Financial Coaching

40 Years of Money Management – Focus:  Wealth-Building

After 40 years of marriage, Joe Mains and his wife, Tammi, have learned that building wealth is about more than choosing the right investments—it’s about working together, staying consistent, and being willing to change. In this personal story, Joe shares how discovering Dave Ramsey transformed their marriage and finances and the wealth-building principles that helped them reach their retirement goals.

How to Plan for Retirement: 9 Steps for a Secure Outcome

Retirement planning doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require intentionality and consistency. From setting retirement goals and saving 15% of your income to managing debt, preparing for healthcare costs, and creating an estate plan, these nine steps can help you build a stronger financial foundation for the future.

Ohio's 2026 Sales Tax Holiday: What Families Need to Know Before You Shop

Ohio's Sales Tax Holiday returns in 2026, but with significant changes from the expanded program offered in recent years. Financial Advisor Andrew Young explains what qualifies, when the tax-free weekend takes place, and how families can plan ahead to maximize their back-to-school savings.

Financial Organization: Where to Start When Your Money Feels Overwhelming

Many people avoid looking closely at their finances because they don't know where to start or fear what they might find. In this practical guide, Associate Financial Advisor Drew Hodgson explains how taking a simple snapshot of your income and expenses can turn financial stress into clarity and help you build a plan for moving forward with confidence.

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired: Lessons from Dave Ramsey That Changed My Life

More than 30 years ago, Joe Mains and his wife discovered Dave Ramsey's teachings on a clearance rack cassette tape, a moment that forever changed their finances, marriage, and future. In this personal story, Joe shares how the same principles that helped him win with money recently inspired a life-changing health transformation and why lasting change begins when you're truly "sick and tired of being sick and tired."

Does Refinancing Your Mortgage Still Make Sense? Key Factors Every Homeowner Should Consider

Refinancing your mortgage can lower your monthly payment and free up cash to support other financial goals, but it's important to understand the true costs involved. Learn how interest rates, discount points, closing costs, and your break-even point can help determine whether refinancing is the right move for your financial future.

The Wisdom of Consolidation Loans - What do you think?

Is debt consolidation really the answer to financial stress? In this edition of Investment Corner, Financial Advisor and Certified Ramsey Solutions Master Financial Coach Joe Mains shares why lasting financial peace comes from changing behaviors—not simply moving debt around—and how the debt snowball method can help families regain control of their finances.

Five Steps to Protect Your Family from Financial Fraud

Financial fraud is becoming more sophisticated with advances in artificial intelligence and digital technology. Learn five practical steps to protect your accounts, strengthen safeguards, and reduce your family’s risk of financial loss.

Importance of Knowing Your Tax Situation

Understanding your tax situation is more than just knowing how to file—it’s a critical foundation for smart financial decision-making. From choosing the right filing status to working with a CPA or financial advisor, clarity around your taxes can uncover opportunities to save money today and build wealth for tomorrow. With the right strategy and professional guidance, you’re not just paying taxes—you’re paying them in the smartest way possible.

Generosity vs Debt: Christmas Edition

Terms like “debt,” “overspending,” and “pressure” imply that these statistics tell a negative story about the average consumer's decisions during this time of year. While it is unwise to spend above your budget or take on debt for gifts, I believe it also reveals a broader societal or moral pressure to purchase extravagant gifts for the most important people in our lives.

Smart Money Moves Before Year-End

As 2025 winds down, now is the perfect time to make strategic financial decisions that can lower your tax bill, grow your investments, and set you up for a strong start to 2026.

Don’t Fall for it – Avoiding 3 Pitfalls

Joe Mains, Whitaker-Myers Financial Advisor and Certified Ramsey Solutions Master Financial Coach, shares his lessons learned from more than 30 years of personal and professional experience following Dave Ramsey’s principles. Drawing from his own journey, he highlights three key pitfalls to avoid: relying on debt financing, managing money separately from your spouse, and delaying investing for the future.