Debt & Big Picture Planning

The air is crisp, lights are twinkling, and holiday music dances through the stores. ‘Tis the season for joy, connection, and far too often, a financial headache that lingers long into the New Year. Trust me, I’ve been there. Once upon a December, my enthusiasm for gift-giving and celebrations spiraled into a January filled with anxiety over credit card statements. Sounds familiar? You're not alone. But fear not—I’ve emerged from that time of fiscal flurry with a happier bank balance and a story or two to share. If you're seeking sage counsel from someone who's walked the festive line between joyous and judicious, pull up a chair. Together, we can deck the halls without decking our finances.

Hey there, financial explorers! As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to take stock of your financial health. Think of it as your annual debt checkup—less about judgement and more about understanding where you’ve been and where you’re headed. After all, understanding your debt is like reading the map before starting a new road trip—essential for reaching your destination without unnecessary detours. So grab a cup of coffee, perhaps that calming gingerbread blend, and let's dive into this debt checkup together, shall we?

Navigating the financial waters of debt and savings can feel like trying to solve a tricky puzzle with missing pieces. If you're anything like I was, you might be staring at your bills and a modest savings account, wondering, "Should I pay off my debt first or bulk up my savings?" Let's dive into this together, exploring each option's nuances and finding a path that suits your unique real-life story.

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to simpler, less financially tumultuous times—back when student loan payments were on hold. For those months (or years) of payment relief, life might have felt a bit more liberating, like a guilt-free splurge on an extra coffee every week. But now—surprise!—those student loan bills have woken from their pandemic-induced slumber, and they're back, demanding your attention and your wallet.

As the year winds down and we find ourselves amidst the cozy chaos of Q4, there's an undeniable, almost electrifying shift in the air. Maybe it's the autumn leaves crunching underfoot or the compelling urge to spruce up and reorganize our financial life. Either way, this is the perfect time to pause, reset, and draw the annual curtain with confidence. And why not? After all, planning for 2026 starts now, and getting your financial ducks in a row is the first step.

Managing debt while trying to save money can feel like juggling with one hand tied behind your back. Trust me, I've been there—staring at a never-ending list of bills, the overwhelming feeling of wanting to save for the future but being constantly pulled back by debt payments.

Ah, the joys of adulthood. You hit snooze on your alarm at least three times, rediscovered a forgotten lunch in your work bag, and oh, there’s that stack of bills waiting to be addressed—unopened, naturally. If the anxiety of being behind on your finances has you ready to board the panic train, take a deep breath. Here’s some friendly advice: you’re not alone, and we’re here to help you navigate those financial waters without sinking.

Allow me to take you on a little financial journey of my own. Picture this: It was a blustery fall day, leaves swirling around my feet, when I first realized the importance of an emergency fund. My trusty old car, Betsy—a name I bestowed her with after countless road trips and, admittedly, a rather unsightly dent on her passenger door—decided to break down. And by "break down," I mean she made a sound akin to a tea kettle meeting its untimely demise and coughed her way into a full mechanical mutiny.

I remember the exact moment I realized I was in over my head. I had just opened a third envelope marked “FINAL NOTICE,” my fridge was filled with condiments and not much else, and I was calculating how long I could go without paying for Wi-Fi. That’s when I decided I needed help—not a loan, not another budgeting app, but actual guidance. Enter: credit counseling.