Game Time Budgeting

07/16/2026

I recently created my own Money Genogram. It's a visual family tree that traces the money messages, beliefs, and behaviors passed from one generation to the next. It made me realize something important: my relationship with money didn't begin with me. Many of the messages I heard were passed down by family members who were doing the best they could with what they knew.

The beliefs I grew up hearing, both positive and negative, still influence the way I think about money today. I imagine many of us can say the same.

Have you ever stopped to think about where your beliefs about money came from?

Long before we opened our first bank account or received our first paycheck, many of us were learning lessons about money by watching the adults around us.

Maybe you heard things like:
💬 "Money doesn't grow on trees."
💬 "Save for a rainy day."
💬 "We're just not good with money."
💬 "The man handles the finances."
💬 "If I earn it, I can spend it."

Those messages have a way of shaping how we save, spend, invest, give, and make financial decisions—even years later.

The encouraging news is this: you can honor your family's story without repeating every financial belief you've inherited.

Understanding where your money mindset comes from is often the first step toward building healthier financial habits and making more intentional decisions.

I'd love to hear from you. What's one money message you heard growing up that still influences you today? Share it in the comments. Your story might encourage someone else to reflect on their own relationship with money.

https://gametimebudgeting.com

07/14/2026

A few weeks ago, I traveled to Minneapolis to visit several Black history sites. One of my stops was the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, one of the longest continuously operated family-owned Black newspapers in the United States.

What started as a history lesson with publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard turned into a conversation about financial literacy, an introduction to editor Jasmine McBride, and an opportunity to connect them with Joel Carrasquillo.

I'm excited to see that conversation come full circle with Joel's interview in the newspaper's Youth Financial Education Series. It's a great reminder that you never know where a conversation or a new connection might lead.

Take a few minutes to read Joel's inspiring story:

Joel Carrasquillo on building financial habits early, ahead of his new career with Vanguard.

07/13/2026

Summer vacations create lifelong memories.

Credit card bills shouldn't.

One of the simplest financial habits you can develop is setting aside a little money throughout the year so your vacation is paid for before you pack your bags.

The best souvenirs are the memories you bring home, not the debt.
https://gametimebudgeting.com

07/10/2026

Over the last three years, Pathward employees participating in the Game On: Making Sense of Your Dollars financial wellness webinar series have reported a combined $106,350 wealth shift within 90 days of participation.

That includes:
📈 $33,250 in increased savings
📉 $73,100 in reduced debt

Financial wellness programs are often viewed as an employee benefit. But moments like this highlight something important: when employees have access to practical, actionable financial education, many take meaningful steps toward improving their financial lives.

I'm grateful to Pathward for being a long-term partner in this work and for consistently supporting their employees' financial well-being.

The numbers matter. The lives behind the numbers matter even more.

07/09/2026

Another rewarding day with the Law & Leadership Institute, this time speaking with an incredible group of 9th-grade students at the University of Dayton.

One of my favorite parts of this work is helping young people realize that the financial decisions they make today can shape the opportunities they have tomorrow.

During my Secure the Bag: Foundations in Personal Finance workshop, we talked about mindset, saving, investing, entrepreneurship, and making intentional financial decisions.

I was encouraged by the students' feedback:
✅ 88% said the presentation helped them think differently about money.
✅ 96% said they were motivated to make smarter financial decisions.

A few comments that really stood out to me:
💬 "I plan to approach money with a different mindset and think of the future."
💬 "I learned that to break the cycle is a mindset."
💬 "Start your own business at a young age."

Seeing students connect the dots between mindset and money reminds me why I'm so passionate about financial literacy. When we equip young people with the right knowledge and habits, we're helping them build a stronger future.

Thank you to Tammy Bennett and the entire Law & Leadership Institute team for the opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders!

07/08/2026

The July edition of the Game Time Budgeting Newsletter is here!

If you're looking for practical ways to improve your financial fitness this month, you'll find valuable insights you can put into action right away.

Inside this issue:

✅ Why your teen should be learning about money this summer
✅ A simple financial check-in to measure your progress
✅ Practical money strategies to help you finish the year stronger
✅ Financial wellness tips you can share with family and friends

Financial success doesn't happen by accident. It happens by consistently making better money decisions.

Take a few minutes to read this month's newsletter, then let me know which article resonated with you the most.

Read it here: https://conta.cc/4ybXD1u

Email from Game Time Budgeting, LLC Halftime Adjustments Can Lead to a Stronger Finish. Take Action Now! Don't Waste the Second Half of 2026 We’ve hit the financial halftime of 2026. Back in January,

07/07/2026

Your Teen Should Be Learning About Money This Summer

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Order your copy today and help your teen build a strong financial foundation before the new school year begins.

07/06/2026

Vacation memories should last longer than vacation debt.

One of the biggest financial mistakes people make is treating vacation like it's outside their regular budget.

Recently, I joined Cincy Lifestyle to share a few simple strategies that can help families enjoy their vacation without overspending.

Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

✈️ Don't let "I deserve this" become "I have to pay for this" for the next six months.

📝 Create a travel game plan before you leave. The best vacations have both itineraries and budgets.

🍔 Don't forget the little expenses. Meals, parking, snacks, tips, and souvenirs can quietly blow up your budget.

💰 Start a dedicated travel fund. Even saving $25 or $50 a month can help you pay for your vacation before you leave instead of after you get home.

Remember: The trip may last a week, but the debt can last for months.

Watch the segment below and let me know:

What's the best money-saving travel tip you've ever used?

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1015394824443616

07/02/2026

If your household was a business, would you know whether you made or lost money this month?

Most people don't take the time to count their money.

Businesses review financial reports every month because they know you can't improve what you don't measure. Why should our personal finances be any different?

At the end of each month, I review our spending to see where we won, where we missed the mark, and what adjustments we need to make for next month.

Tracking your money helps answer questions like:

• Where did our money actually go?
• Which spending categories surprised us?
• Are we moving closer to our financial goals or drifting farther away?
• What habits should we continue next month?
• Where can we make one small adjustment that has a big impact?
• Is our budget controlling our money, or are our impulses?

The scoreboard doesn't judge you. It simply tells you where you stand.

You can't improve a score you never keep.

How often do you review your household finances: weekly, monthly, or only when something goes wrong?

07/01/2026

Another great day with the Law & Leadership Institute, this time at the University of Dayton!

I had the opportunity to present my Secure the Bag: Foundations in Personal Finance workshop to an outstanding group of high school students who are preparing for careers in the legal profession.

I was encouraged by their feedback:
✅ 78% said the presentation helped them think differently about money.
✅ 93% said they were motivated to make smarter financial decisions.

A few comments that stood out to me:
"Think before I spend."
"Keep a good mindset about money and not let it control me."
"Everything that costs a lot does not have value."

Moments like these remind me why I do this work. Helping young people build healthy financial habits today can change the course of their future.

Thank you to Tammy Bennett and the entire Law & Leadership Institute team for the opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders!