your financial journey. Whether it’s student loans, credit cards, or personal loans, creating a plan for repayment is essential to long-term financial health. But how do you do this effectively? The first step in effective debt repayment is gaining a clear… Continue reading How to Intentionally Pay Down Debt
When Your Raise Disappears
You got the raise. Or the promotion. The one you swore would finally move the needle on your goals. Six months later? Your paycheck’s bigger, but your progress isn’t. That disconnect is called lifestyle creep. It’s not failure—it’s just natural. We adapt quickly, and more income quietly turns into more takeout, more subscriptions, and more… Continue reading When Your Raise Disappears
Another Reason to Budget
We all know the advice: “Budgeting is key.” But most of us ignore it—it feels restrictive, time‑consuming, and easy to push aside. Yet today, it’s not just about holding back on splurges; it’s about guarding against a new form of stealth theft: subscription creep. Unlike a one‑time robbery, these charges recur month after month—quietly draining… Continue reading Another Reason to Budget
Solo Leveling: building credit from zero
Why does credit matter? Maybe you never plan to swipe a credit card a single time in your life. You might assume that you don’t have to worry about your credit score, but the impact of your creditworthiness goes far deeper than your ability to attain a large credit card limit. In a sense, your… Continue reading Solo Leveling: building credit from zero
Retiring To a State with No Income Tax?
Writing this on a warm spring day in Wisconsin, it is easy to forget the frigid winter and icy roads that plague our state half of the year. Northerners planning their retirement often look wistfully at the warm southern climes. They may want the sun, palm trees, and beautiful beaches of a state like Florida,… Continue reading Retiring To a State with No Income Tax?
Helping Teens Find the Perfect Summer Job
Summer is the perfect time for teens to gain valuable work experience, but it’s important to look beyond just the pay rate when considering job opportunities. Here are some key factors to keep in mind: Encouraging teens to consider these factors can help them make informed decisions that benefit their long-term goals. Here are just… Continue reading Helping Teens Find the Perfect Summer Job
Meal Planning with ChatGPT Can Save You Time, Money, and Food Waste
Using AI to help with meal planning isn’t just convenient—it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, stick to a budget, or reduce food waste, ChatGPT can help streamline your weekly menu and make the most of what you already have on hand. Here’s how. 1. Smart Planning That Starts in Your Kitchen One… Continue reading Meal Planning with ChatGPT Can Save You Time, Money, and Food Waste
