In today’s fast-paced, swipe-now-pay-later world, financial patience can feel like an outdated concept. With Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options available at nearly every checkout screen, it’s easier than ever to make impulse purchases without thinking through the long-term consequences. But what if there were a healthier, more empowering alternative?

Enter Plan Now, Buy Later (PNBL) — a simple mindset shift that could be the game-changer your financial life needs.

The Problem with BNPL

BNPL services promise convenience and affordability by breaking purchases into smaller, delayed payments. But behind the scenes, these tools often encourage spending money you don’t actually have. And while some may manage it responsibly, many find themselves juggling multiple BNPL accounts, late fees, and growing anxiety over their financial commitments.

BNPL thrives on urgency and emotion — not planning and peace of mind.

What Is “Plan Now, Buy Later”?

Plan Now, Buy Later flips the script. It’s a ...

Graduating from high school is a major milestone—and for many teens, it marks the beginning of financial independence. Whether your graduate is heading to college, entering the workforce, or still figuring it all out, now is the perfect time to lay the foundation for lifelong financial literacy.

As a parent, mentor, or recent grad yourself, you have a unique opportunity to start this journey on solid ground. The habits formed now can shape your financial future for decades to come.

Start the Money Conversation Early

Too many young adults are thrust into financial responsibility without the tools or knowledge to manage it well. That’s why it’s critical to start talking about money before real-world expenses hit.

Simple conversations about budgeting, saving, and spending can build confidence and awareness. It's not about having all the answers—it's about creating an open, ongoing dialogue around money that encourages healthy habits and informed decisions.

Four-Part Plan for Managing...

Nothing derails your financial goals faster than a spontaneous trip you didn’t budget for — or worse, one you thought you budgeted for but forgot all the little extras. The good news? You can absolutely travel, make memories, and stay on track financially. It just takes a little planning.

Let’s break down a simple framework for building a travel budget that actually works — one that helps you enjoy your time away without coming home to credit card regret.

The Five Key Categories of Travel Budgeting

When planning a trip, most people focus on the big, obvious expenses like flights and hotels. But there’s more to a complete travel budget than just getting there and finding a place to stay. To truly travel without financial stress, consider these five essential categories:

1. Getting from Point A to Point B
   This includes airfare, train tickets, gas, tolls, and parking fees. Be sure to account for round trips and hidden fees like baggage costs or airport shuttles.

2. Lodging
   Whether yo

   ...

Raising financially savvy kids is one of the most important gifts you can give them. In a world where financial literacy is rarely taught in schools, it’s up to parents to prepare their children for the financial realities of adulthood. But where do you start?

Start with the Basics: Money Talks from a Young Age

The journey to financial independence begins with open, honest conversations. Start early by teaching your kids the basic concepts of money, such as earning, spending, saving, and giving. These foundational lessons can be woven into everyday activities.

For younger kids, consider using clear jars labeled “Spend,” “Save,” and “Give” to teach them about allocating their allowance. As they grow, introduce more complex concepts like budgeting, needs vs. wants, and how interest works.

Practical Tips for Financial Gifts: Turning Windfalls into Wisdom

If your child receives a financial gift, like a graduation gift of $1,000, this is a perfect opportunity for a real-world money les...

Have you ever wondered why you keep making the same money choices, even when you know better? Why you can create a budget one week, but struggle to stick to it the next? Or why, despite your best intentions, your savings never seem to grow the way you planned?

The answer often lies deeper than just numbers. It’s about your beliefs, your emotions, and your habits around money — all of which make up your financial behavior.

Why Financial Behavior Matters

Financial behavior is the set of thoughts, emotions, and actions you take in response to money. Whether you realize it or not, your financial behavior is driven by deeply held beliefs and past experiences. These can be helpful — like the belief that saving is important — or harmful, such as feeling that you are "bad with money."

But here’s the good news: Just like any habit, financial behavior can be understood, challenged, and changed. When you gain insight into your money mindset and learn how to manage your emotions around money, ...

