Let's Talk Money, Honey... An Introduction

Welcome to Let's Talk Money, Honey!  I started this blog as a way to educate people about personal finance in a way that is easily understood, and more importantly- easy to relate to.

A little background on me- I was a Finance major on college, and had been a financial analyst by trade for almost 10 years.  In 3 years' time, I went from working fancy corporate jobs in New York City and Phoenix to being a stay-at-home mom in Wichita, Kansas to 2 kids under the age of 2.  Talk about a serious adjustment here, folks.  Few things have stayed the same in my life over the past 10 years (I've resided at 10 different addresses, for Pete's sake!) but one thing has always resonated with me: I have always had a passion for learning- and more importantly, teaching- the subject of personal finance to anyone who will listen.

I want to state VERY CLEARLY here that I am not writing this blog because I've figured this whole 'personal finance' thing out, and have devised the *perfect* plan for you to change your finances (and your life).  Credit card debt?  I totally have it.  Student loans?  My husband took a full-time MBA program at a private university, and used student loans to finance it.  They're not med school-sized loans, but WOAH, NELLY! do my eyes bug out of my head each time I look at the balance.  All this to say, I'm not going to be wagging my finger at you here, and preaching from the "perfect finance" pulpit. 

What I am going to be doing here is talking about the things I have learned with regard to budgeting, saving, retirement, and just about anything else you can fit under the 'personal finance' umbrella.  I may talk about something because it actually worked for me, or may suggest something for you to do because I *didn't* do it an can serve as a cautionary tale.  Frankly, some of what we'll cover here will be topics I need to know more about (renter's insurance, anyone?) for my own personal use.

I'm going to be real on this blog, and I'm going to be honest.  And frankly, I bet I'll be a little embarrassed by the things I have done at times because as a 'finance-savvy gal' I should have known better.  I'm sure my dad will shake his head disapprovingly at some of the things I'll admit to- so I'm apologizing to you in advance, Papa!  But that's the thing about life, isn't it?  You learn and grow from your mistakes, and hopefully try a little harder the next time around.

Being in a stagnant or deteriorating financial situation can seem totally insurmountable, I know.  Instead of going to bed exhausted and happy on New Year's Eve, I went to bed a crying, blubbering mess.  I was so overwhelmed and distraught by the thought of another year passing without making any headway on my* financial situation.  I had a 9 month old baby, another baby on the way, and a part-time virtual corporate job I knew I was going to end in the new year.  I'd say that being beyond freaked out was an understatement.  I was just sick to my stomach with the thought of figuring out how to save for retirement, create 2 college savings account, and have another child on 1 income.

*I say mine here, because even thought we're married we still manage somewhat separate finances in certain categories.  I'll certainly be covering more on this later!

Now, here I am- 365 days later.  And guess what?

I survived.

Not only that, but despite losing my part-time gig and having another baby, we're actually in a better financial situation.  Baby steps here, folks.  It may not be much in the grand financial scheme of things, but I can tell you that I don't go to bed fretting over money every.single.night any longer.

I promise that anyone can get themselves in a better, more comfortable money situation with a little education and focused effort.

Failing to plan is planning to fail, my friends.  If at least one of you can take away a nugget or two of information that will help you to plan for a brighter financial future, than I have done exactly what I've hoped to do with this blog.

So- let's get started!  I look forward to going on this journey with you.

Have a question or topic you'd like covered? Email me at TalkMoneyHoney (at) gmail(dot)com!