Articles for Your Journey
What Are Micromoves and How Can They Help Your Finances?
Learn how micromoves (small, actionable financial steps) can help you save more, reduce debt, and build better money habits. Discover practical examples and tips to take control of your finances one small step at a time.
Why Shopping Small Matters Even More This Holiday Season
Support small businesses this holiday season and make a difference. Discover why shopping local, handmade, and from entrepreneurs in your community helps dreams thrive and strengthens the spaces you love
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood.
How to Incorporate Financial Mindfulness Into Daily Life
Learn how to incorporate financial mindfulness into your daily routine with practical tips that help you make intentional money decisions. Discover strategies like conscious spending, mindful budgeting, emotional intelligence in financial choices, and aligning your savings and investments with your values. This guide will show you how to practice gratitude, manage debt mindfully, and stay focused on your long-term financial goals. By applying these simple techniques, you can reduce stress, avoid impulse purchases, and build a solid foundation for lasting financial well-being. Start today and transform your financial habits with mindful decision-making.
What’s the Difference Between a Financial Coach, a Financial Advisor, and a Financial Planner?
Learn the differences between financial coaches, financial advisors, and financial planners. Financial coaching focuses on building healthy money habits, improving financial literacy, and achieving short-term goals, ideal for individuals seeking budgeting help, debt reduction, and better financial habits. Financial advising helps individuals grow wealth through investment management and strategic financial decisions, suitable for those interested in investing and maximizing returns. Financial planning provides a comprehensive roadmap for long-term financial goals, integrating taxes, investments, and estate planning. The post outlines key services, credentials to look for, and tips for choosing the right professional, such as an AFC® for financial coaching, CFP® for financial planning, and fiduciary advisors for unbiased investment advice.
Understanding Needs & Wants
Understanding the difference between needs and wants is crucial for smart budgeting and financial success. In this post, we break down the essentials of what constitutes a need versus a want, providing real-world examples and practical strategies for reducing unnecessary purchases. Learn how to create a shopping list, apply the 24-hour rule, set spending limits, and track your purchases to avoid impulse buys. By recognizing the distinction, you can align your spending with your long-term goals and take control of your financial future.
What We Learned About Applying and Paying for College
Discover essential insights and practical tips for parents guiding their high school seniors through the college application process. This blog post covers everything from early campus visits and the importance of academic performance to the relevance of college rankings and the value of finding the right fit for your child. Learn how to prioritize your child’s needs, ignore external pressures, and foster a supportive environment for their success. Whether considering prestigious universities or lesser-known colleges, this guide emphasizes the importance of balance and mental well-being throughout the journey.
Creating a Travel Budget: How Much Can I Spend on Vacations and Travel?
Creating a travel budget can help you enjoy vacations without financial stress. This guide outlines how much to spend on travel, how to set goals, estimate real costs, and prioritize spending for transportation, accommodations, food, and activities. Learn how to use budgeting tools like spreadsheets or apps, plan for unexpected expenses, and monitor your spending during your trip. By reviewing your budget after your trip, you can improve your planning for future vacations and ensure you stay on track financially.
Navigating Black Friday Deals: A Guide to Financially Smart Holiday and Christmas Shopping
Navigate the holiday shopping frenzy with our guide to financially smart shopping. Learn how to find deals, set a budget, avoid sneaky marketing tactics, and use cash-back sites to maximize savings. Discover tips for efficient online shopping, setting price alerts, and purchasing gift cards. Read expert advice from Journey Financial Wellness, your financial coach and Accredited Financial Counselor.
Why You Should Never Use Credit Repair Companies
Credit repair companies might seem like a quick fix for your credit woes, but understanding their limitations is key. They charge hefty monthly fees with no guarantees of success, and use methods that don’t bring lasting results.
To improve your credit, prioritize paying your bills on time to avoid collections. Tackle each item on your credit report. Be patient and persistent in your credit journey. You can also seek professional guidance from an Accredited Financial Counselor for a custom plan to improve your credit.
