Monarch Blog
We're on a mission to make better financial outcomes available to everyone. Read our latest thoughts and insights.
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The CFP® With 60 Clients and a Once-a-Month Money Check-In
Turns out, knowing everything about money is exactly why he keeps it simple.
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May 29, 2026
Financial Checklist for College Graduates: 12 Steps to Start Right
The financial advice nobody hands you at graduation — 12 steps, real numbers, from your first paycheck to your first investment.
April 30, 2026
Cash vs. Credit Card: How to Choose the Right Payment Method for You
The payment method you choose affects how much you spend and it's not always obvious which one works in your favor. This guide breaks down when cash wins, when credit cards win, and how to use both to stay on budget without giving up rewards or flexibility.
April 30, 2026
How to Build Credit From Scratch: Your Step-by-Step Plan
Over 28 million Americans have no credit score and no score can be just as limiting as a bad one. This guide breaks down 8 proven ways to build credit from zero, with specific paths for students, immigrants, couples, and anyone on a tight budget.
April 30, 2026
Retirement Planning: A Complete Guide for 2026
Most people plan retirement one piece at a time and end up guessing. This guide gives you the complete picture — how much you need, which accounts to use, decade-by-decade priorities, and how to make your money last.
April 30, 2026
Flex Budgeting: How to Simplify Your Spending With Just One Number
Traditional budgets fail because they're too complicated to keep up with. Flex budgeting gives you one number to track each month. Here's how to calculate yours and build a budget you'll actually follow.
April 30, 2026
How to Start Investing: A Beginner's Guide That Doesn't Overwhelm You
Investing doesn't require a finance degree, a large balance, or hours of research — it requires a simple framework and the confidence to start. This guide covers everything a beginner needs: how to assess your readiness, which accounts to open, what to invest in first, and how to build a system that works on autopilot.
April 29, 2026
The Complete Guide to 529 Plans (2026): Rules, Benefits, and Strategies
529 plans are the most tax-efficient education savings vehicle available — and recent rule changes made them even more flexible. This guide breaks down exactly how they work in 2026, what's changed, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost families thousands.
March 31, 2026
Baby Budget Guide: How Much Does a Baby Really Cost in the First Year?
The first year of having a baby can cost between $16,000 and $31,000 depending on childcare, with expenses ranging from medical bills to daily essentials. This guide breaks down real costs, monthly budgets, and practical strategies to help you financially prepare for your growing family.
March 31, 2026
Financial Planning for Marriage: Your Complete Couples' Guide
Financial planning for marriage goes beyond budgeting—it’s about aligning goals, managing debt, and building a shared financial future. This guide walks couples through key conversations, budgeting strategies, and a pre- and post-wedding financial checklist to start married life strong.
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March 31, 2026
Should You Pay Off Debt or Invest? A Step-by-Step Framework to Help You Decide
Trying to decide between paying off debt or investing? This guide breaks it down using a simple rule; compare your interest rate to expected returns—and walks you through a clear framework to prioritize both with confidence.
March 31, 2026
Flex vs. Category Budgeting: Which Method is Right for Your Money
Flex and category budgeting offer two distinct ways to manage your money; one prioritizes simplicity and flexibility, while the other focuses on detailed control. This guide breaks down their differences, pros and cons, and helps you choose the best approach for your financial style.
March 31, 2026
Zero-Based Budgeting: Give Every Dollar a Job and Take Control of Your Money
Zero-based budgeting is a method where every dollar of income is assigned a purpose, so your income minus expenses equals zero. This guide explains how it works, its benefits and drawbacks, and how to create a zero-based budget step by step.