Moving Closer—or Further—from Financial Freedom?

Businessman in a suit standing triumphantly on a mountain peak with arms raised, symbolizing achievement and financial freedom under a bright sky.

A few years back, a friend texted me a photo of his brand-new sports car. It was red. Shiny. Gorgeous. A month later, he was complaining he couldn’t afford to max out his retirement account anymore. Another friend—same income, same job title—drove a sensible sedan, invested every bonus check, and recently told me she’s contemplating…

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How to Identify Your Biggest Financial Threat

Illustration of a man holding a magnifying glass, inspecting a bush hiding gold coins, symbolizing discovering hidden financial threats or risks.

A friend of mine used to say, “I’d rather face a lion than look at my finances.” I used to laugh—until I realized a lot of people feel the same. Lions roar and bare their teeth. Financial threats…they’re quiet. Subtle. They hide in spreadsheets, interest rates, and decisions you meant to make “next month.” And…

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Could You Pay Less Tax Under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill?

Illustration showing Lady Justice, professionals shaking hands, and legal symbols representing law, justice, and tax policy discussions.

Well, here we are. Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” is now the law of the land. I have to admit—just a couple years ago, I’d have bet this was more political rally talk than a real piece of legislation. But Congress actually passed it, and it’s… big. And kind of beautiful, depending on who you…

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Are Your Habits Helping or Hurting Your Financial Freedom?

Wooden piggy bank labeled “Money Habits” next to stacks of hundred-dollar bills and wooden dollar signs on a wooden table surface, symbolizing financial habits and savings.

Years ago, a friend of mine bought a fancy new espresso machine for $1,200. She called it an “investment.” She used it twice. Meanwhile, another friend socked away $20 a week into a Roth IRA and, last I checked, had almost five figures saved—just from coffee money alone. Same income levels. Totally different financial outcomes.…

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Saving Money When Your Insurance Premiums Go Up

Close-up of Benjamin Franklin on a US $100 bill with financial charts and blue upward arrows representing rising costs and economic trends.

I remember opening my renewal notice once and blinking twice, thinking my eyes were playing tricks. My car insurance premium had jumped almost 20%. No new claims. No new tickets. Just… up. Sound familiar? If your insurance costs are rising, you’re not alone. It’s happening everywhere—from auto and homeowners insurance to health coverage. Let’s unpack…

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Top 5 Summer Tax Tips for Consultants and Coaches

Consultant reviewing tax documents and laptop outdoors in summer sunlight

Summer might not scream “tax planning,” but that doesn’t mean it’s a time to go quiet on your finances. If you’re a consultant or coach, this season offers a clean break from tax season chaos and a chance to get ahead of your 2025 tax bill. Think of it as a mid-year checkup before anything…

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10 Smart Summer Tax Moves to Shrink Your 2025 Bill Before It’s Too Late

A person in a blue shirt looking closely at tiny banknotes while holding an open, mostly empty wallet

Summer isn’t just for cookouts and vacations. It’s actually the perfect window—calm enough, early enough—to make smart tax moves before the year starts slipping away. You don’t have to overhaul your finances or spend hours in spreadsheets. But if you wait until the fall (or worse, winter), the choices shrink fast. This is about small,…

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What You Should Be Doing Right Now: Tax and Retirement Planning Mid-Year

A person working on tax and retirement planning documents at a beach café table in summer

We’re halfway through the year. That weird middle ground—too late to say “I’ll deal with it later,” but not so late that you’ve run out of options. If you’ve ignored your taxes or haven’t touched your retirement plan since January, now’s your window. Mid-year is when your numbers are real, not just guesses. And with…

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Summer Money Goals for High-Net-Worth Professionals: What to Prioritize Now

High-net-worth professional reviewing financial goals outdoors during summer

Summer’s a strange season for high-net-worth professionals. On one hand, things tend to slow down—colleagues and clients are on vacation, and the inbox gets a little quieter. But it’s also when smart financial minds get to work. While others are mentally at the beach, you can take advantage of the mid-year lull to tighten up…

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