Can I Get My Student Loans Forgiven? Learning About Student Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Programs
Everyone wants to know: can I get my student loans forgiven? Discover the key to financial freedom with our comprehensive guide to student loan forgiveness and repayment programs. Learn about opportunities like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment Plans, and specialized programs for teachers, nurses, and military members. Take control of your student loan debt and embark on a journey towards a brighter financial future. Check eligibility, explore resources, and find actionable solutions tailored to your needs.
101 Side Hustle Ideas to Earn Extra Money & Pay Bills
Are you on a quest to find creative and lucrative ways to boost your income? Whether you're striving to pay off debt, finance a new car, build an emergency fund, save for a home, or simply enhance your quality of life, this comprehensive blog post has you covered. We all have unique motivations for seeking side hustles, from financial goals to lifestyle improvements. Discover a diverse array of side hustle ideas, ranging from no-education-required opportunities to those requiring professional skills.
Before delving into the list, we emphasize the importance of steering clear of predatory Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. Learn why MLMs are not viable businesses and explore legitimate side hustles that can truly elevate your financial situation. To get started, tap into your talents, hobbies, and interests, evaluate your resources, and consider startup costs. Whether you want to sell fashion items online, offer housecleaning services, become a pet sitter, or explore countless other avenues, this post will guide you toward your perfect side gig. Ready to take the plunge? Dive into these side hustle ideas, learn how to start, and discover additional resources to supercharge your earning potential.
How to Stop Saying “We Can’t Afford That”
Discover how to shift your money mindset and empower your financial future. Learn why saying "we can't afford that" can be limiting and explore proactive strategies to make smarter financial decisions. Engage in healthier conversations about money, and find out how to teach your kids valuable lessons in financial priorities and savings.
Tips To Help You Fix Your Retirement Savings Strategy and Start Saving Again
Are you looking to fix your retirement savings strategy and start saving again? In this blog post, we explore practical strategies to help you regain control of your financial future, build a strong retirement nest egg, and pave the way for a fulfilling retirement. Learn how to perform a "Financial Reset," adopt mindful spending habits, and invest time in improving your financial literacy. Discover simple tactics like automating savings, embracing micro-saving, and taking on the 30-day no-spend challenge to recharge your retirement savings strategy. Contact us for financial coaching and start your journey towards a happier financial future today!
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Something
Explore ten essential questions to ask before making a purchase, empowering you to make financially responsible decisions aligned with your long-term objectives. Learn how to differentiate needs from wants, prioritize financial goals, and cultivate a more fulfilling and secure financial future.
Mastering Financial Mindfulness: How Conscious Money Management Leads to Long-Term Success
Discover the power of financial mindfulness and how it can transform your money management approach. Learn practical tips for conscious spending, budgeting, and investing to achieve lasting financial success and reduce stress. Cultivate a healthy relationship with money and gain control over your financial future.
10 Easy Ideas to Save Money Today
Discover 10 practical and simple ways to cut expenses and save money while embracing the journey towards financial wellness. From meal planning and cooking at home to canceling unused subscriptions and negotiating bills, these tips will help you take control of your finances and enjoy the process.
How to Stop Compulsive Shopping for Good
Want to stop shopping? Discover how to overcome compulsive shopping and cultivate financial mindfulness - for good. Learn practical steps, budgeting techniques, and mindset shifts to regain control of your spending habits and improve your relationship with money, breaking free from excessive shopping habits and mastering financial mindfulness.
5 Money-Saving Tips for Books, Audiobooks, and Kindle Ebooks
Planning a summer vacation? Discover money-saving tips for books, audiobooks, and Kindle ebooks. Learn how to get free books, utilizing your local library, leveraging browser plug-ins for online borrowing, canceling unnecessary subscriptions, exploring community book exchanges, and finding affordable used copies. Dive into captivating stories without breaking the bank!
Financial Benefits of Leading a Minimalist Lifestyle
Discover the undeniable perks of embracing minimalism and how it positively impacts your finances, spending habits, savings, mental health, and time efficiency. Learn how to apply minimalism to your finances, prioritize meaningful experiences, and find joy in simplicity. Explore the benefits of financial minimalism and take the first steps towards a more fulfilling and balanced life.