Recommended Resources
Budgets
YNAB is a zero-based budgeting software. Learning takes some time and isn’t as shiny as others, but the core principles and functionalities are solid.
We currently use Monarch for our family’s budget, and I provide it to my 1:1 planning clients. The financial psychology aspects and ease of use, especially as a couple, are great.
Credit & Debt
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires credit reporting agencies to provide you with a free credit report. Currently, they are available weekly at annualcreditreport.com
Power Pay is a free tool from Utah State University Extension that can help you create a debt repayment plan.
Credit counseling is rife with poor actors. The NFCC is an excellent resource for finding nonprofit, certified help.
Student Loans
Student Loan Planner has various calculators that can help you calculate the financial impact of different repayment plans.
Student Aid also has a loan simulator that can help model different scenarios.
AccessLex has FREE student loan counseling with AFC® professionals. They are marketed to future lawyers but help anyone with student loan questions.
Taxes
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax preparation and filing for taxpayers who qualify.
IRS Free File offers free online guided tax preparation software. ~70% of taxpayers are eligible to file their taxes for free.
Estate Planning
FreeWill is an online, no-cost estate planning tool. You can create a will, a power of attorney, and even a trust for free in some states. If you have a relatively simple financial and family life, this can be a great option to put an estate plan in place.
Local resources
Calling 211 or visiting the 211 website is an easy way to find information about local resources, from food pantries to animal control.
Information
There are a lot of opinions and non-trustworthy sources of personal finance information. These are a few places I trust for having well-researched, fair information.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for consumer education
FINRA for investment information
Find a professional
I am an Accredited Financial Counselor® and offer 1:1 financial planning. I currently have openings for new clients and would love to talk to you about your money questions and planning needs. If I’m not the right fit for you, I’m happy to personally connect you with other professionals who would be! Find out more about what I do on my website or book a free consultation to start the conversation.
Find an AFC lets you find an Accredited Financial Counselor® in your area or with a specific specialty.
XY Planning Network has a directory of fee-only CFPs that all offer virtual services.
Nectarine has advice-only financial advisors that you can hire by the hour or for a one-time plan.
None of these links is an affiliate link. These are the websites and tools I use regularly, both personally and professionally.