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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How to Discuss Money Values With Your Partner
Money talks are easier when you start with what matters most. Your values are a low-stakes way to get aligned with your partner—without diving straight into dollars.
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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.
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.
March 31, 2026
Financial Spring Cleaning Checklist: 13 Steps to Reset Your Money
A step-by-step financial spring cleaning checklist that walks you through all 13 money reset actions — from auditing subscriptions and stress-testing your emergency fund to updating beneficiaries and resetting your goals plus a focused 60-minute sprint you can do entirely inside Monarch.
March 31, 2026
How to Refinance Your Mortgage in 2026: Rates, Costs, and When It Makes Sense
Refinancing your mortgage can lower your monthly payment, eliminate PMI, or shorten your loan term but only if the math works in your favor. This guide walks you through every step, from calculating your breakeven point to comparing lenders, with unbiased advice from a platform that earns nothing from lenders.
March 28, 2026
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt: Proven Strategies to Get Debt-Free Faster
Credit card debt can grow quickly due to high interest and minimum payments, but the right strategy can help you eliminate it faster. This guide breaks down proven methods like the avalanche, snowball, and balance transfers plus practical steps to reduce interest, stay on track, and become debt-free.
March 28, 2026
How to Pay Off Debt: A Step-by-Step Plan to Get Debt-Free Faster
This comprehensive guide walks you through how to pay off debt using proven strategies like the snowball and avalanche methods, budgeting, and smart repayment tactics. Learn how to build a personalized payoff plan, reduce interest, and stay motivated on your path to becoming debt-free.
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March 26, 2026
Rent vs. Buy in 2026: Pros and Cons and When Buying Makes Sense
Renting is often cheaper month-to-month in 2026, but buying can build more wealth over time if you stay long enough. This guide breaks down the pros and cons, real costs, and the 5–7 year rule to help you decide what makes financial sense for your situation.
March 23, 2026
Estate Planning: A Complete Guide to Wills, Trusts, and Protecting Your Family
Only 31% of Americans have a will — which means most families are one unexpected event away from serious legal and financial chaos. This guide covers the six essential estate planning documents, a step-by-step setup process, what it costs, 2026 tax rules, and the common mistakes that cost families thousands.
March 20, 2026
What Is Probate: A Complete Guide to How It Works and How to Avoid It
Most Americans don't realize that dying without a plan can trap their family in a court process lasting up to two years and consuming up to 7% of their estate. Here's a complete, jargon-free guide to probate — what it is, how it works, and how to avoid it.