Dave Ramsey’s Baby Step 2. Here’s a number worth sitting with. Total consumer debt in the United States hit a record $18.8 trillion at the end of 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. (source: The Motley Fool) That works out to an average debt of $105,056 per household — and thatContinue reading “The Debt Snowball — Why the “Wrong” Math Is Actually Right”
Category Archives: budgeting
Why $1,000 Could Be the Most Important Money You Ever Save
Dave Ramsey’s Baby Step 1. Most people don’t think of $1,000 as life-changing money. In a world of car payments, mortgages, and student loans, it barely registers. But for millions of Americans living without any financial cushion, $1,000 sitting in a savings account is the difference between a manageable setback and a full-blown financial crisis.Continue reading “Why $1,000 Could Be the Most Important Money You Ever Save”
Sinking Funds: The Budgeting Tool That Eliminates Financial Panic
Picture this. Your best friend announces she’s getting married. You’re thrilled — until the reality sets in. Bridesmaid dress. Bridal shower gift. Bachelorette trip. Wedding gift. Hair and makeup. Suddenly you’re looking at $800–$1,500 in expenses spread across six months, and none of it fits neatly into this month’s budget. This is exactly the scenarioContinue reading “Sinking Funds: The Budgeting Tool That Eliminates Financial Panic”
You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Use Data Like a Big Brand
Here’s a stat that should stop you mid-scroll: PPC advertising returns $2 for every $1 spent — a 200% ROI — and the paid ad channels with the highest reported ROI are Facebook Ads and Google Ads. But those numbers only happen when you’re actually reading the data those platforms give you. Most small businessContinue reading “You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Use Data Like a Big Brand”
Will vs. Trust: Which Do You Actually Need?
By Amber Otting | Otting Financial Coaching | Ramsey Preferred Coach You’ve spent years working hard, paying down debt, and building a life worth protecting. But here’s a sobering statistic: only 45% of Americans have any estate planning documents at all. That means most families have nothing in place to protect what they’ve built —Continue reading “Will vs. Trust: Which Do You Actually Need?”
Budgeting 101: The One Money Skill That Changes Everything
Most people think a budget means restriction. It doesn’t. A budget is simply a plan for your money — and without a plan, your money goes somewhere, just not where you intended. Dave Ramsey says it plainly: a budget gives you control you never knew you had. That’s not a sales pitch. That’s what happensContinue reading “Budgeting 101: The One Money Skill That Changes Everything”
Live Long and Prosper: Why Your Retirement Plan Needs More Spock
Inspired by financial adviser Robert Szigeti’s recent Kiplinger piece Full disclaimer below, shortened disclaimer here: This post provides general educational information only and is not intended as financial, investment, or tax advice. Consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. For personalized financial planning or investment advice, please contact Blueprint Investments and Tax Planning. Be honest — when retirement planning feels overwhelming, do you react more like Scotty (“I canna hold her together much longer, Captain!”) or Spock (“Fascinating. Here is the logical sequence of events.”)? Most of us are Scottys. WeContinue reading “Live Long and Prosper: Why Your Retirement Plan Needs More Spock”