Are you looking to enhance your financial literacy and take control of your financial future? At New Money Habits, we believe that everyone deserves access to the tools and resources that can empower their financial journey. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to join our Patreon community!

Why Join Our Patreon? 🎉

By becoming a member of the New Money Habits Patreon, you’ll gain exclusive access to a wealth of resources designed to help you and your business thrive financially. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• 🗣️ The Members-Only Community: Connect with like-minded individuals and share your financial journey in a supportive environment.
• 🎧 Early Access to The New Money Habits Podcast: Be the first to listen to episodes packed with valuable insights and tips.
• 📖 Access to the Coach's Confessions Collection: Learn from the experiences of our expert coaches as they share their real-life financial challenges and solutions.
• 🎙️ Exclusive Podcast Episodes and Content: Dive deepe
...

Because smart money habits are a year-round investment.

Financial Literacy Month is a great time to reflect on your money mindset, learn new skills, and make better financial decisions. But once the month is over, what’s next? The real magic happens when you take those insights and turn them into consistent, daily habits.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your financial skills, here are five simple (yet powerful) habits to carry with you throughout the year:

1. Track Your Spending (Yes, All of It)

Knowledge is power, and when it comes to your money, it all starts with awareness.
Make it a habit to track where every dollar goes. Whether you prefer a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or good old-fashioned pen and paper, the key is consistency. You might be surprised at how those “small” expenses add up—and identifying patterns can help you make more intentional decisions moving forward.

Tip: Set aside 10 minutes each week to review your transactions and categori...

Combining heart and habits to raise confident, financially capable kids

As parents, we dream of setting our kids up for success in every area of life—including their finances. However, building a foundation of financial responsibility doesn’t start with a savings account or a budget worksheet. It begins with conversations, values, and everyday habits that shape the way children see and interact with money.

If you want to raise confident, capable kids who make wise financial choices, here’s a practical guide to combining heart and habits as you teach them.

1. Start With Core Values, Not Just Cash

Before you teach your child how to balance a checkbook or save for a big purchase, start by talking about what money means. What do you value as a family? Generosity? Contentment? Hard work? Financial decisions are simply a reflection of these deeper values.

Teaching kids to be grateful, patient, and intentional lays the groundwork for how they’ll manage money later. When they understand...

When it comes to personal finances, many people find themselves pulled in multiple directions—paying off debt, building savings, planning for retirement, or trying to make the most of an unexpected windfall. It can be overwhelming, especially when every financial goal feels urgent and important. The good news? You don’t have to choose just one. With a thoughtful approach and clear priorities, you can create a plan that allows you to make progress on multiple fronts without sacrificing your peace of mind.

Start with a Clear Financial Picture

Before you can make smart money moves, you need to know exactly where you stand. List out all your debts, including balances, interest rates, and minimum payments. Then take stock of your current savings—including your Peace of Mind fund (what some call an emergency fund), retirement accounts, and any other savings buckets. Clarity is the first step to control.

Tackle Debt with a Phased Approach

Not all debt is created equal. To make the most of...

How to Strengthen Your Finances—and Your Mindset—During Economic Uncertainty

Economic downturns can stir up a lot of fear. From headlines shouting about inflation to friends worrying about job security, it’s easy to feel anxious about the future. But what if we told you that with the right perspective and preparation, a recession doesn’t have to derail your life or your peace of mind?

Understanding What a Recession Really Is

A recession is typically defined as a period of economic decline, usually marked by a drop in consumer spending, increased unemployment, and a slowing GDP. While it may sound intimidating, recessions are a natural part of the economic cycle. They’re not permanent, and they often bring about corrections that allow the economy to reset and rebuild stronger.

Rather than approaching a potential downturn with panic, we can use it as an opportunity to reassess, prepare, and become more resilient—both financially and emotionally.

Five Practical Ways to Prepare Financ...