(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.

(3.5 mins.) If you have your own Loan Out company (A.K.A. S-Corp, A.K.A. Incorporated yourself), are you taking advantage of one of the biggest game-changers? Through your company, you can set up a Retirement Plan and begin funding it immediately. You will enjoy tax-deferred, or tax-free, growth along with compound interest, or as Albert Einstein called it, “the eighth wonder of the world.”

(3.5 mins.) If you’re thinking about taking a class, or getting another degree, then you might be eligible for tax credits to recoup some of those costs.

(2 mins.) We all get frustrated for different reasons. For you, it may be that the Entertainment Industry is slow or contracting or whatever is the anger du jour. It might also be the state of the U.S. economy that has you concerned. Are we in a recession? Is inflation ever going to slow down? Did I miss out on a bull market?

(2.5 mins.) Do you know who gets your money in the event of your sudden passing? It’s generally not something we like to think about, let alone plan for, but it’s incredibly important. It can also be very easy to set up. By simply naming a beneficiary on your financial accounts…

(2.5 mins.) Emergency Funds are very important to screenwriters in particular for many reasons. 1) Strikes happen 2) 6-months without work is normal 3) It can save your career 4) You can avoid paying extra.

(3.5 mins.) If you come into unexpected money such as an inheritance, selling a show, or directing a feature, there are a few things you should keep in mind: 1) Manage your expectations because it may not happen 2) Emergency fund may be able to be maxed out right away 3) Big ticket items might be paid for 4) other items such as life insurance needs, debt, and tax consequences.