Such a great question. First of all, we understand what it means to be busy with a family. It’s why we

offer virtual and other solutions that fit your busy lifestyle. But more to the point, the biggest asset you

have to grow money is time. Money doubles every 10 years at 7.2% compounded. It’s called the rule of

72. It’s why starting early is so powerful. Someone starting 10 years later to save will literally have half

as much money as the person who starts today. Plus, there are so many ways you can save money. It’s

all part of building a cohesive and comprehensive plan.

Absolutely. We can figure out ways to make it possible if getting you both in the room at the same time

is a logistical challenge. But even if you hate money, it’s very important that you be a part of the

conversation. Maybe not every time, but you definitely need to be a part of the conversation.

Great question. At the end of the day, an emergency fund is a pool of money you don’t spend except in

an emergency. If you just shift the money you put in savings into checking each month, you don’t have

an emergency fund. It can be as small as $100 a month, but don’t touch it. That’s the point. Only

deposit into this fund until you have the number in the account that makes the knot in your stomach go

away. The rule of thumb is 3-6 months of living expenses. Bottom line, just agree on a number and

make that your “zero,” so that the $100 you’re adding monthly eventually creates an account worth

maybe $6,000. If you’re “zero” is $5,000, then you have $1,000 to spend or invest as you wish. If you

have an expense that takes it to $4,250, the $100 a month will eventually fill it back up. Then just

discipline yourself to only tap it for actual, real-deal emergencies.

Yes!!! The reason you have credit card debt is because you DON’T have an emergency fund. Build an

emergency fund, then do what Dave Ramsey calls the “debt snowball.” Say you have $1000 a month to

commit to debt and $600 in minimum payments. Make minimum payments on all but the highest

interest card, and then pay the rest on that. Once you pay that off, keep paying $1000, but focus the

excess on the next-highest interest card, and so on, until they’re all gone. Do that AT THE SAME TIME as

building your emergency fund, and never spend your emergency fund to pay off credit

Generally, 3%. Some loan programs require 5%, and the best rates are at 20% down. But rates really

don’t get better because you put more than 20% down, so don’t do that, even if you have the money. If

it were me, I wouldn’t even put 20% down. Money is far more valuable when it is NOT locked up in your

house, so don’t lock any more up in your house than you have to, in my opinion.

Yes. Basic savings skills are a critical skill, and they are not taught in school anymore in any meaningful

way. This is a service we make available to current clients and their families.

You may have encountered a roadblock at your local bank for kids under 18 to open account alone. The

most profound opportunity for kids to save is tax-free. A non-minor is required to be on the account,

but the account can be arranged in such a way as to transfer ownership at 18, or 21, or never,

depending upon your specific need and situation. Same is true when a younger person wants to start a

company, like a lawn mowing business or something similar. Bottom line, you are never too young to

start saving!