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Drew Curtis

@drwcrts.bsky.social

Financial coach and mortgage loan officer helping people get their money right

32 Followers  |  23 Following  |  140 Posts  |  Joined: 14.11.2024  |  1.7212

Latest posts by drwcrts.bsky.social on Bluesky

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On the Money | Drew Curtis | Substack Hitting the mark on money, every time. Click to read On the Money, by Drew Curtis, a Substack publication. Launched 18 days ago.

Want to simplify your budget?

We use a simple 3-bucket system:

1. Bills + Needs
2. Goals
3. Fun Money

Want to learn how to set this up?

I’m breaking it all down in tomorrow’s On The Money newsletter.

Subscribe here πŸ‘‡

31.05.2025 02:21 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

The more automated your finances, the less you rely on willpower.

27.05.2025 16:23 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

You're not overspending. You're spending without clarity.

20.05.2025 00:52 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

If budgeting feels like punishment, you’re doing it wrong.

🚫 Budgeting = No fun
βœ… Budgeting = Saying yes to what matters most

12.05.2025 16:19 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Every day I talk to people who make good money but still feel broke.

Why?
- They’re avoiding debt
- Don’t know what they’re spending
- Or wildest of all β€” they don’t know how much they make

A little awareness goes a long way when it comes to taking control of your money.

06.05.2025 01:22 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

When the basics are automated and on track, you can finally start thinking bigger.

And that’s where the real progress happens.

17.04.2025 15:34 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Instead of stressing over every transaction, you can focus on questions like:

πŸ“Œ What are your long-term goals?
πŸ“Œ Where do you want to be in 1, 5, 10 years?
πŸ“Œ How can you grow your income?

17.04.2025 15:34 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

The best financial plans are the ones you can set and forget.

When your system runs in the background, you free up mental space for the big picture.

🧡

17.04.2025 15:34 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

βœ… Balances: Assets, investments, savings & debts
βœ… Payment calendar: Income + recurring expenses w/ due dates
βœ… Budget by category

Update it monthly and you’ll always know where you stand financially.

16.04.2025 14:07 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

A personal finance dashboard is one of the best ways to stay organized and in control of your money.

It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated, just consistent and clear.

Here’s what to include πŸ‘‡

16.04.2025 14:07 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

It doesn’t matter how you do it, just make sure you’re saving and investing.

Your future self will thank you πŸ™Œ

15.04.2025 14:02 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

2️⃣ Automatic transfer from checking

Set up an automatic transfer from checking to savings a few days after payday.

It’s easy to do and still builds the habit, just don’t skip it when things get tight.

15.04.2025 14:02 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

1️⃣ Direct deposit to savings

If possible, set up a direct deposit for part of your paycheck to go directly to your savings account.

You’ll never see it in checking, out of sight, out of mind (in a good way).

15.04.2025 14:02 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Want to reach your financial goals and actually retire one day?

Prioritize saving and investing.

The key: automate it so you don’t have to think about it.

Here are the easiest ways to automate your savings:

🧡

15.04.2025 14:02 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

That’s it.

Simple. Clear. Organized.

Don’t overcomplicate your finances, clarity leads to confidence.

14.04.2025 14:18 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

3️⃣ Credit Card

Use for everyday spending and bills.

Pay it off in full every month.

Builds credit + can earn rewards if used responsibly.

14.04.2025 14:18 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

2️⃣ High-Yield Savings

Keep your emergency fund + short/medium-term goals here.

Track your β€œbuckets” manually or use separate savings accounts.

14.04.2025 14:18 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

1️⃣ Checking account

All income goes here.

Use it to pay bills that must be paid with cash (like rent, if needed).

14.04.2025 14:18 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Want a simpler money system?

You really only need 3 accounts. πŸ‘‡

🧡

14.04.2025 14:18 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Most people don’t need a financial advisor to manage their investments.

Their fees can eat into your returns and they often underperform simple strategies like total market index funds or target date funds.

If you want help, look for a fee-only advisor, not one earning commissions.

11.04.2025 14:01 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Worried about all the market volatility right now?

Zoom out.

The market can swing wildly day to day, but if you’re in it for the long haul, stick to the plan, stay consistent, and let time do the work.

Stay calm, zoom out, and relax 😎

10.04.2025 17:18 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Traditional vs. Roth (401k or IRA):

πŸ“Œ Traditional = Contribute pre-tax β†’ Pay taxes when you withdraw

πŸ“Œ Roth = Contribute after-tax β†’ Withdraw tax-free in retirement

Both have pros and cons. I like using a mix to get the best of both.

09.04.2025 14:27 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

How much do you need to retire?

It depends.

⏳ When do you want to stop working?
β€¨πŸοΈ What kind of lifestyle do you want?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the earlier you start saving and investing, the easier that future becomes 😎

08.04.2025 14:44 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

The best time to start saving for retirement?

Your very first paycheck.

The next best time to start saving for retirement?

Now!

07.04.2025 14:01 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

One of the biggest investing mistakes? Depositing money into an account but not actually investing it.

Opening an account is step one. Choosing investments is step two.

Make sure your money is working for you so you don’t miss out on compound growth! πŸš€

28.03.2025 14:38 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

πŸš€ One of the best-kept secrets in retirement planning? The HSA (Health Savings Account).

βœ… Contributions = tax-freeβ€¨βœ… Growth = tax-freeβ€¨βœ… Withdrawals = tax-free (after 65)

Only available with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), but a great way to invest more & pay less tax!

27.03.2025 14:13 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Ready to invest? Here’s where to start:

1️⃣ Contribute to your 401(k)/403(b) up to the employer match (free money!)
2️⃣ Max out a Roth IRA
3️⃣ Max your 401(k)
4️⃣ Invest in a brokerage account

πŸ’‘ Use a target-date fund or low-cost index funds. Stick to this, and you’re on the right track!

26.03.2025 14:00 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

It’s never too early to start investing, even if it’s just small amounts.

πŸ’° Low income? Invest.
πŸ’³ Have debt? Invest.
πŸ§‘β€πŸŽ“ Too young? Nope - invest.

Once you see how fast it grows you’ll wish you started sooner.

25.03.2025 14:00 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Saving alone won’t make you rich, you have to invest.

Start early, keep it simple and stay consistent.

The best time to start was yesterday.

The next best time? Today!

24.03.2025 14:29 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

The best way to split expenses as a couple (if you haven’t combined finances) depends on income.
β€¨πŸ’° If incomes are similar β†’ 50/50 split works.
β€¨πŸ“Š If one earns more β†’ split based on % of income.

Know your numbers, have the convo, and figure out what works for both of you 🀝

21.03.2025 14:13 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

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