Empowered Planning Blog

Or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite tips on how to save money in January after coming off a high spending season in November and December. We’ll cover the different ways to reduce energy costs, such as using smart thermostats and LED bulbs. Then I’ll dive into cutting down on unwanted subscriptions and how to optimize your cell phone plans. I’m giving suggestions on negotiating bills and shopping for the best deals in January, including holiday decor, TV and home theater equipment, and furniture. I’m also telling you why I am cautioning against buying large home appliances, mattresses, and fitness equipment this month. The last tip I share revolves around everyone’s biggest stressor – grocery shopping! I hope this is helpful for you this month and beyond.

Topics:

• Reducing energy costs by using smart thermostats, LED bulbs, and unplugging electronics when not in use...

Or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Episode Summary:

Today I want to talk to you about a really hot topic: INFLATION. The high levels of inflation that we're facing have been putting a dent in everybody's wallets, so today I want to talk to you about four money moves you should be making with your money during these high inflation times. I’ll also share two tips to consider when thinking about your cash because there are ways to take advantage of this high interest rate environment that we are also in at the same time. But even before I get into these tips and start thinking about strategies for you, I want to talk to you a little bit about what exactly inflation is and why we care and what we should expect going forward. I hope this episode helps you feel more confident and hopeful.

Topics:

• What exactly inflation is, the different things that minimize or increase inflation, and how this can affect our day to day 
• The impact that the pandemic and low...

As Americans are vaccinated and stepping onto the scene, revenge spending is hopping into the front row! What exactly is revenge spending? It’s the desire or urge to overspend to make up for the loss of 2020. Personal savings rates hit an all time high last year but I’ve suddenly been dining out more and packages keep arriving at my doorstep. I want to share 5 ways to tackle revenge spending because you are not alone!

1. Set a savings goal from now until December 31^st.

Commit to a dollar amount or percentage of your income but commit! If you are intentionally saving it’ll be easier to curb your appetite for spending.

2. Separate savings from spending. 

Have separate accounts for your savings goals and even your fun spending money. I have an account for all vacations. I put money in there throughout the year so I have a bucket of fun money to pull from. As I pay for plane tickets or hotels, it comes out of this account. When the balance gets low or to zero then...

I am a huge advocate for making finances part of your overall lifestyle. It’s common for money and investing conversations to be uncomfortable and often accompanied by anxiety. In fact, in a recent survey from Capital One CreditWise, 73% of Americans rank their finances as their number 1 stressor in life!  Let’s buck this trend and start this year off from a place of financial empowerment!

So where do you start? Drumroll please…yup it’s examining your spending. I know I know. Budgeting, boo right? When most people hear the word budgeting, they think boring, restrictive and no thank you. When you know what you spend and where you are spending, you can go after what you truly want from life! What’s sexier than that?!

Going through each month blindly, you can feel out of control or at the mercy of money. Having transparency on where your money is going, you can be intentional about how you spend money and take back control.  A popular and easy...