Many young adults struggle with managing their money. Not because they’re careless, but because no one ever showed them how money is supposed to work. We teach kids to put toys in bins, books on shelves, and clothes in drawers. Everything has a place. But when it comes to money, we often just hand it over without structure then get upset when our adult children make bad financial decisions and end up back home at age 30. This is where…
When it’s time to sit down at the dinner table for a family discussion, the topics are usually the same: school, sports, schedules, “are we having chicken again tomorrow?” Yet one thing that rarely comes up is money, how it works, how to manage it, and how to build a financially healthy life. It’s not because parents don’t care. Many are financially illiterate themselves or simply uncomfortable having the conversation. So they think, “My kids will figure it out later,…
A common question I get: “I’ve got $500… maybe $1,000. How do I get started?” That’s a great question. A lot of people think you need at least five figures to start investing, or to see real gains. That’s not the case. $1,000 isn’t retirement money, but it is seed money. A launchpad that can grow into something significant if you approach it with the right mindset, strategy, and discipline. So let’s walk through exactly how I’d deploy that first…
When I think about the best financial gifts I can give my kids, it’s not toys, clothes, or even a college savings plan. It’s ownership. That’s why I believe a custodial account is one of the smartest ways to set them up for success. It’s simple, powerful, and most importantly it teaches them about money and investing at an early age so it becomes part of their foundation. What is a Custodial Account? A custodial account is an investment account…
A cousin of mine purchased a compact SUV, a couple of years ago. She didn’t have great credit, but she saw this as her chance to rebuild. If she made on-time payments, she could raise her score, gain stability, re-finance later and finally get ahead. However, the dealer was a shark, and my cousin? She was tonight’s dinner. They sold her a $35,000 car at an astronomical 22% interest rate, rolled in a few thousand dollars of debt from her…
Think five is to young to learn about investing? Think Again No, we’re not breaking down EBITDA or reading 10-Ks at bedtime but we are laying the foundation for lifelong financial literacy. Here’s how I’m introducing the stock market to my daughter in ways that are fun, age-appropriate, and actually sticking. Step 1: Start with what they know It all starts with connecting investing to their world. Kids don’t care about ticker symbols but they do love Disney, McDonald’s, and…
Note: I originally wrote this the weekend of my 40th birthday and Mother’s Day, reflecting on family, finances, and legacy. Life got in the way—but the message still hits. Glad to finally hit publish. I celebrated 40 years on planet Earth back home in NYC last Sunday on Mother’s Day. That weekend was full of reflection as I walked through my old neighborhood and enjoyed the cool breeze blowing off the water from the upper deck of the Staten Island…
I hope your 2025 is off to a fantastic and healthy start! At the beginning of each year, I like to drop a few nuggets that can help make the new year more prosperous than the last. Looking back on 2024, the Best Money Moves article I shared still applies as prioritizing your health, getting out of debt, and shifting from saving to investing are timeless strategies that will positively impact your finances. In 2025 it’s time to embrace new…
As parents, we want to give our kids every opportunity to succeed, including setting them up for a strong financial future. Investing for your kids at a young age is one of the smartest ways to achieve this. Whether it’s saving for college, teaching them about money, or building a long-term financial safety net, getting started early can accelerate their path to financial success. Why Start Investing for Your Kids Early? When it comes to building wealth, time is your…
Take Care of Your Health: Health is Wealth We often hear “health is wealth,” but let’s unpack that. While money is a powerful tool it can’t buy health or happiness. Prioritizing our health is crucial, not just for longevity but for the quality of life it brings. It’s about adding life to your years not just years to your life, enabling us to enjoy the fruits of our financial success. Money as a Tool, Not the End Goal Money itself…