Should You Fund Your Kid’s College or Your Retirement First? The Order of Operations Parents Need
Parents are often told they must choose between two important goals: saving for retirement or paying for a child’s college education. The better answer is usually not an either-or decision. It is a matter of sequence. For most families, retirement should come first. That does not mean you cannot help your child attend college. It […]
Inherited a House? Use This 90-Day Keep, Sell, Rent, or Share Decision Framework
If you’ve inherited a house, it can feel like receiving a valuable gift, but it can also create immediate financial pressure. Mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, repairs, family disagreements, and legal paperwork don’t pause while you decide what to do with the property. The first 90 days should not be about rushing into a sale. […]
How to Raise Financially Confident Kids Without Raising Entitled Ones
When parents are financially successful, an unexpected challenge can emerge: How do you give your children opportunities without making them feel entitled to them? Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®, recently joined host Matt Daugherty, Senior Financial Advisor/Partner, CFP®, CRPC™ for Balanced Wealth Group, on The Executive Financial Planning Podcast to answer that. In the episode, […]
The Back-to-School Parent Trap: Why 46% of Parents Go Into Debt for School Supplies
Knowledge Snapshot The Core Issue: Back-to-school shopping frequently leads to severe household debt as parents struggle to cover supplies, clothing, and technology. Key Survey Data: According to the Beyond Finance 2026 Back-to-School Survey, 70 percent of parents consider back-to-school shopping the most financially stressful time of the year, even surpassing the winter holidays. The Social […]
College Costs Are Up 10% : How Families Are Really Paying for School
Knowledge Snapshot: how families pay for college Families spent an average of $34,019 on college during the 2025-26 academic year. That amount was approximately 10% higher than the previous year. 49% came from family income and savings. 27% came from scholarships and grants. 22% came from parent and student borrowing. 2% came from gifts or […]
Debt Consolidation Loans for Parents: What You Need to Know
Discover the crucial information about debt consolidation loans for parents. Learn how they work and what you need to consider before applying. Make an informed decision.
The Pros and Cons of Paying Off Someone Else’s Debt
Paying off someone else’s debt may feel like the ultimate act of love or support. Whether it’s a struggling adult child, a partner in crisis, or a friend trying to get back on their feet, the instinct to help can be powerful. But before you reach for your checkbook, it’s crucial to understand both the […]
How to Build Wealth While Raising a Family
How to Build Wealth While Raising a Family: If you have kids like I do, you know firsthand how expensive it can be to raise a family. Between diapers, daycare, school supplies, and never-ending grocery bills, those costs add up fast. And the more children you have, the more pressure you feel on your monthly […]