In today’s episode, we’re tackling the second key variable to financial success: intention. Episode #002 of Beyond Finances is all about making intentional decisions with your money and in your life. We explain what it takes to be intentional, how to think through financial choices both big and small, and how this whole process hinges…
Beyond Finances Podcast #001: How to Balance Spending Today with Saving for Tomorrow
In this first episode of the podcast, we look at what it means to enjoy your life today while still planning responsibly for tomorrow. Welcome to Beyond Finances! In this very first episode of our brand-new podcast, we want to kick off the conversation by looking at three essential elements of financial success: Balance, Intention,…
5 Ways to Take Advantage of Living in Boston (or Other Big Cities) Without Going Broke
Let’s face it: living in Boston comes at a price. While I love this city and am happy to both live here and base my business out of my downtown office (even though I can meet with clients around the country via virtual video calls), there’s no avoiding the fact that Boston is one pricey…
All the Reasons You Seem Financially Stuck (and What to Do About It)
As a financial planner, I hear all sorts of reasons about why people’s finances are the way they are; all the reasons why they’re financially stuck and not making progress. Let me know if any of these sound familiar: We have $10,000 in credit card debt because my wife lost her job. My credit score…
5 Stock Market Basics You Ought to Know Before You Invest
The number-one thing you can know about the stock market is that it’s unpredictable. Think of it like a wild bull — and I don’t mean “wildly successful bull market” where everyone is always making money. I mean literally a wild bull: a large, powerful entity that has zero interest in your personal concerns, happiness,…
Got a Cash Windfall? Take These Steps So You Don’t Screw It Up
Who doesn’t love the idea of suddenly, unexpectedly coming into a lot of cash? Although this idea of a cash windfall sounds great in theory, the reality isn’t always quite as fantastic. Receiving a lot of money — especially when you didn’t know or expect it — can also introduce a lot of financial complexity…
The 3 Factors That Set Financially Successful People Apart from Those Who Struggle
Ever wonder what it really takes to become wealthy? Assuming you don’t have a very rich relative who leaves you a lot of cash or you’re not on track to be the next Silicon Valley tech startup wunderkind, then you’re probably taking the same path most of the rest of us take: Earn a strong…
3 Ways to Use a Personal Finance System to Help You Do More with Your Money
Part of the value of building out a complete financial plan for yourself is that in doing so, you create a process for moving from where you are right now to where you want to be in the future. What actually moves you from Point A to Point B? The smart, strategic, intentional actions you…
How We Balance Frugality with the Reality of YOLO and FOMO
I have to be honest with you: I can’t help but cringe when I see so-called “financial advice” that is focused exclusively around crazy ways to go great lengths to save a few dollars here and there. But on the flipside, I also know that you need to prioritize your savings and investments if you…
How Much House Equity Are You REALLY Building?
One of the big arguments for home ownership or buying a house goes something like this: “When you rent, you’re just throwing money away because you’re not building house equity. With your own home, though, that’s exactly what happens when you pay your mortgage: you’re building equity.” At first glance, this seems like it could…