How to Start Investing in Your Future Today

Many young adults feel overwhelmed when it comes to investing, budgeting and saving. With the cost of living rising and the uncertainty of the job market, it is easy to understand why so many people feel helpless when it comes to their financial future. However, there are many simple steps you can take today that will ensure you have a secure financial future.

Budgeting Basics

The first step for any young adult looking to invest in their future should be creating a budget. A budget can help you stay accountable for your spending habits and make sure your money is going where it needs to go. The easiest way to create a budget is by using an app such as Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget). These apps allow you to track your expenses, set up reminders for bills, and even create customized spending limits. For some of my clients who have a lot of transactions or complicated finances, I also recommend programs like QuickBooks Online where you can categorize spending and look at your bottom line month after month, as well as past trend lines to see where you're spending the most.

Saving Money

The second step is creating a savings plan. Setting aside a certain amount of money from each paycheck into an emergency fund or savings account can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with unexpected expenses or life changes. It's also important to remember that investing in yourself doesn't always mean taking out loans; sometimes it means sacrificing short-term luxuries or experiences for long-term financial stability.

Generational Wealth & Retirement

It's never too early to start planning for retirement! Contributing funds towards retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs can help you reap the rewards later on down the road. Additionally, thinking about how you want your legacy to live on after you're gone is just as important as planning for your own future; setting up college funds or trusts now can ensure that younger generations of your family are taken care of in years to come.

Financial wellness isn’t something that happens overnight; it takes time and dedication. By budgeting, saving money and investing in yourself today, you are taking control of your financial future and creating generational wealth for those around you! Take small steps now and watch how they add up over time—you’ll be amazed at what compounding interest can do! Invest in yourself today and reap the rewards tomorrow!

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How to Figure Out What You Want in Life (Without the Overwhelm)

By Alex Koupal • April 16, 2025

Let’s be real—figuring out what you actually want in life can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. If you’re a busy mom juggling a million things or a twenty-something stuck in “what’s next?” mode, the pressure to have it all figured out is exhausting . But here’s the thing: You don’t need a five-year plan. You just need a starting point. 1. Stop Stressing About Having the "Right" Answer No one wakes up one day with a perfectly clear vision of their future. Life is messy, careers change, and passions evolve. Give yourself permission to explore instead of forcing yourself to commit to one path forever. Take the pressure off—it’s not that serious. 2. Follow What Feels Good What are you naturally drawn to? What do you find yourself Googling or watching a TikTok at 2 AM? Pay attention to the things that spark your interest—that’s where the magic starts. 3. Try Before You Decide You don’t have to quit your job or go back to school tomorrow. Test things out! Take a class, volunteer, start a side hustle—get a feel for what excites you before making big moves. 4. Talk to Real People I know, I know… talking to people can be awkward, but real opportunities don’t just knock on your door. Reach out to people who are doing something that interests you. Ask them how they got there. You’d be surprised how many are willing to share advice—and how much clarity you’ll gain just by listening. 5. Just Take the First Step The biggest thing holding people back? Overthinking. (Yep, shocking, I know.) Stop waiting for the perfect plan and just start —sign up for that workshop, send that email, go to that event. Clarity comes from doing , not from obsessing over every little detail. You don’t need all the answers today. Just take one small step and trust that you're figuring it out as you go. 6. Don’t Do It Alone Big decisions feel less overwhelming when you have someone in your corner. A mentor, coach, or even just a trusted friend can help you see things from a different perspective. If you’re feeling stuck, let’s talk! Book a clarity session —sometimes, all you need is a little guidance to get moving in the right direction.

Tiktok, Social Media & Teens: How to guide without just saying, "Get off your phone!"

By Alex Koupal • April 9, 2025

Let’s be real: telling teens to “get off your phone!” doesn’t work. Social media is part of their world. For our teens, social media is how they connect, learn, and express themselves. So how can we help them use it wisely without sounding and being the villain? There’s a way to help them navigate social media mindfully, and no, it doesn’t involve a complete ban. 1. Start the Conversation, Not the Battle Instead of becoming the enemy and banning social media out of the blue, talk to your teen about what they’re doing on it. Is it for learning, creativity, or just entertainment? Understanding their “why” helps guide them to use it more purposefully. 2. Set Healthy Boundaries Together Instead of enforcing rules, involve your teen in setting healthy screen-time limits. It gives them ownership and responsibility over their habits. For example, “I’ll spend 30 minutes scrolling up on TikTok after school, and then I’ll switch to doing homework” can be a much better strategy than enforcing a rigid rule that feels like punishment. When your teen has a say in the boundaries, they’re more likely to stick to them. 3. Be a Role Model What adults do, Teens do! If we’re glued to our phones, constantly checking social media, it sends the message that it’s okay to get lost in the digital world. Model healthy habits, like setting phone-free times, taking social media breaks, or just being present during family time. Show them how to use social media in a balanced way by setting phone-free times and modeling healthy habits. 4. Encourage Real-Life Activities Social media is great for staying in touch, but it can never replace real-life experiences. Encourage hobbies, sports, or family time to keep them grounded. This way, they can create a well-rounded life that isn’t centered solely around the screen. Plus, those real-world experiences will give them something to post about on their feed! 5. Be Their Guide, Not Their Warden At the end of the day, we can’t control everything teens do online. But we can provide guidance, support, and resources to help them use social media in a positive and mindful way. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage them to have trusted mentors—whether it’s a teacher, coach, older cousin, or life coach—who can provide advice beyond just Mom or Dad. If you’re worried about your teen’s social media habits, let’s talk! Book a free parent support session.