What is net worth...worth?
To the average American, especially those in lower and middle classes, we probably don't think about our net worth much. We aren't trying...
Money Musings
A bit practical. A bit philosophical.
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Financial Gratitude
Over the last year and a half, and especially since changing to my new day job in March, I have been dwelling on an overwhelming feeling...
How I Differ from Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey is perhaps the most well known public figure as it relates to personal finance and budgeting. His method works because it is...
Setting Financial Intentions
There is no one right way to set financial goals and intentions. Here is one possible method: Dream: get yourself some wine or a hot...
Budget tip: consistency is key
If I could write and publish blog posts for JD Financial in my head, there would be multiple coming out every week. Lucky for you, it...
The mechanics of investing
Ah, the ever-present influx of good financial advice, such as "You should buy into some good mutual or index funds!" You smile and nod,...
How to keep track of multiple savings goals
One of my friends, Johanna, recently suggested that I write about how to manage saving when you have many goals toward which you are...
Guest Blog: A COVID Adapted Budget
Disclosing our family's budget numbers last week seems to have been very useful to a lot of folks, which I am thrilled about. I am very...
My family's personal budget numbers
One big question mark for me over the years when I have been doing our own personal budget has been whether what we spend is "normal"...
Unexpected Expenses
I previously wrote about the necessity of flexibility when budgeting regularly. There is no way to predict everything that is going to...
Budget tip: be realistic
It is really important when you are setting your monthly budget to think through what you know you will actually spend. It is not helpful...
What to do with your stimulus check
Please enjoy this highly sophisticated and technologically advanced presentation, ha! SUMMARY: 1. Meet your basic needs 2. Save for short...
A compassionate approach to economic status
"Money won't make you happy; focus on what is most important in life." I get the intention behind this phrase, truly. However, I would...
Thrift store haul!
Drew and the girls were out of town last week, and though most of the time was spent working (tis the season for accountants...) and...
Why accountants try NOT to get refunds on their own tax returns
It's tax season, and one aspect of tax preparation that directly impacts my budgeting work with my clients is how much of a refund they...
Budget tip: there is no short cut
When we first started budgeting together, it was a struggle. There were fights. Drew wanted to curl up in the fetal position every time....
5 Ideas for giving meaningfully...and cheaply:
Giving to others is one of the greatest parts of the human experience. However, around Christmas in particular, it can be really...
Part 3: Should I rent or buy?
This is part 3 of a 3 part series on the cash impact of buying vs renting. In this portion we focus on considerations for renting. I...
Part 2: Should I rent or buy?
This is part 2 of a 3 part series on the cash impact of buying vs renting. In Part 1 we explored some of the factors that influence cash...
Part 1: Should I rent or buy?
This is part 1 of a 3 part series on the cash impact of buying vs renting. Barring unusually wild escapades from small children, part 2...