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Ellen Walters
Sep 29, 20252 min read

HOW TO BUDGET AS A FREELANCER

Freelancing offers freedom and flexibility, but it also brings unpredictable income and expenses. Without a steady paycheck, creating and sticking to a budget is essential. Here’s how you can keep your finances stable while enjoying the benefits of self-employment: 1. Track Your Income and Expenses ...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 29, 20252 min read

HOW TO READ A CREDIT REPORT

Your credit report is one of the most important financial documents you’ll ever review. Lenders, landlords, and even some employers use it to gauge your financial responsibility. Understanding how to read your report can help you spot errors, catch identity theft early, and improve your credit stand...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 23, 20253 min read

HOW FREQUENT MOVES AFFECT YOUR MONEY MINDSET

For military members, frequent relocations are part of the job. While these moves bring new opportunities and experiences, they can also have a significant impact on your financial mindset. Understanding how these transitions affect your money habits is the first step toward maintaining financial st...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 23, 20252 min read

ARE BUY NOW, PAY LATER SERVICES WORTH IT?

In recent years, “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) options have popped up everywhere, from clothing websites to electronics stores. Companies like Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna make it easy to split a purchase into smaller payments, often with no interest. But are these services really a smart financial mo...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 23, 20252 min read

UNDERSTANDING MILITARY PAY & ALLOWANCES

For service members and their families, understanding how military pay and allowances work is essential for budgeting, saving, and reaching long-term goals. Breakdown of Military Pay and Allowances: Basic Pay: Your basic pay is based on your rank and time-in-service. Annual adjustments, set by Congr...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 19, 20252 min read

INVESTING IN CRYPTOCURRENCY

From Bitcoin’s rise to new cryptocurrencies launching daily, digital currencies have captured the imagination of both seasoned investors and first-timers. But excitement shouldn’t replace strategy. Here’s a balanced look to help you decide whether crypto belongs in a well-planned investment portfoli...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 19, 20253 min read

HANDLING DUAL HOUSEHOLD COSTS DURING DEPLOYMENT SEPARATION

Military deployments bring unique financial challenges, especially when a family maintains two households at once. Whether you’re the service member or the partner staying home, careful planning can help keep your finances steady while you’re apart. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 1. Create One...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 19, 20253 min read

HOW THE SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT (SCRA) PROTECTS YOU FINANCIALLY

Serving in the military often means juggling the demands of duty with everyday responsibilities, like managing bills, loans, and leases. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) was created to ease that burden. Whether you’re on active duty, deployed overseas, or preparing for deployment, the SCRA...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 19, 20252 min read

THE POWER OF COMPOUND INTEREST

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “make your money work for you,” compound interest is exactly what they’re talking about. It's the main component behind long-term wealth building. The good news? You don’t need a math degree to understand it. What Is Compound Interest? Think of compound interest as in...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 5, 20252 min read

NEEDS VS WANTS: HOW TO MANAGE BOTH

Managing your finances effectively isn’t just about earning money, it’s about making conscious choices about how you spend it. One of the fundamental concepts in personal finance is distinguishing between needs and wants. Understanding the difference can help you make smarter financial decisions, re...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 5, 20253 min read

WHY CELEBRATING SMALL FINANCIAL VICTORIES MATTERS

When it comes to personal finance, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture; paying off large debts, saving for retirement, or buying a home. While these long-term goals are important, focusing solely on them can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why celebrating small financial victories is c...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 5, 20253 min read

TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR GIG WORKERS

The gig economy has opened up opportunities for people to work on their own terms. Whether it’s pursuing a passion, picking up extra income, or simply enjoying a more flexible schedule. From ride-share drivers to freelance designers, gig workers enjoy independence, but that freedom comes with some i...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 1, 20253 min read

FREE TOOLS FOR TRACKING FINANCIAL PROGRESS

At Walters Financial Wellness, we believe that achieving your financial goals starts with awareness and consistency. Tracking your income, expenses, savings, and debt doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, several free tools can help you stay on top of your financial progress and make...
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Ellen Walters
Sep 1, 20252 min read

TOP FINANCE BOOKS EVERYONE SHOULD READ

When it comes to improving your financial knowledge, the right book can make all the difference. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to improve your investment strategies, financial books can provide invaluable insights. 1. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham This ...
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Ellen Walters
Aug 25, 20253 min read

MAXIMIZING YOUR BAH: A SMART HOUSING STRATEGY FOR SERVICE MEMBERS

For active duty service members, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is one of the most valuable benefits you receive. However, how you use it can make a significant difference in your financial stability, both during your service and after. At Walters Financial Wellness, we help military members...
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