Money decisions shouldn't feel like guesswork.

It might sound counter intuitive, but financial education and knowledge actually have little to do with money, at least directly or initially. Financial education for each of us should start with first identifying your life goals, dreams, and values, and only then you can “work backward” to set up a financial plan that can actually help make these aspirations a reality.

Financial knowledge can help you better create the life of your choice, and with it, security, confidence, and peace of mind. More generally, financial knowledge is power, and helps make families and communities stronger and more knowledgeable.

I offer free, no-strings-attached financial education sessions to anyone who wants it. No question is too basic. There are NO sales pitches, and there is NO requirement to share ANY personal financial information.

Why am I offering this to you?

I'm a candidate Certified Financial Planner (CFP) (board exam passed, currently completing my required Experience hours). These free education sessions count toward the required Experience hours for my CFP certification.

I already provide pro bono financial education (thus gaining more Experience hours) with Savvy Ladies (which provides women free financial education and Helplines to build their financial knowledge and confidence). I will also soon begin pro bono work with the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (free tax prep for the underserved, lower income, disabled, elderly, and limited English speakers).

Hopefully, our discussion will enhance your financial knowledge so that you can navigate your financial future.

I can't give you personalized advice, but I can help untangle concepts that seem confusing or intimidating.

My education might help those of you who are . . .

• Just starting out and hope for a solid foundation before diving into the world of personal finance.

• Already possessing a decent financial background and already making one's own financial decisions, and would like to bounce ideas off me.

• Already working with a financial professional and need a bit more education so that your meetings are more efficient.

Sign up for a free chat, and if you want send me your questions ahead of time and I'll come prepared.

Here are some common questions/situations I am often asked about, to give you just a sample:

• Basic budgeting and cash flow

• Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA — what's the difference?

• An uncommon tax situation that's got you stumped

• The different paths to planning for retirement

• What a 401(k) match means and how much to contribute

• Whether an HSA is worth using, and how it works

• What is the difference between between the various financial professional roles: financial advisor, CFP, investment advisor, wealth advisor, etc.

• What "diversification" actually means, in plain English

• How compound interest works over time

• What affects your credit score,

• What is the difference between a stock and a bond?

• Budgeting concepts such as the 50/30/20 rule, investing concepts such as asset classes/index funds/the role of inflation, retirement concepts such as the 4% rule.

• How life insurance works and which type might work best for your situation

• Debt payoff strategies: avalanche vs. snowball

• Estate planning basics — wills, trusts, and the difference