👋 Intro

Hi there!

Welcome to the August edition of The Money Minute! As summer winds down, whether you’re squeezing in one last trip, gearing up for back-to-school, or just soaking up the sun, I’ve got a few tips to help you keep your finances on track.

Ready to get started with coaching? Book your free strategy session with me here.

🙋 About Me

If you are new here, welcome! I’m Ben — a personal finance coach passionate about helping you build a better financial future. I can help you create custom plans to budget better, pay off debt, save more, and improve your money habits.

I’m always looking to grow and reach more people who could use some extra support with their finances. If you know someone who might benefit from this newsletter or from working with a coach, please forward this along and invite them to sign up here!

If you've been wanting personalized support with your finances, respond to this email and I’ll send you the details.

✅ August’s Money Tips

Back-to-School on a Budget

It’s that time again: school supply lists a mile long, growing kids who need new everything, and prices that just won’t stop rising. In fact, 84% of people expect back-to-school shopping to cost more this year than last year.

The list may be long, but these tips can help you save money and stay in control:

✅ Start with a list: Know what your kids actually need before heading to the store

💸 Set a budget: Create a back-to-school category in your budget

👚 Shop your closets first: Reuse what still fits or works

🛍 Spread out your spending: Get essentials now and wait for deals on the rest

💡 Look for deals: Use tax-free weekends, sales, and price matching

👟 Think long-term: A quality backpack may save money later

🎯 Get creative: Try secondhand, bulk packs, or fewer extracurriculars

A little planning = A lot less stress and more savings

Impulse Buy or Bye?

Before you make that purchase, take just 60 seconds to pause and ask yourself a few quick questions.

1. Are you buying it to impress someone?

2. Is there a cheaper or better way to get it?

3. Do you already have something like it?

4. Can you be happy without it?

5. Will this purchase keep you from reaching your financial goals?

6. Have you thought about it for at least a week?

7. Will you still use it next month or six months from now?

8. Can you afford it without guilt or debt?

9. Check in with yourself: are you feeling calm, or are you making this decision when anxious or stressed?

If your answers raise doubts, it might be time to say “bye” to that impulse buy and save your money for what truly matters.

See my Instagram post with a handy graphic.

🧠 Money Mindset

Master Your Money Mindset to Stop Overspending

Overspending usually begins with your mindset. It helps to understand why you spend, whether it’s to impress others, fill an emotional need, or just out of habit. Setting clear money goals and tracking your spending keeps you focused and in control.

When you feel the urge to buy, pause and ask yourself if that purchase truly supports your goals or if it’s just an impulse. Building this habit strengthens your financial discipline over time.

Try This:
Before your next purchase, take 60 seconds to ask if it aligns with your goals—and watch how much easier it gets to skip impulse buys.

💬 Client Spotlight

"Ben did a great job guiding us through our monthly and yearly expenses showing us how to responsibly spend and save. After all the time and patience he gave us, we feel financially stable. We highly recommend Ben for any financial matters!”

I’d love to help you too!
Click here to schedule a free call and see how coaching can support your goals.

📞 Let’s Chat!

Curious about how I can help you through coaching or if it’s a good fit for you?
Book a free 45-minute strategy session and let’s talk through your goals.

🫵 Your Turn

Wins and Challenges

What’s one win you had this past month and one challenge you are working on overcoming?

Reply and let me know — I’d love to celebrate it with you and help you overcome your challenges!

Suggestions

Got a topic you’d love to see in next month’s newsletter? Hit reply and let me know. I’m always open to your ideas.

📧 Stay In Touch