Better Financial Counseling Network
Better Finances. Better Living.
Better Financial Counseling Network
Better Finances. Better Living.
Many taxpayers like to get a big tax refund. It feels good to get that big bank deposit. But is that really a good idea? In my opinion not if you can avoid it. Sometimes a big refund is unavoidable. For some, in particular relatively low income taxpayers or large family taxpayers who qualify for …
Most of us sit on our money questions for a long while. However, if now is the time for you or your family to pay off debt, build wealth through savings and investing, plan for a major purchase, or navigate through a myriad of other financial choices and situations, then we can help you on …
Your emergency fund protects you financially, just a your seat belt protects you physically. You may rarely need it, but when you need it you’ll be glad you were prepared. It is a Necessity. You wear a seatbelt because you recognize the danger you’re in without one. It’s not a fashion accessory, but it is …
We don’t use Better in our name because we think we are Better, although we do think we are Better. We want you to have Better Living through Better Finances and we can help you do that. We can help with your immediate money challenges, create a plan to achieve your goals, and build a …
For most taxpayers you will receive your economic impact payment based on either your 2018 or 2019 tax returns. However, if the IRS does not have your information because you haven’t filed or if you aren’t required to file, you can give them your information at this site: IRS economic impact payments And soon you’ll …
We know our physical health is important and we understand that the numbers that reflect our temperature, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight provide insight into our physical health. Want a simple way to understand your financial health? Then check out financial ratios. They give you a quick look at your financial health. Better than just …
You know the view you get when flying in an airplane? Traveling high above the day to day, you can see much farther and gain a new perspective. You see connections-roads, buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes come together—forming patterns not seen from the ground. That’s an Annual Budget vs. a Monthly Budget. Monthly budgets are important. …
Have you taken a look at how much you spend on food lately? Many people who create a budget and look at how much they’re spending each month are surprised by their food bill. In financial counseling, it’s often the first area that someone tags as wanting to reduce. The Tale of Two carrots is …
Who doesn’t like a challenge? Perhaps more than any other time of the year, the first quarter of each New Year seems to abound with challenges—challenges to be stronger, healthier, or just, well, better. Some are starting 2019 with a Dry January; some may be undertaking Veganuary; some may be doing both. As for me, …
We all know that life happens and with “life happening” sometimes comes small emergencies that we can prepare for in advance. I recently experienced a short-term inconvenience (that’s what I’ll call it) 😊 when the heavy rains in my area caused some of the older trees to topple over. When one really large tree fell …