E
Ellen Walters
Oct 27, 20253 min read

WHY YOU NEED A POWER OF ATTORNEY BEFORE DEPLOYMENT

When preparing for deployment, you’re trained to be physically ready, mentally prepared, and equipped with everything you need to accomplish the mission. But, it's important to prepare financially, as well. This means establishing a Power of Attorney (POA). A POA is one of the most important steps y...
0 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 27, 20253 min read

SHOULD YOU HIRE A TAX PROFESSIONAL THIS COMING TAX SEASON?

As tax season approaches once again, many individuals and small business owners find themselves asking themselves a crucial question: Should I hire a tax professional, or can I manage my taxes myself? While some tax situations are straightforward, others can be quite complex. Here are several reason...
0 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 23, 20253 min read

HOW TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS IN A BAD ECONOMY

In our society, the holiday season is often depicted as a time to fully immerse ourselves in the spirit of giving, even if it means accumulating some debt. However, in times of economic uncertainty and rising prices, this can quickly transform into a source of considerable financial stress. Between ...
9 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 20, 20253 min read

AI & MONEY: HOW TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING PERSONAL FINANCE

The way we manage money is changing. Artificial intelligence (AI) has gone from a futuristic concept to a tool millions of people use every day. Whether it's automated budgeting, smarter investing, or fraud detection, AI is reshaping personal finance. But with new technology comes big questions: How...
5 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 20, 20253 min read

PCS MOVES: FINANCIAL PLANNING TIPS TO AVOID SURPRISES

Military life is full of transitions, but few are as stressful or as expensive as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. Whether it’s your first move or your tenth, PCS orders can bring financial uncertainty. Between travel costs, temporary lodging, replacing lost or damaged items, and adjusting ...
6 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 20, 20253 min read

AVOIDING HIGH-INTEREST MILITARY PAYDAY LOANS & PREDATORY LENDING

Serving in the military brings unique financial challenges, such as deployments, relocations, and unpredictable expenses. Unfortunately, predatory lenders know this and they often target military members, and their families, with high-interest payday loans, auto title loans, and other forms of preda...
8 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 14, 20252 min read

HOW TO OVERCOME EMOTIONAL SPENDING

We’ve all been there: a stressful day at work, a fight with a loved one, or a moment of boredom that somehow ends with an online shopping cart full of “feel better” purchases. Emotional spending is a common and understandable habit, but over time, it can quietly sabotage your financial goals. The go...
10 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 14, 20253 min read

UNDERSTANDING BENEFICIARIES & WHY THEY MATTER

When it comes to planning your financial future, few details are as important, and often overlooked, as naming your beneficiaries. Whether for your life insurance policy, retirement accounts, or investment portfolio, your beneficiary designations determine who will receive your assets when you pass ...
12 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 14, 20252 min read

WILLS VS. TRUSTS: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your assets and loved ones. Two of the most common tools used in estate planning are wills and trusts. Understanding the differences between them can help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your financial and...
12 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 8, 20255 min read

HOW SCRA CAN PROTECT SERVICE MEMBERS (& THEIR FAMILIES)  DURING A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

During the ongoing government shutdown, active-duty service members are facing pay freezes (as of 10/07/25). The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which usually provides financial protections for active-duty personnel during regular pay periods, can also serve as a legal safeguard during gover...
19 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 5, 20252 min read

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCES DURING A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

If you’re facing a missed paycheck or worried about how long a government shutdown might last, you’re not alone. Thousands of households are impacted every time this happens, and the uncertainty can be overwhelming. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to protect your finance...
21 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 3, 20253 min read

WHAT TO DO AFTER A JOB LOSS: A FINANCIAL GUIDE

Losing a job can feel overwhelming. Along with the emotional stress, there are often immediate financial concerns: How will you cover your bills? How long can your savings last? What should you do first? The good news is that with a clear plan and the right guidance, you can navigate this transition...
25 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 3, 20253 min read

THE IMPACT OF LATE PAYMENTS & HOW TO RECOVER

Late payments can feel like a small setback, but over time, they can turn into bigger financial challenges. Whether it’s a missed credit card bill, car loan, or utility payment, understanding the consequences of late payments and how to recover from them is essential for building a stronger financia...
18 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Oct 3, 20253 min read

COMMON INVESTING MISTAKES BEGINNERS MAKE

When people first start investing, the excitement of growing wealth can sometimes overshadow the importance of strategy and discipline. While everyone makes mistakes along the way, avoiding some of the most common pitfalls can make a big difference in long-term results. Here are a few of the investi...
18 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Sep 29, 20252 min read

PREPARING FINANCIALLY FOR A BABY

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but it also brings new financial responsibilities. From medical costs to childcare and long-term planning, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your growing family secure and stress-free. 1. Review Your Current Budget Sta...
21 Views
← Newer Posts