Buying a home is a major financial decision influenced by interest rates, housing prices, and your personal readiness. While market timing matters, the best time to buy is when you're financially prepared—debt-free, with a full emergency fund, and savings for a down payment. Follow Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps and consider your long-term goals. For personalized guidance, speak with a Whitaker-Myers financial advisor today.

Getting rich and building wealth aren't the same. Riches can come fast and disappear just as quickly. Wealth is built over time—through discipline, smart investing, and long-term planning. One is flashy; the other is lasting. At Whitaker-Myers, we help you take the steady, proven path to true financial security. Don't just get rich—build wealth that lasts.

A sinking fund is a smart way to save for future needs—like vacations—without going into debt. By budgeting monthly for expenses such as travel, food, and activities, you can enjoy guilt-free time with your family. Start small with staycations, use tools like the envelope system, and involve your family in the planning process. With discipline and a clear plan, you can create lasting memories while staying on track financially.

Baby Step 4 of the Ramsey Plan recommends saving 15% of your gross income for retirement. This guide explains how to structure those savings using a 401(k), Roth IRA, or taxable brokerage depending on your income, filing status, and employer plan access. Key rule: “Match beats Roth, Roth beats Pre-Tax.” Whether you're single or married, with or without a plan, there’s a strategy to fit your situation. Consult a financial advisor to create a plan that works for you.

Please enjoy these verses that I memorized and used when going through my Certified Kingdom Advisors designation.

College financial aid season is here, but cuts to programs like Pell Grants and Work-Study could shrink student aid. Proposed changes to student loans, including eliminating Parent PLUS Loans, may increase costs for families. Parents should understand aid offers, know what to negotiate, and avoid debt that risks their retirement. Exploring state schools, community colleges, and scholarships can help manage costs. Speak with a financial advisor to plan smart for college.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) helps lenders reduce risk when borrowers put down less than 20%. Types include BPMI (monthly payments), LPMI (built into interest rates), and Lump-Sum PMI (paid upfront). PMI can be removed once equity reaches 20% or by refinancing. Though PMI opens doors to homeownership, it’s a cost to the borrower that only protects the lender. Saving a full 20% down can help avoid PMI and save money long-term.

Major life changes like marriage, divorce, childbirth, or the death of a loved one make it essential to update your beneficiaries. Outdated designations can lead to legal disputes, delays, and unintended asset distribution. Keeping beneficiaries current ensures your estate plan remains effective, avoids probate, and protects your loved ones. Regular reviews align your wishes with your evolving life and financial goals.

After discovering Dave Ramsey 30 years ago, my wife and I transformed our finances—and our future. Today, as a Ramsey Master Financial Coach and Financial Advisor at Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, I help others do the same. A monthly budget is vital at every stage, from getting out of debt to planning for retirement. It puts you in control of your money. Want help creating a personalized budget? Let’s build a strategy that works for you. Schedule a meeting today.

Starting your financial journey as a young adult begins with building a budget and following Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps—starting with a $1,000 emergency fund and progressing toward saving 15% for retirement. Use a money market fund for emergency savings and take advantage of employer retirement plans and Roth IRAs for long-term growth. The earlier you start, the better. For personalized help, connect with a Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers financial advisor today.

Without a will, you die “intestate,” leaving state courts to decide how your estate is divided—often in unintended ways. Dave Ramsey emphasizes having a proper estate plan, preferably through a legally valid will. There are various types, including holographic, nuncupative, and statutory wills. While wills ensure your wishes are on paper, they also go through probate, which can be contested. For guidance, Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers partners with Encore Estate Planning to

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