Financial Planning & Advice for the Modern Family
Who We Are
We offer informative resources on everything from budgeting and business advice to increasing your income and planning for your kid’s college education.
Whether you’re a family of 4, a single parent, a widow or one-half of a cohabitating couple, we can offer you some valuable advice to help you stay in control of your finances.
Our content contributors have over 55 years of industry experience.
Our Vision
Given the current economic climate, it’s now more important than ever before to stay in control of your finances.
Our goal is to inform, educate and help our clients and readers to better budget their monies, maximise their investments and plan for the expected and the unexpected.
OUR SERVICES
Planning Services. We can help you to better manage your money so that you’re never under pressure when it comes to unforeseen expenses.
Business Strategy Services. Family business owners have to do a lot to keep their heads above water today. It’s getting more and more difficult with each passing day so our aim is to offer the best business strategy advice and services to ensure a positive ROI for family business owners.
Business Consultation Services. Ongoing assessment is essential if you want to keep your family business’s income in the red. We offer you free advice on our blog section and we also offer business consultation services that will ensure a successful outcome.
ABOUT US
Our company was founded in 2007 at a time when everyone was struggling.
We witnessed the huge devastation that family businesses experienced with closures happening in Colorado and all over the country.
We saw an opportunity to help family business owners (and families in general) to stay afloat financially and our company was born.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US
Joe James
“This was the first time that I started a family business and I needed some professional help. I was searching for someone with a lot of experience that will help me and provide me with important advice. Then I found this company that was focusing on providing clients with an informative resource for family businesses.”
Amy Sandoval
“I love working with them, they helped me and my family business out a lot. Without them, I am sure that my business would have failed a long time ago. They provided me always with the best advice and informations about my family businesses. I would recommend them to everyone that has a family business.”
Patrick Jenkins
“All the problems that I had with my family business disappeared when I started working with this informative company. They saved my family business that my father left on to me. Their advice was very helpful, they always understand what I wanted from them and they delivered each time.”
BUSINESS ADVICE, FINANCIAL PLANNING, BUDGETING TIPS & CONSULTATION SERVICES
OUR POPULAR ARTICLES
5 Steps to Taking Your Business Global with Virtual Offices
When it comes to owning a bricks and mortar business, most business owners are content with getting the business of their own local area. That is the only business they can get! People in their local community. When it comes to the modern entrepreneur, sometimes that...
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Looking to Get A Raise At Work, But Don’t Know How To Go About it?
One of the hardest things you can ever do in work, is approach your boss to ask for more money. It is the stuff of nightmares for a lot of the workforce, something to be dreaded and feared. However, it doesn’t need to be this way at all. There are some tips you can...
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Marketing Ideas For Family Business
Marketing is a huge and very important part of family business. Nowadays, there are many different ways you can market and advertise your business. All of those marketing strategies are evolving each day, and that’s why you have to stay updated. In order to have a...
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The Best Budgeting Tools for Families
These days, it is harder and harder for families to get by, with the cost of living rising ever higher, while it seems that pay packets have stagnated, and don’t match the rise in the cost of just surviving. And we know it can be hard to come up with the funds to even...
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Proper Preparations Prior To Your First Home Purchase
Purchasing your first home is an exciting yet daunting experience that requires thorough planning and careful decision-making. The process can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps ensures that you make informed choices every step of the way. Key...
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Affordable At Home Family Events
When you have a family with two or more kids, it can seem overwhelming when you start to consider doing “family” things together. This is because every place you may want to go can become expensive. A trip to a skating ring can cost nearly $100 for a family of five. A...
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Why Buying In Bulk Can Make Better Financial Sense for Your Family
In the current climate, purchasing foods and other sundry items can be pretty darn expensive. Doing a weekly shop can often erode away a pay check pretty fast. However, there are a few things you can do to lessen this financial burden, and one of the easiest ways to...
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The Best Ways to Save Money on Holidays
We all need a holiday from time to time, an opportunity to unwind from the rigors of the daily grind, and to reset the stress levels to somewhere near normal. However, the problem with a lot of holidays is, they are quite pricey, and can stretch a family’s finances to...
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Tips On Running A Successful Family Business
To successfully run a family business, you have to have a lot of experience and knowledge about some important things. Without experience and knowledge, you will be struggling to run your family business. One thing that can have a huge impact on family businesses is...
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The Best Financial Based Apps For Your Smart Devices
I don’t think there’s any of us out there that could not use a little help from time to time with managing of finances, preparing budgets, or any of the other monetary challenges placed in the way of today’s family units. In this article, we break down some of the...
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Does Buying The Most Expensive Mean The Best Quality?
When it comes to purchasing high-end items, whether it’s a cooler, a car, or a home appliance, the price often correlates with quality, but that doesn’t always mean that the most expensive item is the best choice for everyone. Brands like Yeti have built strong reputations for their premium coolers, offering exceptional insulation, durability, and sleek designs, but there are other brands, like Engel, that provide similar functionality at a more affordable price. It’s important to weigh what you’re paying for beyond just the name, and consider factors like intended use, durability, and value for money.
