Patchwork Financial Counseling

03/28/2026

Stop by to see me today at the Lowell Expo. Lowell High School, 9 - 2.

03/19/2026

I read this to a class of kindergarteners this week. This is a great book to begin a conversation about money with young children. It introduces the value of coins (a penny is 1 cent, a nickel is 5 cents), some basic money math, the concept of the value of money and how our emotions affect our financial decisions.

02/19/2026

Are you meeting your financial goals for this year? What obstacles have come in play? Where have you seen success?

01/27/2026

Did you know that there are several methods of budgeting? Each method has its benefits and pitfalls. Some allow flexibility in spending; others help you gain control of your spending. Some emphasize saving while others help you pay down debt. Learn about these methods and discover which matches your financial goals at the upcoming budgeting workshop.
Event Details:
• Date: February 17, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Lowell Chamber of Commerce, 113 Riverwalk Plaza, Lowell, MI 49331
• Registration: Please visit Financial Workshops in Grand Rapids, MI | Patchwork Financial Consulting to register.
• Cost: $30 per participant
For additional information and resources, please visit our website at www.patchworkfinancialcounsel.com.

01/27/2026

I recommend the book, "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. He explains how even the simplest habit change can have dramatic effects. What do you think?

💵 Financial stress is rarely just about income, it is about behavior.

More money only magnifies whatever habits you already have.

If you leak cash at the bottom, raising the top won’t fix anything. It just makes the leak bigger.

The people who learn to manage little are the ones who can grow a lot.

Control, discipline and intention create freedom long before a raise does.

Fix the habits first and then the income can actually change your life instead of funding a more expensive version of the same problems.

01/15/2026

Are you ready to achieve your financial objectives? We invite you to participate in a comprehensive two-hour workshop designed to help you define your financial goals and establish a strategic plan for success.
Event Details:
• Date: February 17, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Lowell Chamber of Commerce, 113 Riverwalk Plaza, Lowell, MI 49331
• Registration: Please visit Financial Workshops in Grand Rapids, MI | Patchwork Financial Consulting to register.
• Cost: $30 per participant
For additional information and resources, please visit our website at www.patchworkfinancialcounsel.com.
We look forward to supporting you on your journey toward financial success.

12/16/2025

Get ready to make your New Year’s resolutions and do some financial planning!
Step 1 – Decide what changes you would like to see in your financial picture in 2026.
Step 2 – Set financial goals for the year. Keep them SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound).
Step 3 – Set goals across three timeframes:
• Short term: within the next year
• Intermediate term: 1-4 years
• Long-term: more than 4 years
Step 4 – Automate financial processes where possible, such as savings transfers and automatic loan payments.
Step 5 – Find an accountability partner. This should be someone you can count on to encourage you to keep working towards your goals.
Step 6 – Review your progress quarterly. Following up is extremely important in achieving goals. If something changes your progress, reassess the goals and change accordingly. Be persistent!
Here are a few examples:
• Create a $1000 emergency fund by saving $85 per month. Due December 16, 2026.
• Pay off XYZ credit card balance of $612 by using extra money earned in my side gig, no later than December 31, 2026.
• Save my tax refund and $10 per week for 2026 holiday spending. Amount to save $1000 by September 30, 2026
• Save $20,000 for a down payment on a home by December 2029 by saving all bonuses and $400 per month.
• Improve my credit score to 720 by December 2029 by working with my financial counselor.
• Be a millionaire by the time I retire at 65. Progress will be measured each year with the year end retirement savings (401k and IRA) statements. Make sure I am on track by using the tracking tool on my 401k website.
What will your financial resolutions be? Need help setting your goals? Patchwork Financial Counseling is here to help.

Send a message to learn more

11/24/2025

Keeping Holiday Spending in Check

The holiday season is a time filled with both excitement and stress, and financial concerns can easily add to that pressure. To keep your holiday spending under control and reduce money-related stress, it’s important to create and stick to a budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage your holiday expenses effectively:

Step 1: Reflect on Last Year’s Spending

Start by reviewing how much you spent during last year’s holiday season. Ask yourself if you were comfortable with that amount and whether it’s realistic to spend the same this year. Consider if you have the same obligations as before, such as the number of people you’re buying gifts for or events you’re hosting.

Step 2: Determine Your Spending Limit
Next, decide how much you can reasonably afford to spend. Take into account all holiday-related expenses, including gifts, food, travel, and entertainment. Think about whether you’ll be traveling more than usual or hosting gatherings, as these can impact your budget.

Step 3: Plan Your Payment Method
Decide how you will pay for your holiday expenses. Ideally, you should avoid going into debt to fund your celebrations. Consider using funds you have set aside or find ways to cut costs so you can stay within your means.

Step 4: Break Down Your Budget by Category
Once you’ve determined your total spending limit, break it down into categories such as food, gifts, and travel. Within each category, get specific. For example, list the people you plan to buy gifts for and assign an amount you can spend on each person. Apply the same level of detail to other categories to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Step 5: Track Your Spending
Keep careful records of your purchases to stay on track. Consider keeping a file for receipts—either electronic or paper—to monitor your spending against your budget.

Step 6: Stick to Your Budget
Commit to following your budget throughout the season. Look for Black Friday deals, take advantage of free shipping offers, make homemade gifts, or use travel points to save money where possible.

Additional Tip: Plan Ahead for Next Year
If you find yourself relying on debt to cover holiday expenses, consider adding a holiday savings line to your regular budget. Setting aside a small amount from each paycheck throughout the year can ease financial stress when the holidays arrive.