Marcell Johnson, CFP®
Not a math whiz? No problem. Discover how a simple spreadsheet can revolutionize your money habits — even if numbers make you nervous. Learn how to build a budget, track spending, crush debt, and grow savings using free tools you already have. The secret? A few columns, honest reflection, and one overlooked skill that most apps can’t match.
Think retirement is decades away? That’s exactly why now is the best time to start. With just $5 and a bit of strategy, your future could look radically different. But what’s the secret tool that helps young people retire richer — even if they save less? The answer lies in five steps most people overlook.
Is saving money supposed to feel like punishment? Discover why cutting back doesn’t mean cutting out joy. With real stories, simple shifts, and zero guilt, this guide shows how small changes can quietly transform your financial future. But what’s the one habit that saves people thousands — without them even noticing? The answer may surprise you.
Want to manage your money without spreadsheets or stress? The 50/30/20 rule is a simple budgeting method that helps you cover your needs, enjoy life, and save for the future — even on a tight income. Learn how this flexible strategy works, why it’s beginner-friendly, and how to tailor it to your real-life finances starting today.
Are credit cards a smart financial move or a fast track to debt? With finance influencers and cashback promises pulling you in different directions, it’s easy to feel lost. Discover the truths, myths, real-life outcomes, and the surprising mindset shift that can protect your wallet — or wreck it. What side of the swipe will you land on?
Why do we buy things we don’t need — and how does it quietly drain our future? From late-night Amazon scrolls to post-work shopping binges, this article reveals the emotional traps behind impulse spending. With real-life stories and surprisingly simple strategies, it uncovers how to break the cycle without giving up joy. One mindset shift could change everything.
Debt has a way of sneaking into your life like a houseguest who overstays their welcome — quietly at first, then loudly, and finally eating all your snacks. Whether it’s credit card debt, student loans, personal loans, or medical bills, carrying debt can feel like trying to swim with bricks in your backpack. The good … Read more
Life doesn’t always give you a warning. One moment, your day is normal — the next, your car won’t start, your tooth cracks, or your job disappears. That’s where an emergency fund steps in. It’s not just “extra money.” It’s your financial seatbelt. And if you’ve ever driven without one, you know the stress that … Read more
Saving money when you earn very little can feel like trying to squeeze water from a dry sponge. You look at your paycheck, you look at your bills, and the math simply doesn’t add up. But here’s the truth most financial advice forgets to tell you: saving isn’t about the size of your income — … Read more
Financial literacy is the superpower that helps you escape the vicious cycle of paying a paycheck to paying a paycheck—and the skill banks secretly hope you never master. This article shows you how understanding your money can boost your savings, protect your peace of mind, and eliminate that “please don’t refuse” panic every time you pass it by at the grocery store.