(4 mins) You decided to dabble in stocks. Maybe this was during the pandemic, and you saw everyone and their mother putting money into the markets. It seemed easy enough. You wanted to put some of your money into a few stocks just in case it took off to the moon! But here you are, years later and confused.

(3.5 mins) It’s nice to be creative. Creativity can solve problems. Unfortunately, some people are creative in EVERYTHING, including finances. This is where some should stop being creative and just be boring. Simplicity can be your friend. Being creative when it comes to your money can lead to confusion, bad habits, and more expenses.

(3 mins) Many in the Entertainment Industry believe that their financial problems will be taken care of once they land that feature or work on that show. I have some sobering news: your financial problems will not disappear if you suddenly “make it” in this industry. Whatever habits you have created for yourself now will continue when you have more money.

(4.5 mins) Let’s face it: life in the Entertainment Industry is far from predictable. I’ve seen screenwriters put off saving for years, thinking they’ll make a “real contribution” when their career takes off. But trust me, your future self will thank you if you get a head start now. A few tips: 1) Size doesn’t matter 2) 401k and IRAs 3) Budgeting 4) Tax savings.

(4 mins) If you’ve ever stared at a blank page for hours, you know screenwriting is hard enough on a good day. Add financial stress into the mix, and suddenly, even typing "Fade In:" feels impossible. The link between money troubles and creativity isn’t some vague feeling.

(4-mins) This year has been an especially rough one for those in the Entertainment Industry. None of us want to have “bad” years. However, there are some things you can take advantage of during these times. Some of these strategies have to happen by December 31st. You’ll thank yourself later.

(3.5 mins) It’s the end of the year and you’re kicking yourself for not being better with your money. Here are some tips on how to quickly assess your year as well as establish good habits heading into January: 1) Habits 2) Getting Organized 3) Spend More Money.

(3.5 mins) There are many tried and true methods of choosing investments. Some have been tried and truly failed. Others have been successful for decades. One can really get into the weeds of researching the best available investment. But there are less complicated ways to view these. The following is four different ways you can choose investments.

(3 mins) Just because you “have a guy” who is investing your money doesn’t mean you have a financial plan. To achieve your goals, remember: 1) Investing is not the main character 2) Write multiple drafts of your plan and 3) There are no guarantees.

(3.5 mins) Life events happen. Some of them are planned and some take you by surprise. I’m not here to tell you which ones are more important, but I can tell you that it’s possible, and important, to plan for both.

There are some important questions you should answer before making a plan.

(3.5 mins) Some people get excited about receiving a tax refund when filing their taxes. This is not something to brag about. If you’re counting on a big government payday every April 15^th, then chances are you’re doing something wrong. You didn’t plan correctly. Even if your income is unpredictable, as it is for screenwriters, directors, and the like, you can still do a better job of predicting how much to give the IRS each year.

(3 mins) "What should I invest in?" Please don't get mad at us real Financial Planners when we can't answer what appears to be a simple, straightforward question. More information is needed. I promise we’re not withholding some secret sauce from you. But YOUR goal is the most important goal for any investment.

(4.5 mins) Budgeting your personal life, especially with unpredictable income like a screenwriter or director, is the foundation for any future financial goals. Take the time to establish a system now. Here are some helpful tips: 1) Use tools to help 2) Start with spending 3) Break down spending into categories 4) Establish emergency and savings goals 5) Open separate accounts 6) Put your money to work.

(4.5 mins) Finding quality, trust-worthy financial advice has historically been a challenge for those in the LGBTQ+ community. The right Financial Planner can play an important role in determining your future. Think about 1) Parenthood 2) Retirement 3) Legacy and 4) How to proceed.

(3.5 mins) If you’ve never invested your money, it can be stressful at first. You may hit obstacles like 1) Analysis Paralysis 2) Fear and 3) Mistakes. But that’s okay! Your first investment doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to “be.”

(3.5 mins) There are similarities to living a healthy lifestyle and living a healthy financial lifestyle. For example, you can’t force someone to do it until they’re ready. But also consider: 1) Delaying it 2) Benefits 3) Motivation 4) The Unknown 5) Professional Help 6) Cost 7) Time and Energy 8) Results.

(3 mins) If you are a member of one of Hollywood’s major Unions or Guilds, then you no doubt are aware of some of the benefits awarded to you. But there are consequences to being afforded this membership, both good and bad. Think about: 1) More pay but more taxes 2) Pension plan 3) IRA phase-out limits.

(3.5 mins) There are plenty of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube videos about personal finance. Unfortunately, these videos are often from people who do not have any credentials, and their advice is just plain wrong. The reasons these videos are popular are 1) Video quality 2) They say what you want to hear 3) No regulations means no repercussions.

(3.5 mins.) There are many benefits to having your own Loan Out company. But consider a few other things before making the decision to incorporate yourself. For example, some downsides to an S-Corp are: 1) Running the correct payroll 2) Keeping accurate books 3) Paying additional taxes and fees.

(3.5 mins.) If someone is trying to sell you Life Insurance as a Financial Plan, run away. They are completely different things and should never be confused with one another. You can have a real financial plan without ever touching life insurance. Don’t be fooled by slick salesmen.