Debt Free Life Hacks: Managing Money Like a Boss

There's something about January that feels like a fresh start, isn't there? A clean slate. A chance to get things right. And if you're looking to make this year better financially than the last, now is the perfect time to get your budget together. But here's the thing—getting your budget together doesn't have to mean overhauling your entire financial life in one overwhelming weekend. It's about making smart, manageable adjustments that set you up for success all year long. Let me walk you through some key areas to focus on this January. Break Down Your Annual Contributions If you contribute to an HSA or IRA, January is the perfect time to figure out your monthly strategy. First, let's look at the 2026 contribution limits set by the IRS: IRA (Traditional or Roth) : $7,500 ($8,600 if you're 50 or older with the $1,100 catch-up) HSA : $4,400 for individual coverage, $8,750 for family coverage (plus $1,000 catch-up if you're 55 or older) Here...

I remember always having an interest in money from a very young age. If I wasn't saving quarters or putting away birthday and graduation gifts, I was depositing more than half of my small (but big to a teenager) paycheck into my personal checking and savings accounts. I knew how to save. It was all I knew. But here's the thing: I didn't know what I didn't know, and I was hungry to learn more. The Search for Knowledge I recall asking knowledgeable individuals about the stock market, investing, and related topics to teach me. But not much was shared with me. I may not recall correctly, but I remember someone telling me that I'd have to learn it on my own.  I didn't like that response—not one bit.  But I've always been the type of person who never wanted to depend on others, so maybe that planted a seed. I think it sparked something in me—a real hunger to learn more about investing and to understand how money could work for me beyond just sitting in a saving...

My mom always says, "Treat yourself, don't cheat yourself." It's simple, but it carries so much wisdom. What she means is that we don't live to work. We work to live, to enjoy life, and to experience the fruits of our labor. If there's something you want or need, why deprive yourself of it? Now, before you think this is permission for reckless spending, let me be clear. My mom has always been smart with money. This isn't about throwing caution to the wind. It's about balance. It's a gentle reminder that taking care of your responsibilities and paying your bills is important, but that's not what life is all about. If you've had your eye on something and you can reasonably afford it, get it. If you have a taste for a particular meal and you usually cook at home, who says you can't dine out from time to time? I absolutely love this mindset, and I want to take it a step further. The Match-Your-Treat Strategy What if treating yourself do...

You know what's funny? I've been carrying around these credit cards in my wallet for years, swiping them without much thought, assuming I was doing fine. Sure, I knew about rewards programs—cash back here, miles there—but I wasn't really paying attention . And then one day, I started doing the math. And let me tell you, I'd been leaving money on the table. The Wake-Up Call There's a wealth of advice available on opening new credit cards solely to chase sign-up bonuses and maximize rewards. That's not what I'm talking about here. I'm not recommending you go on a credit card application spree. What I  encourage is taking a closer look at the cards you already own and  using them strategically. That's precisely what I started doing, and it's been eye-opening. The 3% Moment I was being smart by taking advantage of my American Express offers here and there. But when I really started comparing what each of my cards offered, I realized I was missi...

The New Car Loan Interest Deduction: What You Need to Know Before You Buy The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 introduced several new tax provisions, and today I'd like to talk about the new car loan interest deduction. While a potential tax break is definitely something to get excited about, please pump the brakes before diving in ( or driving off... get it? 😊 ). It's crucial to understand all the details before purchasing a car just to claim this deduction, only to discover later that you don't actually qualify. That would be a costly mistake! So is it worth your time? What exactly is it? What are the requirements? Is it even the right time for a new car? Let's break it all down. What is the Car Loan Interest Deduction? Beginning in 2025 through 2028, taxpayers who purchase a qualified vehicle for personal use meeting certain criteria may deduct interest paid on their car loan. This is an above-the-line deduction, which means you can claim it even if you take the s...

What are you retiring to? Think about this early, just as you may think about what you're retiring from. I recently listened to a podcast featuring a woman who had retired early and was feeling unsure about retirement after only six months. "I really don't know how I'm feeling about retirement anymore. I was a little excited to get here, but now I'm kind of sad being here.  I'm sad that I had a great connection with my clients and my work community, so the sadness is like I don't see these people anymore. I'm not making these connections." It's not like she had nothing going on—she had her girlfriends, enjoyed brunches and outings with them. However, she still felt a sense of sadness about losing her work connections. She had done some of the things we think are the "right" things to do—she had a pension lined up, although she was still waiting for her first check and seemed to be struggling financially in the meantime. But what reall...