Simple habits that actually move the needle. Let’s be honest. Setting financial goals can still feel overwhelming.Life is busy. Prices keep shifting. Insurance, groceries, and utilities all seem to creep up every year. It can feel like you’re running just to stay in place. But here’s the good news.Building better money habits does not haveContinueContinue reading “2026 Money Guide”
Tag Archives: budgeting
Getting Started with Monarch Money: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Monarch Money is one of the best tools to get your finances organized, but it only works if you know how to use it. In this beginner’s guide, I’ll walk you through linking your accounts, creating simple categories, setting your first budget and goals, and building a weekly check-in routine. With a few small steps, you’ll turn Monarch into a system that actually supports your real-life money goals.
Stuck Setting Up Monarch Money? Here’s How to Fix the 5 Most Common Problems
Monarch Money is one of the best budgeting apps out there — clean design, strong automation, and customizable goals. But getting it set up just right? That can be frustrating. 😩 As a former product manager at Personal Capital and now a full-time financial coach, I’ve helped hundreds of people personalize their money apps toContinueContinue reading “Stuck Setting Up Monarch Money? Here’s How to Fix the 5 Most Common Problems”
I Built the Money Apps… Now I Coach on How to Use Them in Real Life.
When people first meet me, they often ask how I ended up as a financial coach. The truth is, my journey started behind the scenes. I spent years building and improving personal finance apps like Personal Capital (now called Empower). These are the tools millions of people use every day to track their spending, savings,ContinueContinue reading “I Built the Money Apps… Now I Coach on How to Use Them in Real Life.”
Help! My Partner Hates Talking About Money…
Let’s be honest—talking about money with your partner isn’t always fun. In fact, for a lot of couples, it’s one of the most uncomfortable topics on the table. You bring up a budget, and suddenly someone’s looking for the nearest exit. You mention debt, and the room gets quiet. Sound familiar? If your partner hatesContinueContinue reading “Help! My Partner Hates Talking About Money…”
How Much Should I Have Saved by 30?
Your 30s are often called the “defining decade,” and for good reason. For most people, this is when the pieces of adult life start to lock into place: careers gain traction, relationships get serious, and big decisions start to feel real. So it’s no surprise that a huge question tends to bubble up right aroundContinueContinue reading “How Much Should I Have Saved by 30?”
How a Clear Goal Can Help Keep Your Budget on Track
Let’s be honest—sticking to a budget isn’t always fun. It can feel restrictive, boring, or just plain frustrating. But there’s one simple mindset shift that can turn budgeting from a chore into a powerful, motivating habit: having a clear goal. Whether you’re saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or building up an emergency fund,ContinueContinue reading “How a Clear Goal Can Help Keep Your Budget on Track”
Know Your Number: Why Net Worth Matters More Than You Think
When it comes to personal finance, most people focus on their income. But if there’s one number that offers a more complete picture of your financial health, it’s your net worth. So, what exactly is net worth—and why should you care? 💰 What Is Net Worth? Your net worth is the difference between what youContinueContinue reading “Know Your Number: Why Net Worth Matters More Than You Think”
The Power of a Money Accountability Partner
Managing your money is a lot like working out: it’s easier to show up and stick with it when someone’s in it with you. That’s where an accountability partner comes in. At Your Money Mark, we believe that financial progress happens faster—and sticks longer—when you don’t go it alone. Whether it’s a trusted friend orContinueContinue reading “The Power of a Money Accountability Partner”
“Oops, I Did It Again”: 5 Common Money Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Let’s face it—money slip-ups happen to all of us. Whether you’re just starting out or have been managing your finances for decades, it’s easy to fall into familiar traps. The good news? Most money mistakes are totally fixable once you recognize them. Here are five of the most common financial missteps—and how to course-correct beforeContinueContinue reading ““Oops, I Did It Again”: 5 Common Money Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)”
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