What Even Is Social Security? Let’s kick things off with a question: What if the government promised to help you out with money when you get old, get hurt, or something bad happens to your family? That’s basically what Social Security is. It’s a program run by the U.S. government that helps people who are…

Let me just get this out of the way: I’m that person who puts something in their cart, walks around the store for 40 minutes, then puts it back and leaves with nothing but a sense of righteous financial discipline. If you’ve ever asked me to sign up for something “with just a low monthly…

Because sipping your way through education, culture, and discounts is smart economics Let’s face it: few invitations are as tempting as “Want to come to a wine tasting?” And yet, some of us still hesitate. Maybe you’re not a wine snob. Maybe you’re on a budget. Maybe you think you won’t know what you’re doing.…

How Taxes at the Border Shape Your Wallet Introduction: The Silent Tax That Hits Your Grocery Cart If you’ve ever noticed the price of peanut butter suddenly go up and blamed the weather or your neighborhood store, here’s a fun twist: it might be global politics. Tariffs are like the cover charges of international trade—except…

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to uncork something fresh, flavorful, and—most importantly—fiscally responsible. At Fiscal Means, we believe you don’t have to blow your budget to enjoy great wine. In fact, some of the best bottles out there right now are hiding in plain sight at your local wine shop or grocery…

Let’s face it—cleaning isn’t exactly the thrill ride of adulthood. But neither is stepping on a rogue Lego, tripping over yesterday’s laundry pile, or wondering when your kitchen floor last saw a mop. If you’re tired of chaotic cleanups, passive-aggressive dust bunnies, and last-minute panic scrubs before guests arrive, it’s time to create a cleaning…

You’ve probably heard some version of this advice on having a side hustle. The first person I remember saying it was in 1993, back when I was maybe 25. It was Edd Pelsmaeker, my Scuba Instructor at Appalachian State University said, “Everyone should own a business”. To me, just like that. Now as a CPA,…

Introduction: It’s Time to Flex Those Fiscal Muscles We’re not telling you to stop buying coffee or live like a monk in the woods. Fiscal empowerment isn’t about deprivation—it’s about getting your money to work smarter, so you don’t have to work harder (unless you like that sort of thing). Whether you’re climbing out of…

Why Your Future Self Will Thank You Let’s talk about one of the most underrated financial moves you can make—opening a Roth IRA. Now, before you hit snooze or dive into a sea of TikToks, stick with me. Because this one decision could mean the difference between future-you sipping margaritas on a beach… or future-you…

“If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice”, thank you Neil Pert. This couldn’t pertain any less to budgeting your money. Wait, don’t click away. I know “budgeting” has the same excitement level as reading shampoo labels or attending a 3-hour HOA meeting about mailbox design. But hear me out—controlling your…

Look, I get it. You’re out here trying to build a website, and the internet is throwing options at you like a toddler flinging spaghetti. Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, Webflow, maybe even a LinkedIn profile you’re hoping magically transforms into a website. But if you’ve spent more than half a minute researching how to build a…

As a Certified Public Accountant, I’ve spent time doing taxes for a living. So when I say, “You should totally try doing your own taxes,” I get why you might raise an eyebrow. Isn’t that me talking myself or fellow tax preparers out of a paycheck? Maybe. But please read on… As a CPA, I’ve…