Financial Wellness

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau defines financial wellness as, “having financial security and financial freedom of choice, in the present and in the future.”

Financial wellness means that you: 1) have control over your day-to-day, month-to-month finances, 2) have the capacity to absorb a financial shock, 3) are on track to meet financial goals, and 4) have the financial freedom to make choices that allow you to enjoy life.

Financial wellness results in: confidence, contentment, a sense of security, control, and purpose, and even happiness. And, there are numerous ways to improve financial wellness.

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How the Wealthy Spend Money Differently from Everyone Else

How are the spending habits of the wealthy different from yours? Get insights into wealth accumulation and financial success.

April 25, 2024
financial secrets

14 Alarming Secrets About Americans’ Personal Finances

All is not as it seems when it comes to the average American’s financial health. A wealthy facade often obscures real financial secrets and struggles.

April 25, 2024
consumption smoothing

What is Consumption Smoothing? And, Why Is It Important if You Want Long Term Financial Stability?

While most people do short term consumption smoothing, you really need it for your future financial security.

April 18, 2024
Rising Above the Money Fog with Mikelann Valterra

Podcast: Rising Above the Money Fog with Mikelann Valterra

Hear from coach Mikelann Valterra about the “money fog,” making better decisions, female-specific financial challenges, money personality types, and more.

April 10, 2024
financial spring cleaning

Financial Spring Cleaning: 10 Ways to Spruce Up Your Finances

Take a look at 10 things to do now for a financial “spring cleaning.” Ensure your financial plan is on track for the new season. 

April 4, 2024
financial jargon

Making Sense of Financial Jargon: 15 Key Financial Terms to Know to Plan a Successful Future

Here are a few commonly misunderstood financial terms across investments, taxes, insurance, retirement, and estate planning.

April 2, 2024
financial problems

Financial Problems and Stress: Understand if You Have a “Leaky Ceiling” or a “Muddy Puddle” and Make Better Decisions

Explore how can you make better decisions by categorizing your financial problems as either a muddy puddle or a leaky ceiling.

March 28, 2024
daniel kahneman

The Behavioral Finance Revolution: How Daniel Kahneman Redefined Personal Financial Decision-Making

Daniel Kahneman made profound contributions to behavioral finance and likely to how you manage your money.

March 28, 2024
stoic wisdom financial plan

Stoic Wisdom: 6 Key Insights to Make You Happier Today and Wealthier in the Future

There is surprising buzz around Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy. See how Stoic wisdom can help you achieve financial wellness.

March 21, 2024
money dysmorphia

Money Dysmorphia: How to Trade Uncertainty with Financial Confidence

The numbers of people experiencing money dysmorphia are rising. Find out about this condition and what to do about it.

March 14, 2024
Podcast Cody Garret

Podcast: A Conversation with Cody Garrett About Financial Education

Noted financial planner Cody Garret discusses his passion for empowering people to get educated and build comprehensive financial plans.

February 22, 2024

Understanding How Concepts of Time Impact Your Financial Plans

Explore how different philosophical and cultural definitions of time can provide insights into your financial decision-making process.

February 19, 2024
personal finance rules

32 Mostly Unbreakable Rules of Personal Finance

Managing money can seem complicated. Personal finance Rules make navigating your choices simpler.

February 18, 2024
lucky with money

Luck Is More Important Than Talent and Hard Work For Financial Success: Explore 10 Ways To Get Luckier

The research is clear, luck is more important to success than hard work and intelligence. Find out why and explore 10 ways to get luckier.

January 31, 2024
Brian Portnoy Podcast

Podcast:  Financial Well-Being: A Holistic Approach with Brian Portnoy from Shaping Wealth

Steve talks with Brian Portnoy, founder of Shaping Wealth. They discuss how holistic well-being fits within the context of financial planning.

January 25, 2024
financial jargon

Making Sense of Financial Jargon: 15 Key Financial Terms to Know to Plan a Successful Future

Here are a few commonly misunderstood financial terms across investments, taxes, insurance, retirement, and estate planning.

January 18, 2024
financial goals and resolutions

Financial Goals and Resolutions: Prepare for a Great 2024 and Beyond

Set financial goals and resolutions for 2024. Here are 28 things to consider to set yourself up for a secure and happy future.

January 4, 2024
best retirement articles

Best Financial and Retirement Articles from 2023

Top retirement articles covered averages, happiness, fears, regrets, and more related to achieving a secure future.

December 26, 2023
financial worry

How Worry Tricks You into Worrying More and How to Feel Good About Your Financial Future

Worrying is not the solution to financial stress. Find out about the one powerful thing you can do to feel better about your future.

December 20, 2023
financial gift

Holiday Gift Guide: Great Financial Wellness and Investment Gifts for Everyone in the Family (Even the Kids)

This gift guide is focused on helping you give long term financial success and happiness to everyone on your list, young and old.

December 6, 2023
Plan your dreams

Plan Your Dreams: 11 Guidelines for Building a Financial Plan for the Life You Want

The most important part of your financial plan isn’t your rate of return. It is planning your dreams – whatever is important to you.

November 30, 2023
emotionally intelligent investor

Are You an “Emotionally Intelligent” Investor?

Successful investing is not all about numbers and analysis. Emotions can help and hurt your financial security. Learn how!

November 30, 2023
financial success

A Recipe for Financial Success: It’s as Easy as Pumpkin Pie

Do you have all the ingredients and the right recipe for financial success? It needn’t be complicated. In fact, it can be as easy as pie.

November 16, 2023
best financial planning tools

The 5 Best Financial Planning Tools Online: Go Beyond Budgeting

Whether you are interested in budgeting, monitoring your finances, or making better financial decisions, find a financial planning tool that fits your goals.

November 12, 2023

NewRetirement Planner

Take financial wellness into your own hands and do it yourself retirement planning: easy, comprehensive, reliable.