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Ellen Walters
Jan 14, 20264 min read

HOW TO FIX CASH FLOW PROBLEMS WITHOUT MAKING MORE MONEY

Cash flow problems can feel overwhelming, especially when your income already feels stretched thin. But here’s the good news, you don’t always need to earn more to gain control of your finances. In many cases, improving how money flows in and out of your life can make a bigger impact than a raise. I...
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Ellen Walters
Jan 14, 20263 min read

WHY CASH FLOW MATTERS MORE THAN INCOME FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Many small business owners feel successful when their income looks strong on paper. Sales are coming in, invoices are going out, and revenue reports look promising. But, despite healthy income, too many businesses still struggle to pay bills, make payroll, or handle unexpected expenses. The reason? ...
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Ellen Walters
Jan 8, 20264 min read

7 APPS TO HELP MANAGE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS IN 2026

Running a small business in 2026 requires more than passion and a great product. Small businesses need smart financial management, efficient operations, and real-time insights. Fortunately, today’s business apps make it easier than ever to stay organized, profitable, and compliant, without needing a...
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Ellen Walters
Jan 6, 20263 min read

ROTH VS. TRADITIONAL TSP: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT OPTION

One of the most common questions service members ask about the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is: Should I contribute to Roth TSP or Traditional TSP? The right choice depends on your income, tax bracket, career stage, and long-term goals. Choosing the wrong option, or never revisiting your decision, can ...
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Ellen Walters
Jan 6, 20264 min read

HOW I WOULD MAXIMIZE MY TSP AT EVERY STAGE OF MY MILITARY CAREER   (4, 8, 12, 16, AND 20+ YEARS)

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is one of the strongest retirement benefits available to service members, but only if it’s used strategically. The way you should approach TSP contributions at four years of service looks very different from how you should approach them at twenty. If I were building my ...
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Ellen Walters
Dec 29, 20254 min read

MANAGING FINANCES WHEN STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS

Starting a small business is exciting, but managing your finances correctly from day one can make the difference between long-term success and ongoing stress. Many new business owners focus on sales and branding while overlooking foundational financial systems that protect cash flow, reduce tax surp...
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Ellen Walters
Dec 29, 20254 min read

FILING YOUR TAXES WHILE DEPLOYED: A 2026 MILITARY TAX GUIDE FOR SERVICE MEMBERS AND FAMILIES

Filing your taxes while deployed can be stressful, especially when you’re dealing with limited internet access, time zone differences, and the demands of military service. Fortunately, the IRS provides special tax rules, exclusions, and automatic extensions for deployed service members, particularly...
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Ellen Walters
Dec 29, 20254 min read

SAVINGS ACCOUNTS VS. MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS VS. CDS: WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS?

When you are trying to grow your savings safely, choosing the right type of account matters. Savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs) are all common options, but they serve different purposes depending on your timeline, access needs, and financial goals. Understandi...
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Ellen Walters
Dec 15, 20253 min read

HOW TO DEAL WITH FINANCIAL STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season is a joyful time, but it can also bring significant financial stress. From buying gifts to hosting parties and traveling, expenses can quickly pile up, leaving many people feeling overwhelmed. If you’re wondering how to handle financial stress during the holidays, you’re not alone...
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Ellen Walters
Dec 15, 20254 min read

HOW ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY FAMILIES CAN PLAN FOR A SINKING FUND IN THE NEW YEAR

For active-duty military families, financial planning looks different than it does in the civilian world. PCS moves, deployments, TDYs, and changes in allowances can create irregular expenses that don’t fit neatly into a monthly budget. One of the most effective tools for managing these predictable ...
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Ellen Walters
Dec 15, 20254 min read

HOW TO PLAN FOR A SINKING FUND IN THE NEW YEAR

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset your finances and plan ahead for predictable expenses. One of the most effective, and often overlooked, tools in a healthy financial plan is a sinking fund. When used correctly, sinking funds reduce financial stress, prevent debt, and help you sta...
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Ellen Walters
Dec 5, 20259 min read

UNDERSTANDING MILITARY DISABILITY BENEFITS AND THEIR FINANCIAL IMPACT

Military disability benefits provide critical financial support to veterans, but navigating the various programs, tax implications, and state-specific rules can be complex. Understanding VA disability compensation, CRDP, CRSC, and how these benefits interact with federal and state programs is essent...
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Ellen Walters
Dec 3, 20253 min read

BUDGETING APPS TO TRY IN 2026

Managing your money is one of the most important things you will do in the coming year. So, let's make it easier with a budgeting app. As digital tools continue to evolve, budgeting apps in 2026 offer smarter automation, stronger security, and more personalized insights than ever before. Whether you...
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Ellen Walters
Dec 3, 20253 min read

DO YOU NEED A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need a financial counselor?” you’re not alone. Money is one of the biggest stressors for individuals and families, yet many people hesitate to seek financial counseling. Some believe it’s only for people in serious debt, while others think they should be able to figure...
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Ellen Walters
Dec 2, 20254 min read

HOW LONG WILL $500K, $1M, OR $2M LAST IN RETIREMENT?

Planning for retirement isn’t just about how much you save, it’s about how long your money will last. Whether you retire with $500,000, $1 million, or $2 million, the lifespan of your savings depends on spending, investment returns, Social Security timing, healthcare costs, and the economy. This up-...
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