I mentioned
in this post if you're interested in our financial planning process and some of you said yes. We just finished reviewing our financial plan for 2019 so I thought I'd share a few things while they're still fresh in my mind. A couple of disclaimers: I am neither a financial planner nor I have a background in finance. We've learned quite a bit from our personal financial planner in terms of what works best for us. # 2: Please keep in mind that what works for us may not work for you. Every individual/family has
a different financial situation. At the end of the day, do what makes sense for you and your family.
Note: These photos have nothing to do with this post. Just a few random ones that bring back good times and good memories =)
{Taken during our trip to Paris}
Step 1: The first step is to pay off all your credit card debts: Those debts are evil! The goal is to have only mortgage payment and maybe a car payment. Everything else should be paid in full at the end of each month.
Step 2: Create a budget plan: Once your debts are paid off, it's time to create a budget plan. In most cases, you can figure out how much you'll bring home per month. However, not everyone has a clear idea of their monthly expenses. To be completely honest with you, we were very surprised to find out that we spent so much money in a month (water bill, gas bill, electric bill, cable bill, phone bill, sewer bill, auto insurance, home insurance, child care expenses, the list goes on...). Having a budget plan makes you aware of what's going on with your money. You don't need any fancy tools. An Excel spreadsheet would do. Create a section for your take-home income and another section for your expenses. A simple calculation will tell you exactly how much money you have left per month. Don't be surprised if the amount is way less than what you expected
We got a few inches of snow last night out of no where but I am looking forward to spring-like weather starting next week. Speaking of Spring, I have the perfect bag for Spring to talk about today. I worked with Teddy Blake several times in the past and am always been a fan of their bags. As the matter of fact, I carry the Vanessa as my everyday work bag. I have it for almost than a year now and it's holding up so well. The bucket bag trend is still going strong for Spring and I am thrilled to add this beauty to my Spring wardrobe. Outfits details: Teddy Blake Eliza bag | Express white jeans | Old Navy chambray shirt | Rolex watch | Steve Madden wedges | Gucci belt
The Eliza Vitello is made from 100% Italian smooth calf leather and a contrasting colored leather interior. The leather is gorgeous. It's soft and flexible but stiff enough to keep the bag in shape. Size-wise, the bag is available in 2 sizes (9" and 12"). I have the small one and the size is perfect for me. There is plenty of space for my daily essentials without being too big and bulky. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this bag comes with a detachable interior zip pouch. It's great for organizing and can also be used as a wristlet when you don't want to take the whole bag. Being petite, I appreciate the completely adjustable shoulder strap. This bucket bag is available in 6 different color combinations. The rose color is so pretty for Spring. However, pink is not my first choice of color so I opted for the light grey version with the rose interior. Light grey and blush pink compliment each other so well. All in all, it's a great everyday bag and I am looking forward to style it with my spring outfits.
