Kimberly J. Howard, CFP® Blog

Smart Ways College-Bound Students Can Shrink Long-Term Debt

Kimberly Howard, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:41:54 +0000

College students across the country face a growing reality: the sticker price of higher education can follow you for decades if you don’t plan ahead. The good news? There are multiple paths that make higher education far more affordable, flexible, and debt-light — but many students never hear about them until it’s too late. Quick …

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The Family Finance Playbook: How Young Families Can Build Stability, Grow Wealth, and Stay Sane

Kimberly Howard, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:45:00 +0000

Building financial security when your family is just getting started can feel like solving a jigsaw puzzle — childcare, housing, education, and saving for the future all compete for attention and income. This guide walks through realistic, flexible strategies that help young families thrive without feeling squeezed. Main Message Young families can build financial confidence …

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How to Survive (and Ultimately) Thrive During a Recession

Kimberly Howard, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:07:00 +0000

Recessions test more than wallets; they test adaptability, perspective, and grit. While many see only downturns and layoffs, history shows that economic turbulence often births innovation, opportunity, and resilience. Before we dive deep, remember: recessions end. What defines you is how you move through them. TL;DR Understand What’s Actually Happening Economic slowdowns follow cycles. They’re …

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Smart Financial Foundations for Newlyweds: Building Wealth and Stability Together

Kimberly Howard, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:08:00 +0000

Marriage marks the beginning of many shared adventures — and few are more consequential than learning how to manage money as a team. Newlyweds face the challenge (and opportunity) of blending incomes, balancing priorities, and planning for a secure financial future. While love fuels the relationship, financial clarity fuels long-term peace. Let’s explore the essential …

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How Young Families Can Build a Strong Financial Future Without Losing Sleep

Kimberly Howard, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:38:00 +0000

You’ve got a baby monitor buzzing in one room, a pile of bills in another, and somewhere in between—dreams of a stable, joy-filled future. Starting a family comes with a chaotic mix of love, fear, logistics, and hope. And when it comes to finances, the noise can get deafening fast. Everyone’s got advice, but most …

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How to Stay Grounded — and Grow — in a Recession

Kimberly Howard, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:35:00 +0000

There’s a strange clarity that can come in hard times. When the economy tightens, your decisions sharpen. The margin for error narrows. And for many, the question stops being “How do I win?” and becomes “How do I not go under?” But beneath that panic is a better question: “What needs to change — and …

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How to Rewire Your Relationship with Money — And Build a Life That Moves

Kimberly Howard, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:51:00 +0000

Rewiring how you think about money isn’t just about becoming wealthy, it’s about reclaiming agency. Every financial decision is shaped by deeply rooted beliefs, often inherited, rarely questioned. If you find yourself stuck in cycles of stress or scarcity, your mindset may be the real barrier, not your income. Shifting this internal narrative is the …

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Transform Your Money Mindset for Financial Success

Kimberly Howard, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:11:00 +0000

Most people want a better relationship with money, yet many don’t realize that financial outcomes are often shaped less by numbers and more by mindset. The way you think about money informs how you earn, spend, save, and invest. A mindset rooted in fear or confusion can keep you stuck in cycles of stress, while …

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Tips for Young Adults Looking to Achieve Financial Independence

Kimberly Howard, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:26:38 +0000

Stepping into financial independence is a pivotal moment in a young adult’s life, filled with opportunities and responsibilities. As you transition into managing your finances, it’s essential to adopt strategies that safeguard your financial well-being and promote growth. From protecting yourself against scams to optimizing your savings, these strategies are designed to empower you in …

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Debt-Free College: Innovative Ways to Fund Your Education

Kimberly Howard, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:32:50 +0000

The prospect of attending college often comes with the daunting reality of student loans. However, there are innovative and practical ways to pursue higher education without falling into debt. By considering alternative funding options and making strategic choices, students can achieve their academic goals while maintaining financial health. From starting a side business to exploring …

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