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Ellen Walters
Aug 11, 20253 min read

HOW TO BUILD CREDIT WITHOUT GOING INTO DEBT

Many people think that the only way to build credit is to take on debt. But, here's the truth: you don't need to carry a balance or borrow large amounts to have a great credit score! With the right strategies, you can grow your credit history while keeping your finances safe and interest-free. Under...
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Ellen Walters
Aug 11, 20253 min read

HOW TO BUILD AN EMERGENCY FUND (EVEN ON A TIGHT BUDGET)

If life has taught us anything, it's that surprises happen. Surprises like car repairs, medical bills, and job changes, just to name a few. Without a financial cushion, those surprises can turn into stressful situations. That's where an emergency fund comes in. But, fear not, an emergency fund is no...
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Ellen Walters
Aug 8, 20254 min read

UNDERSTANDING STUDENT LOANS: REPAYMENT, FORGIVENESS, & OPTIONS

Student loans can feel like a heavy weight, especially when you're trying to build a stable financial future. Whether you are fresh out of school, back in repayment after a pause, or still trying to make sense of it all, you are not alone. At Walters Financial Wellness, I believe that knowledge is p...
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Ellen Walters
Aug 8, 20253 min read

WHAT CREDIT BUREAUS LOOK FOR IN A CREDIT SCORE

Your credit score can feel like a mysterious number that decides your financial fate, but it doesn't have to be that way. Whether you are trying to rebuild after a setback, planning to buy a home, or just want to feel more confident with your money, understanding how your credit score works is the f...
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Ellen Walters
Aug 5, 20254 min read

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PAYCHECK

Have you ever looked at your paycheck and thought, "Wait... where did all my money go?" You are not alone. For many people, paychecks feel confusing and even frustrating. Once you understand what all those deductions and taxes mean, you'll feel more in control of your money. Here is a simple breakdo...
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Ellen Walters
Aug 5, 20254 min read

HOW TO HANDLE COLLECTIONS WITHOUT PANIC

Hearing from a debt collector can feel terrifying. Maybe it was a call, a letter, or a notification that popped up out of nowhere. Whether you expected it or not, it's easy to feel panic, shame, or even freeze up completely. But here is the truth: you still have options. You still have rights. And, ...
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Ellen Walters
Aug 5, 20254 min read

10 COMMON BUDGETING MISTAKES & HOW TO AVOID THEM

Let's be honest, budgeting gets a bad rap. A lot of people think of it as restrictive, boring, or only for people who are "bad with money." But here's the truth: budgeting is simply a tool to help you tell your money where to go, instead of wondering where it went. That said, it's easy to fall into ...
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Ellen Walters
Aug 3, 20253 min read

SNOWBALL VS. AVALANCHE

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by debt, you are not alone, you are not stuck, and there is a way forward. One of the best things you can do to regain control of your finances is to choose a debt payoff strategy that fits you. Two of the most popular methods are the "Debt Snowball" and the "Debt A...
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Ellen Walters
Aug 3, 20254 min read

HEALING FINANCIAL TRAUMA

We often talk about money in numbers: budgets, credit scores, and savings goals. But the truth is, money is emotional, too. And, for many of us, it carries a heavy past. Maybe you grew up watching your parents argue over bills. You might have lost everything during a crisis. Or, maybe you've been to...
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Ellen Walters
Jul 29, 20253 min read

TURNING A SIDE HUSTLE INTO A BUSINESS

In this economy, many people have turned to side hustles to help supplement their income. Are you one of these entrepreneurs? Maybe you've even been making a little money on the side selling handmade items, offering freelance services, or tutoring after work. Maybe you are starting to do very well, ...
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Ellen Walters
Jul 29, 20254 min read

BREAKING FREE FROM SCARCITY THINKING

Have you ever felt like no matter how much money you have, it's never enough? Not enough to save? Not enough to rest? Not enough to breathe? Those thoughts are examples of scarcity thinking! Scarcity thinking keeps you stuck in stress, fear, and survival mode. But the good news is that you can learn...
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Ellen Walters
Jul 28, 20253 min read

HOW TO SET S.M.A.R.T. FINANCIAL GOALS

We all have dreams when it comes to money: less stress, more savings, financial freedom, or maybe just peace of mind. Turning these dreams into reality requires more than wishful thinking! It takes clear, intentional goals! That is where S.M.A.R.T. financial goals come in. Let's break down how to cr...
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Ellen Walters
Jul 26, 20253 min read

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Credit scores can feel like a mystery, but they don't have to. Whether you are trying to buy a home, get approved for a credit card, or trying to build a better financial future, your credit score plays a major role. Let's break down what your credit score means, how it's calculated, and what steps ...
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Ellen Walters
Jul 24, 20254 min read

WHO SHOULD USE A FAMILY TRUST

When most people hear the word "trust," they think it's something only wealthy families need. But, the truth is, a family trust can be a valuable tool for many people, not just the ultra-rich. Whether you want to protect your assets, plan for your children's future, or avoid a complicated probate pr...
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Ellen Walters
Jul 23, 20253 min read

EMERGENCY FUNDS: WHAT THEY ARE & HOW TO START ONE

If life has taught us anything, it's that unexpected things happen. Whether it's a flat tire, a medical bill, a job layoff, or a busted water heater, an unexpected expense can be financially detrimental. An emergency fund can make a huge difference in protecting yourself against hardship. What is an...
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