Invest with Tess - Tessa Steinemann

07/18/2026

A higher salary doesn’t always mean it’s the better offer.

Before you accept a new job, take a closer look at what’s behind the headline number:

• Retirement plan and employer match
• Health insurance costs
• Equity compensation
• Signing bonus terms
• Long-term growth opportunities

These details can have a bigger impact on your finances than a few thousand dollars in salary.

A job offer is a financial decision. Make sure you’re evaluating the whole package, not just the paycheck.

If you’re comparing offers or have questions about how a job fits into your long-term financial plan, send me a message.

07/17/2026

Offer A: $145K. Offer B: $135K. Most people would take A and feel good about it and they'd be leaving $15K a year on the table.

Base salary is the most visible number in an offer and often the least decisive one. In this example, B's stronger bonus target closes most of the gap on its own. Add annualized equity and a 401(k) match, subtract the difference in health premiums, and the "smaller" offer wins comfortably.

The method matters more than the numbers (which are illustrative, but very typical of what I see): convert every piece of an offer to a per-year figure, add what they pay you, subtract what they charge you, and only then compare. Signing bonuses are one-time. Equity vests over years. Premiums come out of every paycheck. None of it belongs in the same column until it's annualized.
If you're weighing offers right now, run this before you decide anything. And if the math surprises you, that's the point.
What's the biggest gap you've ever found between a headline salary and the real number?

07/16/2026

Most people focus on negotiating salary and completely overlook everything else in their offer letter.

But benefits like signing bonuses, PTO, equity, start dates, remote work flexibility, and stipends can add up to thousands of dollars in additional value.

The worst they can say is no. The best-case scenario? You walk away with a compensation package that’s significantly better than the original offer.

Before you sign your next offer letter, make sure you’re looking at the full picture.

Questions about how your compensation fits into your financial plan? Send me a message.

07/15/2026

Equity compensation is one of the most misunderstood parts of a job offer and one of the most expensive to misunderstand.

The short version: RSUs are usually taxed as income when they vest, whether you sell the shares or not. Stock options are different. The tax impact depends on when you exercise and when you sell, making timing an important planning decision rather than an afterthought.

The mistake I see most often? Assuming your company's withholding has you covered. For higher earners, it usually doesn't and tax season can feel uncomfortable.

If equity is part of your comp, know three things before you do anything else: when it vests, what the tax hit looks like, and how much of your net worth is riding on one company.

07/14/2026

Concerned about identity theft? Some things to leave at home.

Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with data breaches at major companies and financial institutions.

07/13/2026

Most impulse purchases don’t feel like impulses in the moment, they usually feel like something you have to have.

That’s why I love the 24-hour rule.

If it’s a want (not a need), leave it in your cart for 24 hours before checking out. If you still want it tomorrow, buy it. Theres no guilt, no complicated rules, just a little space between the impulse and the decision.

You might be surprised how many purchases don’t feel as urgent the next day, and the ones that do are usually the ones you feel good about.

Try it for two weeks on anything over $50 and let me know what happens.

07/10/2026

My clients ask me all the time what I do with my own money. Here's the honest answer.

1. Spend less than I earn. Everything else builds on this.
2. Pay myself first.
3. Invest consistently, no matter what the market is doing.
4. Keep an emergency fund in a money market fund or HYSA.
5. Avoid high-interest debt. That nice new toy is not worth 24% interest.
6. Max out tax-advantaged accounts.
7. Never try to time the market.
8. Increase my investments every time my income increases.
9. Never invest money I'll need in the next 1-3 years.
10. Diversify instead of chasing the hottest investment.
11. Know where every dollar is going.
12. Insure against the risks that could derail everything.
13. Don't let lifestyle inflation eat every raise.
14. Automate as much as possible. Willpower is not a strategy.
15. Focus on long-term goals over short-term noise.
16. Never make money decisions when I'm emotional.
17. Have an estate plan — yes, even in my 30s.
18. Review my financial plan at least once a year.
19. Invest in myself through education and skills.
20. Review my budget and spending at least monthly

Building wealth is about consistency, not perfection.

Which one do you need to start following? Tell me in the comments 👇
Save this list for the next time you're tempted to wing it.

07/08/2026

In this week’s Markets in a Minute, we dig into highlights from the second quarter, including areas of market strength that have grabbed fewer headlines than the AI boom. We touch on reasons for cautious optimism heading into the second half of the year, along with risks that could shape the outlook into 2027.

We dig into highlights from the second quarter, including areas of market strength that have grabbed fewer headlines than the AI boom.

07/08/2026

Most financial problems don’t happen overnight.

They happen when we stop paying attention.

That’s why I recommend having a monthly “Money Day.” Set aside 30 minutes to check your accounts, review your spending, look ahead at upcoming expenses, and make sure you’re still on track with your goals.

It’s a simple habit, but it can help you catch small issues before they become expensive ones.

Put it on your calendar this month and treat it like any other important appointment. Your future self will thank you.

If you’re not sure what you should actually be reviewing during your Money Day, send me a message. I’d be happy to help.

07/08/2026

Markets posted solid second-quarter gains as investors responded to upbeat economic reports, continued diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers. The S&P 500 rose 14.87%, the Nasdaq gained 21.41%, and the Dow picked up 12.90%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 6.37%. Looking ahead, markets may continue to react to Middle East updates, oil prices, inflation trends, and the pace of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. From U.S. home price growth to Canadian housing forecasts, this quarter’s by-the-numbers highlights the data behind one of North America’s most closely watched markets.

Stocks saw solid gains in the second quarter, riding a wave of enthusiasm over upbeat economic reports, ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers.