Harris Financial Coaching Blog

My daughter and I decided to unplug. No screens. No noise. No deadlines. Just us, the trail, the trees, and enough space to breathe. Sometimes we do not realize how much we are carrying until everything gets quiet. Sometimes peace begins when we pause long enough to notice what is already around us. In Japan, this practice is called shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.

Sometimes the best part of a trip is not the big-ticket attraction. It is the place you wander into for food, then end up staying because every corner has something different to see. That was Ponce City Market for us in Atlanta. We visited three times during our three-day trip because it was close to everything and gave us a little bit of everything: food, desserts, local shops, rooftop views, vintage finds, and easy access to the Atlanta BeltLine.

Tybee Island is just outside historic Savannah and is known for its beaches, lighthouse, seafood, and coastal feel. The official Tybee Island visitor guide describes it as a coastal escape with several beach areas, including North Beach, Mid Beach, Back River Beach, South Beach, and Little Tybee Island. For this trip, we spent about $500 total for a four-day getaway, and the biggest reason it worked was that we planned before we packed.

When a veteran finally receives a 100% Permanent and Total disability rating, it can feel like the end of a long fight. The monthly VA compensation matters. It can stabilize a household, reduce financial pressure, and help a family breathe again. But for Florida veterans, that monthly payment is not the full story.

Military families often know how to stretch a dollar because they have had to. Between moves, deployments, family visits, school schedules, and tight vacation windows, travel is rarely as simple as picking a destination and booking the first price that pops up. But here is what I have learned as a veteran, military spouse, financial counselor, and someone who loves to travel: many military families are paying full price while earned benefits sit unused.

Taking control of your financial future can feel overwhelming, especially when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Whether you’re managing a household budget, planning for your family’s future, or navigating the unique financial landscape of military life, having a trusted partner to guide you can make all the difference. That’s where financial coaching steps in.

If your budget feels tight, your savings feel scattered, and you are unsure where investing fits, that is often the ideal time to get support. You do not need to wait until things are “perfect” to start organizing and improving your financial life.

As we enter 2026, many professionals are rethinking what success really means. In this month’s feature, Annette Harris shares how to turn your paycheck into purpose, balancing financial goals with fulfillment and peace of mind. Discover how small shifts in your career and money habits can lead to a more intentional, rewarding life.