Good morning, A lot of people want to be on the same page, but they don't want to do the work it takes to get there. I get it—who actually wants to talk about the things that embarrass them? It’s challenging, but clarity is the foundation of peace. If you want the peace, you have to start the conversation. I still remember the first time my husband and I talked about money. It started over the phone, admitting mistakes that felt VERY uncomfortable. Shortly after, we sat down and pulled our credit reports together. This was all before we even said “I do.” The room was tight that day. But looking back, I’m so glad we pushed through. It wasn’t our hardest conversation, but it set the tone for how we handle our legacy today. Payday Tip: Break the silence. Here is your action item for the weekend: Set aside just 15–30 minutes to discuss your plan for the rest of the month. If that feels like too much, just start with next week. Communication doesn’t have to happen all at once. That’s how we get overwhelmed. Instead, create a weekly rhythm to check in so there are fewer surprises and way less confusion. Ready to start fresh? If you’re struggling to find the words, I’ve got you covered. I created a guide to help you navigate these "tight room" moments with ease. (Available under free resources) Have a great weekend!

Good morning, Do you want to move forward financially but don’t want to start over from scratch? If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and thought, “What happened?”—you’re not alone. That moment can feel overwhelming. And when things feel unclear, it’s hard to feel confident or disciplined. Before you change anything, the first step is clarity. One simple way to gain clarity is to write down your expenses daily. Not to judge yourself—but to understand what’s really happening. This can be done on paper or electronically. What matters is awareness. Payday Tip – February Focus Try this simple tracking exercise: - Create 4 columns: Date | Expense | Category | Amount - List your expected categories at the top of the page - Review your spending mid-month and end of month. This practice helps you see where your money is actually going and reveals patterns you may not have noticed before. Self-control starts with awareness. If you don’t know where the issues are happening, it’s hard to make meaningful changes. Next Wednesday at 7:30 PM CST, I’ll be hosting a free group coaching session live on YouTube, followed by Q&A on Zoom. I’ll be teaching through this in real time and answering your questions. 👉 Complete the poll below, and I’ll send you a reminder with the Zoom link on Wednesday morning and when I'm live. pughfc.kit.com/pscfree Have a great weekend, Latrisa

Good morning, Here’s an extremely easy way to get ready for your tax preparer—no spreadsheets or special software required. I don’t do taxes, but I work closely with people who do. And I want to help you understand what a good CPA or tax preparer actually needs from you. - All tax forms, up front. Think about how many jobs or income sources you had last year. W-2s, 1099s, side income—gather all proof of income so everyone is working with the same information. - Good documentation. Charitable contributions, medical payments, mortgage interest—pull those statements together ahead of time. The goal is to reduce back-and-forth and last-minute follow-ups. - The full truth. Audits happen. A bigger refund today isn’t worth a bigger bill three to five years from now. Honesty really is the best policy when it comes to taxes. Your CPA or tax preparer isn’t just there to file paperwork. They’re there to help you prepare for the present and plan for the future. The more upfront you are, the smoother—and less stressful—the process will be. Have a good day, Latrisa Stewardship reminder: - Prepare your budget for February by January 26th.

Good morning, There’s a millionaire habit that doesn’t get talked about enough—and it has less to do with money and more to do with how you treat your body. Your body is your money maker. Two years ago, I was constantly tired and sluggish. Not because I was doing too much—but because I wasn’t taking care of myself. As I head to the doctor this morning for a checkup, I’m reminded that stewardship isn’t just about dollars. It’s also about health. When we’re intentional with our health today, we often avoid higher costs tomorrow—financially and otherwise. Here are a few simple Payday Tips to reflect on: - Are you getting enough rest? Most adults need 7–8 hours. - Are you drinking enough water? It supports your body in ways we often overlook. - Are you moving your body? Stretching or exercising now helps your future self stay mobile and strong. I’m grateful I made the shift. My body feels better—and I have the energy to show for it. Taking care of yourself is part of honoring the work God has given you to do. Have a great weekend!

Good morning, The truth I had to face was… Monday to Friday wasn’t enough. I had to admit something to myself last year: I’m a creature of habit—and so are you. And while I was consistent during the workweek, I treated the weekend like a pause button. No structure. No intention. Just “I’ll deal with it on Monday.” What I learned is this: small gaps create bigger problems over time. Temptation works like a tiny crack in the foundation. You don’t notice the damage at first, but eventually, it comes with a costly bill. Weekends don’t need to be rigid—but they do need awareness. Payday Tip: Questions to help you stay on track over the weekend - What routine do I need to maintain, even on the weekend? - Have I already set aside money for this event or outing? - What time can I use to plan for the week ahead? I know it’s tempting to “live for the weekend,” but I don’t want you rotating the same level of progress week after week. If you’re ready to make real movement toward your goals this year, I’d love to support you. The next free coaching session is next Wednesday. Check the calendar for the date and time. If you want an email reminder on the day of, fill out this link to be added to the mailing list. https://pughfc.kit.com/pscfree -Latrisa