Browse recent articles or search for a specific topic.

6 Financial Strategies For Couples Having Their First Child
Insurance, Investing, Financial Planning Cicely Jones Insurance, Investing, Financial Planning Cicely Jones

6 Financial Strategies For Couples Having Their First Child

I recently spoke with a married couple who hadn’t considered their finances or their joint goals for the many years they’d been together. They made plenty of money, received company stock, and were able to consistently maximize retirement plan contributions so they felt like that was enough. It wasn’t until they had their first kid that they realized they may need to take a second look at how they’ve been operating. Having a baby can change a lot financially. Here are six money moves to consider when having your first child.

Read More
8 Financial Moves Singles In Their 30s Should Be Making
Financial Planning, Debt Management Cicely Jones Financial Planning, Debt Management Cicely Jones

8 Financial Moves Singles In Their 30s Should Be Making

Once you hit your 30s, you and your friends may be falling into very different circles. Those include the married friends with kids, the divorcees, the workaholics, the collectors, the world travelers, the marathoners, the socialites, the hobbyists, and the people just hanging out at home with their pets. If you’re a single person in your 30s, no matter what your lifestyle looks like, there are eight financial moves you should be making.

Read More
Here Is Why Monopolies Can Harm Consumers
Economics Cicely Jones Economics Cicely Jones

Here Is Why Monopolies Can Harm Consumers

Monopolies do not have to be nefarious, but they do open the door to potentially harmful practices that ultimately harm consumers. Becoming the sole provider of a good or service can have a negative impact on consumers’ wallets, quality, innovation, accountability, and can lead to exploitation. To that end, it’s helpful to understand what monopolies are and how they work.

Read More
How To Recognize Bubbles And Stay On Track Financially When They Burst
Investing Cicely Jones Investing Cicely Jones

How To Recognize Bubbles And Stay On Track Financially When They Burst

Philosopher George Santayana purportedly said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” While this quote resonates with me in many areas of life, it reminds me most of human behavior in times of economic bubbles. This is a discussion of economic bubbles, what you can learn from their history, and how you can stay on track financially during a bubble burst.

Read More

MY BOOK

I seek to make personal financial planning less scary.

This book provides a simple guide for working through life's biggest financial questions facing couples in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s today. It starts with goals-based planning around topics including retirement planning, education planning, and major purchase planning. It then walks through some basics of investment management, options for how to invest, behavioral finance, and pitfalls to avoid. Lastly, it discusses risk management and insurance.

If you are not sure where to start, this book may provide some clarity.