How to Teach Your Children that Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness
My son is seven years old and thinks it is super cool to pretend to “make it rain” with his hands and imitate stacks of money flying in the air. My first reaction is to cringe and wish he didn’t think it was cool. Sometimes I hear him say things like, “If I had a […]
What’s the point of Money?
One of my favorite financial planners recently wrote in the New York Times, “The point of money is to help make and keep you happy and fulfill the hopes and dreams that align with your own (often irrational and emotional) values.” To me, this statement is the very essence of financial planning. Personal financial planning […]
Top Five Money Lessons for Kids
In general, talking about money makes people tense. So, how can you talk to our children openly and effectively about money? Money is its own language, and as parents you have the opportunity to create a plan to educate your kids and make money skills a priority. To help you, here is a list of […]
Financial Minimalism
Money can be complicated. It can cause stress, tensions in relationships, and disappointments. However, money can also help provide opportunity, a sense of security and happiness. It seems nearly impossible to focus on what matters most with all the distractions of modern day life. Short-term gratification has become the panacea to feeling over-worked and under-appreciated. […]
Setting Your Sweat Budget
How much should you spend on health and fitness? The answer to this question depends on you, your financial resources and how important spending in this category is for your happiness. For me, doing healthy activities is a priority and this goes a long way helping me achieve balance and happiness in my life. As […]
Living the Dream in the Bay Area- Is it worth it?
The Bay Area is a beautiful place to live. Mountains, beaches, great weather, robust economy, wine country, great food, active inhabitants, etc. However, making a life here is no small feat. To break even in this area you have to gross $250,000 as a family. To make this much money most families need to have […]
YEAR OF THE MONKEY 2016- ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
Do not waste your time planning out every detail of your life this year! The influence of the Monkey puts everything into flux. The Monkey is witty, intelligent, fast-moving and interested in new discoveries. This is a sharp contrast to the peace, tranquility and harmony of the Year of the Sheep to which we say […]
Smart Frugality
With the holidays approaching and spending about to ramp up, at least for most people, there are ways for you to reign in holiday expenses and save some big money. With Craigslist, eBay, Nextdoor, and innumerable online consignment sites, you do not have to sacrifice quality to save money. I do not like to spend […]
Credit Cards: Friend or Foe
With today’s perks, credit cards can help you earn free flights, hotel stays, gift cards and give you actual cash back. The average cardholder has 3.7 cards in their wallet and carries a balance of over $4,800. Racking up credit card debt can be like putting on holiday pounds; it is quick and can be […]
Take A Paid Vacation
For most homeowner’s in the Bay Area, your home is your largest asset. The great thing about owning a home from a financial perspective is that it is an appreciating asset (goes up in value over time) from which you get utility (you get to live in it!), and you get a tax benefit from […]