We’ve all been told to save money. But for what? For that proverbial rainy day? (It always rains where I live, by the way. Seattle.) Can we ever touch our savings? When? I find that many people have a hard time saving because they are not sure what they are saving for, and then they … Continue reading Creating Gloriously Boring Savings (and a Money Ninja trick to pull it off) →

As a money coach, I am sometimes asked about credit scores, and people are often surprised by my attitude. I feel that people worry about them too much. Credit scores (Your FICO score) tell potential creditors how good you are at borrowing money and paying it back. That’s it. So it is a bit of … Continue reading You are not your credit score (But here’s how to get your number and maybe raise it) →

Whether you need to spend less when you go out shopping or you want to be a more conscious spender, it helps to have a few tricks under your belt. Stores spend billions on the science of getting you to part with your money. They understand how your brain works and then use this against … Continue reading Understand your brain: 6 tricks to help you avoid overspending →

A couple of Saturdays ago, I finally sat down with my magic crystal ball. I was ready to create my personal 2012 spending and income plan. I was a bit nervous this year about what I would see in the ball. I really need to convert my house to gas, or at least replace my … Continue reading Look into your 2012 Crystal Ball →

It’s a new year. I know you may be struggling with a Post-Holiday Spending Hangover. But you get to start fresh. Really! So let’s start off the year with a simple, but helpful idea. It’s called Do No Harm Spending. But first, let me throw out a deep thought: You are the most important person … Continue reading Practice “Do No Harm” spending →

Here’s a question– Did you wake up last January with a spending hangover? You know what I mean- come January, when all the gifts are opened and the parties are over, the Visa, MasterCard, Macy’s and Nordstrom’s bills begin to arrive. Credit card use is up 7% this holiday season. And sadly, it takes the … Continue reading 8 Step Plan to avoiding the post-holiday spending hangover →

If this is the year to make more money, raising your fees could be a vital ingredient. Many people have kept their fees flat for the last few years, due to concerns about the economy. But with the impact of inflation, you can’t keep your fees the same forever. Generally speaking, you should raise your … Continue reading Why women find raising their fees difficult →

If 2012 is the year to make more money, raising your fees could be a vital ingredient. Many people have kept their fees flat for the last few years, due to concerns about the economy. But with the impact of inflation, you can’t keep your fees the same forever! So please consider joining me for … Continue reading How to Set and Raise Your Fees with Confidence—Dec 2nd seminar in Seattle →

Now-a-days we shop in person, by phone or on-line, and we enjoy spending our money on things we like. There is nothing wrong with enjoying shopping! I tell my clients this all the time, and they always seem surprised that a money coach would say such a thing. Furthermore, I want my clients to enjoy … Continue reading 7 Signs your shopping may be problematic and 3 keys to healing →

On Friday a reporter called me asking for an immediate interview on my thoughts on the new debit card fees. A camera crew was in my office within an hour. Thankfully, I happened to be wearing a good suit that day for a different purpose! Here is the accompanying news story article. Oh my goodness … Continue reading Debit Card Fee Anger— here is the real danger to you →