👋 Intro

Hi there!

Welcome to the July edition of The Money Minute.

We're officially halfway through the year.

This is one of my favorite times to check in because you still have plenty of time to make meaningful progress before the year ends.

July also tends to be an expensive month. Summer vacations are in full swing. Amazon Prime Day and other sales encourage us to spend. Before long, back-to-school shopping begins.

None of those things are bad. The goal isn't to avoid spending. It's to make sure your spending reflects what's actually important to you.

This month's newsletter is all about spending intentionally, avoiding common summer money traps, and making a few simple adjustments that will help you finish the second half of the year strong.

If you've been reading these newsletters and want help creating a financial plan that's built around your goals, I'd love to help! Book your free strategy session with me here.

Here’s to enjoying summer and spending intentionally!

🙋 About Me

If you are new here, welcome! I’m Ben, a personal finance coach passionate about helping you build a better financial future. I’ll help you reach your financial goals, whether it’s paying off debt, saving for the future, or gaining control over their money, so you can feel confident, stress-free, and ready to live the life you want.

If you know someone who might benefit from this newsletter or from working with a coach, please forward this along and invite them to sign up here!

If you want personalized support with your finances, respond to this email and I’ll send you the details on how we can get started.

✅ July’s Money Tips

Don't Let Sales Make Your Decisions

Prime Day. Fourth of July sales. Clearance events.

Every July, we're surrounded by reasons to buy something.

We feel a need to buy things simply because they're discounted.

Before you check out, ask yourself:

Was I planning to buy this before today?
Would I still buy it if it weren't on sale?
Where will this money come from?

A great deal on something you didn't need is still money spent.

Sales should help you save money on planned purchases, not create new ones.

Give Every Extra Dollar a Purpose

Summer often brings unexpected money.

A tax refund.
A bonus.
Cash gifts.
Selling items around the house.

Without a plan, extra money usually disappears.

Before it arrives, decide where it's going.

Pay down debt.
Build your emergency fund.
Invest for retirement.
Save for a vacation you've already planned.

Decide intentionally what to do with your hard-earned money before it hits your account.

💡 Special Update

I have some exciting news to share! I'm now licensed to help clients with life and disability insurance.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned as a financial coach is that building wealth is only part of the picture. Protecting what you've worked so hard to build is just as important. The right insurance can provide financial security for the people you care about most if life doesn't go according to plan.

If you've been meaning to review your current coverage, aren't sure if you have enough, or just want to understand your options, I'd be happy to help. There's no pressure and no obligation. Just a conversation about your goals and how to make sure you and your loved ones are protected.

If you'd like to chat, simply reply to this email or schedule a free call. I'd love to see how I can help.

🧠 Money Mindset

Small Decisions Shape Big Results

Most people think financial success comes from one big decision. I disagree.

It's the hundreds of small decisions nobody notices such as packing lunch instead of ordering, waiting a few days before making a purchase, and checking your accounts once a week.

Those choices don't feel life-changing in the moment. But once they become habitual, they often are.

Try this:

Choose one decision you'll make differently this month.

Maybe you'll bring coffee from home.

Maybe you'll cook dinner one extra night each week.

Maybe you'll review your spending every Sunday.

Don't underestimate what one consistent habit can accomplish over time.

💬 Client Spotlight

"Ben was very helpful with guidance and really helped us with putting a plan in place. Really help me put my numbers in place and how much I could actually afford a month."

- A family wanting to save money for their future goals, as well as make a plan for their children.

I’d love to help you next!
Click here to schedule a free call and see how coaching can support your goals.

📞 Let’s Chat!

Wondering how coaching could help you feel more confident with your money? Book a free 45-minute strategy session and walk away with a clearer path forward.

Schedule Your Strategy Session Today!