(770) 344-0172
Jan 29, 2025
Step 1: Identify Your Money Levers
Once you’ve clarified your vision (email me if you're unsure how), assess your money levers, where you’d like to spend more and where you’d be willing to cut back. Your choices may differ from your partner’s, and that’s okay.
Start by answering these questions:
Now, where do you love to spend money? Your spending reveals your values. If you’re unsure, scroll through your photos for clues. Common money levers include:
Step 2: Cut Back on the Right Things
When cutting back, don’t trim a little from everything. Instead, focus on your biggest expenses, the areas where real change creates financial freedom to spend more on what matters.
Key areas to assess:
Step 3: Redirect with Purpose
Every dollar you cut should be redirected toward something meaningful—your Yes Levers, paying off debt, saving, or investing. Instead of focusing on every small decision, prioritize key numbers: fixed costs, savings, investments, and guilt-free spending.
To succeed, be patient, communicate openly, and make trade-offs together. When you're aligned on your Yes Levers, you won’t dwell on what you cut—you’ll be excited about what you’re creating.
Resource: Ramit Sethi’s Money for Couples (2024)
Financial Planning Associate
Melissa came to Narwhal in the summer of 2018 following the completion of her master’s degree in financial planning from the University of Georgia, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in consumer economics. Her interest in the field started with learning about consumer behavior, specifically its relation with complex moneymaking decisions. Melissa recently received her CFP® Certification in January 2021. Working with a CFP® professional can help you find the path to achieving your financial goals. Your goals may evolve over the years as a result of shifts in your lifestyle or circumstances such as an inheritance, career change, marriage, house purchase , or a growing family. Melissa is here to help you through that process. When she’s not working, Melissa enjoys cycling, cooking, and spending time with her beagle and two nieces.
At Narwhal Capital Management, you’re more than just a portfolio, and it’s not all about the numbers. Let’s start with a meeting about your needs and future goals.