Financial Counseling Associates, Inc.

18/06/2024

Check out my latest blog:

It is hard enough to determine how much to save for retirement when you are an employee, but what do you do when you are both the employer and the employee? There are so many parts to this question: How much should you save? What type of plan should you set up? What are the tax advantages? When shou

07/05/2024

Check out my latest blog: Is comparison the thief of joy?
“The most important part, though, is remembering that we each have a unique vocation. God does not necessarily call my neighbor to use her finances in the same way He calls me to use mine. Discernment is essential if we enter into these comparisons. With prudence and self-awareness, I believe they can be helpful and good.”

It all comes down to where your heart lies and what you are seeking. Are you seeking money itself, or are you seeking money to accomplish God’s calling in your life?

25/04/2024

Check out my latest blog:

Often, I meet with people who received an unexpected influx of money. Not knowing what to do with it, they spent it all or put it in a savings account with a small interest return. Other uses for this money include paying down debt, starting to invest, saving for retirement or college, donating it ....

12/03/2024

Check out my latest blog. A bit more of a reflection piece than my typical financial advice this time because it is the season of Lent. How is your lent going? (less than 3 weeks until Easter)

When life is this busy, it is easy for me to lose my presence in my current situation and immediately move into planning for the next one. Rather than watching my son play basketball, I am meal-planning. Rather than playing with my kids on the playground, I am scheduling meetings.

19/02/2024

Check out my latest blog:

"While this topic is not always particularly uplifting, it is important. We will all have to encounter the death of loved ones. Knowing what might be involved can make it a bit easier. Remember, though, that the most important thing is to pray for the soul of the deceased and those closest to them."

Read more today - Planning for Death: 3 Financial Considerations.

Everyone’s finances are different, everyone’s family is different, and everyone’s needs are different. This article simply dives into some ways to be prepared and some ideas to discuss with loved ones so everyone is on the same page. With that caveat in mind, here are three financial considera...

01/01/2024

Happy New Year!!!

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas to all!!!

19/12/2023

Do you need accountability? This is a great article about why having friends in your life who hold you to your goals is so important!
Side note: did you know I help organize both a virtual and in person mastermind group that is all about having people hold one another accountable? We have a vision board event coming up in January! Do you want more details? Reach out!!

“Some beliefs that are objectively false can be practically useful.” —Nick Maggiulli, “ Why Luck Isn’t Real ” Most of us probably have that friend that complains constantly about their job. Their financial situation. Their relationship. When you first met them, you probably sympathized. ...

12/12/2023

Are you a visual person? Check out this great article about how to map your finances visually! It is so helpful to know what is all coming in and what is all going out!

If your financial situation is complicated to the point that it becomes hard to keep up with (like how mine was), it’s worthwhile to take the time to streamline the way your money flows through your financial system. I give you: The “money mapping” exercise.

07/12/2023

Looking for year end financial considerations? Check out a new blog I wrote: https://catholicwomeninbusiness.com/articles/2023/12/5/6-year-end-financial-considerations
Catholic Women in Business

The end of the year is quickly approaching. Along with it are looming year-end deadlines. While some financial deadlines are based on when you file your taxes (e.g., IRA contributions), some are calendar year deadlines (e.g., tax-free gifting and required minimum distributions), and some are persona

06/12/2023

Are you charitably inclined?
Check out my latest article on how to support charities and maybe save a bit of money in taxes. Reach out with questions!
*as always consult your own CPA, tax preparer, or financial planner prior to using any of the strategies or ideas in the article.

As the year comes to a close, giving is on the minds of many. While we may be busy getting gifts for those we love, many are also focused on giving to those less fortunate and/or finalizing charitable contributions for t...

28/11/2023

Are you a reader? Check out these great financial books! Which have you read? Which is your favorite? I'm going to throw in one more: "12 Lessons from Dad on Money" by Brinton Johns (https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Dad-Money-Brinton-Johns-ebook/dp/B01MCUK7NR) - it's simple and easy to read and understand (maybe a great Christmas present?)
https://planswell.com/blog/best-financial-literacy-books/

12 easy-to-understand lessons that teach the building blocks of finance and impart a conceptual foundation for better understanding how money works. I wrote these lessons to my four kids in an attempt to impart concepts it's taken me years to learn. This is also a book for young adults and parent...