Hi Everyone,

I spent quite a bit of time in Montana with my Mom over the past few months.  She’s doing great.  There is a wonderful hike close to my Mom’s house.  It’s to the top of Lone Pine Cliffs.  It’s a 5.2 mile round trip and I did it every day that I was in Montana.  When I hiked there in January the trail was very icy.  I started hiking with just hiking boots.  What an adventure that was as I slipped around on the ice.  At times it was downright dangerous.  Then I got cleats and I walked up and down the trail that was a sheet of ice with no troubles and no slipping at all. 

This hike and my cleats remind me so much of personal finance.  Are your financials like me with cleats on?  If so, you probably have a handle on your debts and have a savings program going.  That’s great.  But there is another question I need to ask.  Are your personal finances more like me on ice without cleats.  Do you slip around trying to juggle too much debt?  And at times does your debt load seem downright dangerous?  If that’s your situation it’s time to get with the program.  First things first, stop spending money you don’t have.  I realize that’s a tough one but it’s the first step and it’s the most important step.  Then get a handle on that debt.  If you need some assistance give us a call or drop us a line.  We’d love to help you out.  Then it’s time to start saving.  Start by taking advantage of your employer’s tax advantaged retirement savings program if there is one.  Then start building personal savings.  I know, I know, rates are lousy right now but it’s not about what rate you get.  It’s about saving consistently.  And we can help there too.  Did you realize you can open a CD at the credit union for as little as $500?  Give us a call and we’ll help you get that savings program rolling.

Walking on an icy trail without cleats is a little bit crazy.  So is not having a good grip on your personal finances.