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Want to make the most of extra time at home? Try making two versions of your budget. The first is a "lean & mean" with only essential spending. The second version will include re-evaluated discretionay spending. Don't forget to build up your cash reserve in uncertian times too.

One of the most common questions I'm asked is, "how much can I afford to spend on a home?". After you've made the decision to purchase property, what should you consider? A first step is to look at a home affordability calculator, like the one on my site. However, this is just start of the thought process.

Many people dive into the world of building a credit score at the age of 18. Your credit score is what helps lenders asses your repayment risk. A higher score will give you the best opportunities for lower interest rates when you need to borrow money. A good credit score is also important as future employers or even landlords often check your credit when they consider you as a candidate.

I am in good company with many of my clients sharing an affinity for clothing, jewelry & shoes. My inspiration to write this blog in part is keeping my fingers busy so I don’t click “buy” to a gorgeous pair of chinoiserie golden velvet slippers. I figured, since I’m still thinking about these shoes days later, that others have the same battle with their budgets.

I recently attended an event for women advisors. Besides financial education, we had a former Navy SEAL combat veteran Phillip Koontz as a speaker, who taught us self -defense situational awareness. While my aim is to empower women with their finances, building confidence through situational awareness is good physical contingency planning to share to help other women.

Boston Voyager Magazine  | November 30, 2017I was delighted to be highlighted in Boston Voyager Magazine. Please read my interview to get to know me and my business better : interview linkhttp://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-sandra-gilpatrick-sandra-gilpatrick-cfp-cdfa-wealth-consultant-downtown-crossing/

As the weather is crisper and our calendars are booking up with festive events, thoughts come back to my cooking demonstration client event around this time in 2015.  I try to make learning about personal finances more interesting by relating topics to daily life. Food is a budget item to discuss with many when financial planning. 

Pay negotiation strategies from my client event's expert speaker, Katie Donovan

Are you worried about becoming a baglady? You may be surprised to see who else is concerned in this Financial Security post

Curious about how the tooth fairy and tuition are related? Please read my article How To Start Saving For College . I am proud to be a contributing author getting the word out on the Boston Mamas site.

So, what is an estate? Estate planning is universal and crosses both gender and age. Many think you must have expensive possessions to qualify. An estate can be as simple as just having a pet. Nearly all of us have an estate. I welcomed Attorney Kerry Reilly as my guest speaker to help inform about the importance of estate planning. This includes both personal and family contingency planning.

My budget lesson: charitable contributions I bring charitable contributions as a budget item for attention, as I noticed it has been popping up on the radar of my own budget. Boston, the marvelous city it is, had countless charitable organizations. You may also receive asks from friends bravely running or biking endless kilometers for worthy causes who would like your support.  There are never ending public policy issues requesting backing. Often memorial gifts are charitable donations