E
Ellen Walters
Dec 1, 20253 min read

USING THE GI BILL WISELY: MAXIMIZING YOUR EDUCATION BENEFITS

The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans. It provides funding for education and training that can set the stage for long-term financial and professional success. However, to truly make the most of this benefit, it’s important to approach it strategically. Without carefu...
59 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Dec 1, 20253 min read

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE: A FINANCIAL GUIDE

Paying for college can feel daunting. Between rising tuition costs, confusing financial aid, and decisions about savings and loans, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? With a clear plan and the right guidance, you can set your family up for success, and avoid unnecessary debt. This guide w...
52 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Dec 1, 20255 min read

TRANSITIONING FROM ONE HOUSEHOLD BUDGET TO TWO: A FINANCIAL GUIDE FOR COUPLES SEPARATING

When a couple shifts from one shared budget to two independent households, the financial transition can feel overwhelming. Daily expenses change, responsibilities shift, and long-term plans may need to be reimagined. Careful planning can make this new chapter more manageable for both adults, and esp...
58 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 26, 20253 min read

TRACKING SIDE-HUSTLE INCOME

In today’s gig economy, many people supplement their primary income with side hustles. Whether it’s freelance writing, ride-sharing, Etsy sales, or consulting, earning extra money can be exciting, but it can also complicate your finances. Properly tracking side-hustle income is essential for budgeti...
74 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 26, 20254 min read

PLANNING FOR MARRIAGE: A FINANCIAL GUIDE FOR COUPLES

Marriage is the start of a long-term partnership built on trust, communication, and shared values. While couples spend months preparing for the wedding day, many overlook an equally important piece of the journey: planning financially for the marriage itself. Unfortunately, money is one of the leadi...
71 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 26, 20253 min read

30-Year vs. 50-Year Mortgages: What Families Need to Know (A Hypothetical Dive)

There's been talk in the news about the possibility of 50-year mortgages making their way into the U.S. housing market. While nothing is finalized, the idea has been circulating, which raises a lot of questions for families who are trying to buy a home or build a long-term financial plan. This post ...
77 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 21, 20256 min read

HOW DEPLOYMENT AFFECTS YOUR TAXES

Whether you’re a service member, a military spouse, or a civilian contractor supporting forces overseas, deployment can change which income is taxable, which deadlines apply, and which deductions or credits you can claim. Here are tax rules that are most likely to affect deployed service members. 1)...
91 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 21, 20254 min read

TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Running your own small business requires smart tax planning. There are several deductions for small businesses in 2025, but rules change, so staying up-to-date is critical. What Does “Deductible” Mean in 2025? A deductible business expense lowers your taxable income if it is ordinary (common in your...
76 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 21, 20254 min read

COMMON TAX DEDUCTIONS PEOPLE MISS

Tax season can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Many people leave money on the table every year simply because they aren’t aware of all the deductions and credits available to them. Even small oversights can mean missing out on hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Here are a few of the m...
87 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 10, 20253 min read

THE 50/30/20 RULE: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

When it comes to budgeting, the 50/30/20 rule is one of the most popular and easy-to-follow methods. It offers a simple framework for managing your money and can be a great starting point for anyone looking to get control over their finances. But as with any financial strategy, it’s not one-size-fit...
74 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 10, 20253 min read

HIGH-YIELD SAVINGS VS. MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS: FIND THE BEST HOME FOR YOUR EMERGENCY SAVINGS FUND

Building an emergency fund is one of the smartest and most empowering financial decisions you can make. Once you’ve set aside those funds, the next step is deciding where to keep them. Two of the most common options are high-yield savings accounts and money market accounts. Both are safe, interest-b...
87 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 10, 20252 min read

EMERGENCY FUNDS: HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU *REALLY* SAVE?

When life throws you a curveball: a job loss, medical bill, or major car repair; an emergency fund can be the difference between a small setback and a financial crisis. But how much should you really have tucked away? Let's discuss! The Classic Rule of Thumb Financial experts often recommend saving ...
76 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 3, 20253 min read

HOW FINANCIAL STRESS AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH (AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT)

Money touches nearly every aspect of our lives: from where we live to what we eat, to how much sleep we get at night. It’s no surprise, then, that financial stress is one of the leading causes of anxiety and health problems for Americans. In fact, a 2023 survey from the American Psychological Associ...
88 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 3, 20253 min read

WHY HIRING A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR WHEN YOU ARE FINANCIALLY STRUGGLING MAKES SENSE

When money feels tight, the last thing most people think about is spending more of it, especially on something like financial counseling. It’s easy to assume that financial professionals are only for the wealthy or for people managing large investments. But in reality, hiring a financial counselor w...
82 Views
E
Ellen Walters
Nov 3, 20253 min read

HOW TO PRIORITIZE YOUR BILLS WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT

The bills keep coming, but your income just doesn’t stretch far enough... we've all been there. It can feel overwhelming trying to decide which payments to make first and which can wait. But, with a clear plan and a calm mindset, you can take control of your situation and start moving toward financi...
78 Views