The Hardest Words:

"I Need Help"

Someone close to me recently went through something hard. Those who loved them could feel it, in the silences, in the things left unsaid. But because they hadn't shared what they were carrying, no one could do anything about it.

No matter what someone is going through love wants somewhere to go.

I recently heard keynote speaker, and author of What's Up With Women & Money, Alison Kosik say something at a women's financial conference that has struck me:

"Strength does not mean doing everything alone."

We live in a culture that has told us, especially women, that needing help is weakness. That independence is the goal. That figuring it out yourself is something to be proud of.

But carrying something alone that you don't have to isn't strength. It's just lonely.

I see this in my work every single day. People holding onto financial stress in silence. Not because they don't want relief. Because asking for help requires admitting something isn't working and that admission can feel like failure.

It isn't.



Every person you admire who has built something financially solid almost certainly had help along the way. A conversation that shifted their thinking. Someone who helped them see what they couldn't see on their own. Nobody does it completely alone. We just don't talk about that part.

If you're carrying something right now, whether it's debt, a business that isn't paying you what you deserve, or a money conversation you've been avoiding, know that asking for help isn't the hard part. It's the beginning.

Beginnings are worth everything.

THREE JULY BUDGET

CONSIDERATIONS

• Pet Expenses- Summer is prime time for pet care costs. Boarding fees, grooming appointments, and flea and tick prevention all tend to peak in July. If you're traveling or spending more time outdoors with your furry family members, make sure your pet care costs have their own line in your budget before the summer is in full swing.

• Summer Reading and Enrichment Programs- The school year just ended and the last thing on your mind is spending money on learning. But summer reading programs, online courses, activity kits, and enrichment subscriptions have a way of adding up quietly. A little planning now means your kids stay engaged without your bank account taking a surprise hit.

• Neighborhood and Community Events- Block parties, pool memberships, fireworks nights, farmers markets and community festivals are some of the best parts of summer. They also rarely make it into anyone's budget. Set aside a small fun fund at the start of July so you can say yes to the moments that matter without the guilt that comes with unplanned spending. 

What would you add to this list? Tell me!

Our household has been a one car family for at least a month now. My husband has a motorcycle he can ride, but that hasn't always been a workable option. Earlier this year when we faced this same situation, I rented a car. I walked for a few days too, but if I'm honest, that's about as far outside my comfort zone as I was willing to go. Not to mention, the price of fuel is pretty high for many.

The more I sat with this challenge, the more I realized just how many options exist between "drive everywhere yourself" and "be stranded." Here's what I've come up with since then.

1.        Borrow a vehicle. Parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents might have an extra car sitting in a driveway that rarely gets used. It costs nothing but a conversation and a thank you.

2.        Rent a car. Not the most economical option, but a smart one if you need to transport more than just yourself, or if the timeline is short and predictable.

3.        Ride a Lime scooter. Also, not the cheapest option per mile, but it will get you where you're going quickly, especially for short trips around town.

4.        Ride a bike. A great option to get yourself where you need to go. Just make sure you have a helmet and a lock so it's still there when you come back out.

5.        Use public transportation. Spokane Transit offers kids 18 and under ride free rides, and adults pay just $2.00. That is one of the most underused resources in our city, and it deserves more attention than it gets.

6.        Take advantage of student bus routes. Just because a teenager turns 16 doesn't mean they need their own car right away. Many districts offer transportation specifically for students and using it can delay a significant expense for a few more years.

7.        Carpool with friends/family. When you and someone you know are heading to the same place, explore opportunities to carpool. This works really well for me because I like to drive. I have two scenarios this week where I someone will be riding with me, saving them on fuel expenses and giving us extra time to visit!

Here's what I've noticed about how we think about transportation. We tend to think in extremes. Either you drive something expensive, or you're stuck with an unreliable beater. But after spending some time in the market recently, I've found there is a whole middle ground we often overlook. Facebook Marketplace, for example, has plenty of beautifully maintained, previously owned vehicles available at reasonable prices. You must be willing to look, do due diligence and negotiate your price.



The bigger lesson in all of this isn't really about cars. It's about flexibility. When we get locked into one way of thinking about a problem, we miss the options sitting right in front of us. Transportation, like most areas of our financial life, has more paths forward than we usually give it credit for.

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Momentum Coaching & Consulting Summer Book Club- This group meets virtually starting on Wednesday, July 22 at noon (PT). This session will focus on the book: Real Self Care written by Pooja Lakshmin. Registration is required. Investment: Free

Nourish Conference- This in person conference takes place on Saturday, September 19 from 8 am-4 pm at MODE in Liberty Lake. This is a full-day experience designed to reconnect you with yourself, your body and with others. Early bird registration available through June 30. Early Bird investment: $150/person (Discounts available)