MILSPOUSE BLOG
October 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…
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You 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…
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If 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…
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I 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…
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For 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…
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There’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 —…
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It’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…
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The 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…
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The 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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Post-Deployment Reunion: Reuniting your family following a deployment is an exciting time. You are busy catching up with family and friends, going out and getting back into the swing of things. Odds are, you have noticed many changes, and one is likely your finances. Notably, your spouse’s pay has probably gone down and your family’s…
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