Name Brand Vs Performance
Take coolers, for example. Yeti coolers are known for their superior ice retention, rugged construction, and long-lasting performance. They’re ideal for people who regularly go on extended trips or outdoor adventures, where having the best insulation and durability could make a significant difference. The brand’s high price reflects the quality of the materials used, such as roto-molded construction and thicker insulation, which helps keep contents colder for longer periods. However, when looking at an Engel cooler review, they are often lauded as a more affordable alternative, offering similar insulation and construction but at a lower price point. While Engel may not carry the same brand prestige as Yeti, it is still well-regarded for its effectiveness, and for many families or casual users, it delivers the same level of performance without the premium price. The decision between these two brands largely comes down to how often the cooler will be used, the types of trips planned, and how much value you place on brand prestige. If the cooler will be used sparingly or for short weekend trips, a more affordable cooler might be the smarter choice without sacrificing too much in quality.
Appliances & Furniture Face Off
This principle extends to other high-ticket purchases that families often encounter, such as furniture, appliances, and even cars. When buying a sofa, for example, there’s a noticeable difference between a high-end brand like Restoration Hardware and more affordable options from stores like IKEA or Wayfair. High-end furniture often boasts better materials, craftsmanship, and longevity, but if your family doesn’t plan to use the sofa heavily or if it’s meant for a guest room, investing in a more affordable option might offer the best balance of quality and cost. Similarly, when purchasing major appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers, buying from premium brands like Sub-Zero or Viking might give you access to cutting-edge features and lasting durability, but for most families, mid-range brands like Whirlpool or GE offer similar performance at a fraction of the cost. The decision should be guided by factors like frequency of use, the lifespan of the product, and the family’s budget.
Vehicles & Other High Ticket Items
When it comes to purchasing vehicles, the debate between spending on a luxury brand versus a more economical car follows the same logic. Luxury brands like BMW or Audi offer high-performance engines, refined interiors, and advanced technology, but for families that prioritize practicality, reliability, and cost-efficiency, a more affordable car like Toyota or Honda might be a better choice. These brands provide long-term value, fuel efficiency, and dependability, all while costing significantly less upfront and in maintenance.
Ultimately, while buying the most expensive item may guarantee quality in certain cases, it’s not always necessary. The best approach is to evaluate the specific needs of your family, the expected usage of the product, and the importance of longevity versus initial cost. For some families, paying for premium quality makes sense in the long run, but for others, a more affordable option may offer the same performance at a much better value. It’s all about finding the right balance between cost and quality.
Proper Preparations Prior To Your First Home Purchase
Purchasing your first home is an exciting yet daunting experience that requires thorough planning and careful decision-making. The process can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps ensures that you make informed choices every step of the way. Key components like home inspections, insurance, financing, and understanding the full scope of the responsibilities involved are crucial to a successful first-time home purchase.
Identify The RIGHT Home
One of the first steps in the home-buying process is securing financing. Understanding your budget and getting pre-approved for a mortgage are essential before you start house hunting. Pre-approval helps you understand how much home you can afford, which saves time and prevents disappointment later on. It’s important to shop around for the best mortgage rates and terms, as different lenders offer varying rates based on your credit score, down payment, and loan type. You’ll also need to decide on the type of mortgage that best fits your financial situation—whether it’s a fixed-rate mortgage, adjustable-rate mortgage, or government-backed loan like an FHA loan. Once pre-approved, you can begin searching for homes that fit within your budget and meet your needs.
Home Inspection & Cross-Checks
As you start viewing homes, it’s essential to keep a few key factors in mind: location, amenities, condition, and long-term value. Once you find a property you like, the next step is to arrange a home inspection. A home inspection is crucial to understanding the condition of the property and identifying potential issues that could require costly repairs. A qualified inspector will examine the structure, electrical system, plumbing, roof, foundation, and appliances, providing a detailed report on any problems. Each inspection will be unique to the property and geography. For example an inspection Temple TX is going to different from Denver Colorado.The inspection results can be a powerful tool for negotiation. If significant issues are discovered, you can either request that the seller make repairs or ask for a reduction in price to cover the cost of repairs. In some cases, you may decide to walk away from the deal if the home has too many problems or if the costs of repairs are too high.
In addition to the home inspection, you’ll need to consider home insurance. Homeowners insurance protects you against damage to the property and its contents due to events like fire, theft, or natural disasters. Lenders often require proof of insurance before approving a mortgage. When shopping for home insurance, it’s important to understand what is covered, as policies vary. Ensure that your policy covers potential hazards specific to the area you live in, such as flood or earthquake insurance if you live in a high-risk zone. Additionally, homeowners insurance typically includes liability coverage, which protects you in the event someone is injured on your property. You may also want to consider adding additional coverage for valuable personal items, like jewelry or electronics.
Understanding The Finances
Another key aspect of buying your first home is understanding closing costs and taxes. Closing costs, which can range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price, typically include fees for inspections, appraisals, title insurance, and loan origination. Understanding these costs upfront helps you avoid surprises at the closing table. Additionally, you should factor in property taxes, which vary by location, and understand how they’ll affect your monthly payments. Many first-time buyers are also eligible for certain tax credits or incentives, which can help ease the financial burden of purchasing a home.
Finally, after all the financial aspects are in place, it’s time to close the deal. During the closing, you’ll review all documents related to the sale, including the mortgage agreement, title deed, and final closing costs. This is also the point at which you’ll sign the necessary paperwork and officially take ownership of the property.
By carefully planning each step of the home-buying process—from securing financing to negotiating after a home inspection, purchasing insurance, and understanding closing costs—you can ensure that you make an informed and confident decision. The home-buying journey can be complex, but with the right preparation, it will lead to a rewarding and fulfilling milestone in your life.