The most valuable email you’ll read for yourself and your kids in a few MOMENTS per week.
Before we dive in, I’ve been posting YouTube Shorts daily on creating habits and financial literacy. Please check them out!
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MONEY TIP
Automation is the most powerful tool in finance. Automated savings and investing are great, but you can even automate debt reduction by creating automated payments over the minimum on your debt when doing the debt snowball or debt avalanche. We even have our tithe and giving automatically sent as electronic checks through our bank.
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OPPORTUNITY
You’ve likely heard about EveryDollar, but I have to mention it just in case. It’s my favorite budgeting tool ever! I honestly think it’s better than the fully automated budgeting apps since it forces you to see each purchase you make as you drag it into its category. Finances are about behavior, not just knowing information, so it’s important to use tools that help with your behavior. I did a video tutorial if you want help. Now, you get all kinds of additional resources, like video teaching and audiobooks, with your subscription.
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MINIMALISM TIP
If you want to be happier and have more time, it’s key to control your social media usage. That doesn’t mean you have to get rid of it, just control it. Here are 5 ways you can control it from the easiest ways to the most extreme.
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ESSENTIAL READING
Since I recommended Dave Ramsey’s budgeting app above, and since you’ve likely heard of The Total Money Makeover already, it only makes sense to recommend the book by Dave and his daughter, Rachel, about raising money-smart kids. It’s called Smart Money Smart Kids.
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NOTION
Insurance! Teach your kids to insure what they can’t afford to replace. You children may still be under your heath insurance, but once they leave home, they’ll have to worry about several different types of insurance. They need to know about health, car, and rental insurance. Later on, they may need home, life, and disability insurance. Children often look for the cheapest option for insurance without considering the coverage. Quality is important, but insurance premiums shouldn’t bankrupt your child. There’s a balance.
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TRAVEL TIP
When traveling, people often put their exercise routine on hold. This is a mistake for a few reasons. First, you’ll likely be indulging more than normal so you’re more likely to gain weight and retain water, but it’s also a mistake for energy levels. If you want to feel great while traveling, keep the exercise going. Whether that means running/hiking or simple morning walks, it will lead to more energy for exploring wherever you are.
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SCRIPTURE
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Closing Question
What’s one thing you know you’ve needed to let go of for a while now, but haven’t? Is today the day to drop it?
