Wallet Wins

A great trip doesn’t have to be expensive. Over the years, I’ve learned how to plan incredible travel experiences for myself and my clients without financial stress or post-vacation regret. The secret? Maximizing value and planning ahead. Here are three strategies I use to make travel more affordable. Work with a Travel Advisor Working with a travel advisor is a smart investment for any trip. In addition to expert destination knowledge and personalized planning, you may receive: Onboard credit on cruises Room upgrades or early check-in times Resort credits or added amenities Exclusive offers not available when booking directly These…

With the holiday season in full gear, you likely have wrapping presents on your to-do list. While it’s not quite as fun as gift-giving, now is also the perfect time to wrap up your finances for the year.   As the year comes to an end, you’ll want to ensure all your financial ducks are in a row. That way, you can get a jump start on your goals in the new year. A lot can happen fiscally speaking in a year, and we’ll help guide you through the steps of performing a year-end financial review.     Step #1: Evaluate Your Spending Habits  Log into online banking for your financial and credit card accounts. Either download your past statements or scroll through the months one by one. If your spending is regular, consider…

Once the holiday season kicks into high gear, looking past the festive lights, joyful music, and fun-filled atmosphere can be challenging. But amidst all the excitement, there are many year-end events and deadlines that can have a significant impact on your finances.   Set aside some time to review your finances, investments, employer benefits, and insurance options to ensure you set yourself up for success in the coming year. Consider the following five money moves to end this year on a high note.  #1: Contribute to Retirement Accounts  With all the presents you’re giving others this holiday season, don’t forget to…

For most of us, the holiday season plays out the same way every year. By the time November rolls around, the calendar is packed, prices are high, and that overwhelming feeling starts creeping in. Gifts are bought in a rush, travel gets booked at sky-high rates, and we promise ourselves we’ll plan earlier next year.  Then, January arrives. Right when we’re setting New Year’s resolutions to better our finances – save more, eliminate costly debt, improve our credit scores – the holiday credit card bills arrive in the mail.   The whole scenario can feel defeating. However, it doesn’t have to…

As a frequent international traveler and professional planner of many grand adventures for clients, here are some tips I’ve learned that can help you prep like a pro for your next trip!  Start Planning 12-18 Months in Advance  The journey to your dream trip starts now! Decide on a destination, dates, and an overall budget. Cruises go on sale around two years in advance, while flights and hotels open up for booking around the 12-month mark.  Open a Travel Savings Account  Always know what’s in your vacation fund and add to it over time. Set up automatic transfers from your…

In our increasingly digital world, the way we manage money is constantly evolving. The traditional physical wallet, once a staple for carrying cash and cards, is now being replaced by a much more modern and efficient solution: the digital wallet.   Digital wallets, also known as mobile wallets, allow users to securely store their debit and credit card details directly in their smart devices, making transactions effortless. Rather than rummaging through a bulky wallet or bag, you can simply tap your smartphone or smartwatch to complete purchases in seconds.   In this article, we’ll explain how digital wallets work and provide steps…