Client Q & A
1. Has the Verdi Budgeting Template been helpful?
How so?
The Verdi Budgeting Template is both comprehensive and intuitive. I like that I can customize my categories and that I can see my income/expense/goals all in the template.
- Kathy
We feel it has been helpful! Prior to using the template / system we looked at our expenses versus our income but never really understood where the money was going. On paper it looked like we would have so much extra income to put towards our debts that wasn't actually there. Once we started using the Verdi Budgeting Template and categorized our expenses we were able to get a grasp of what we were actually spending money on. It's becoming a game / competition for us trying to lower certain expense areas in the next month!
- Kara & Matt
The Verdi Budgeting template has been super helpful! I've tracked my own bills in the past to make sure I pay them all, but tracking my daily expenses has made me so much more aware of what I'm actually spending day to day. Having this template ready to go with categories, goals, and expenses vs incoming money has been a really helpful tool. When this setup is built in for me, I'm more likely to keep up with daily & monthly tracking.
- Lisa
2. How does the Verdi approach to budget feel different to other things you've tried?
We've tried meeting with other financial advisors / coaches, we've tried apps and websites such as MINT and YNAB (you need a budget). We always felt lost using those other options with no real guidance. The Verdi approach feels different because it holds us accountable for our actions! Also - having a neutral 3rd party available to answer questions is great! Kara and I discuss things with each other but having Caroline available to answer questions holds us accountable as well. It makes us think about our purchases and whether or not we feel guilty about telling her, we know it isn't a good choice to buy.
- Kara & Matt
The difference between the Verdi approach and everything else I've tried is that it's non-judgmental, realistic, and considers the value of not just what things cost, but how they impact my life in an emotional way. Money and spending can be an emotional thing, and Verdi recognizes that and takes out the drama, and the pressure I put on myself. The answer isn't that I need to cut out all the expenses that seem unnecessary (vacations, dining out, yoga classes, etc), but if they contribute to my quality of life and happiness, there are ways to evaluate and adjust my spending so I can fit these things into my life & budget without having to feel guilty about it!
- Lisa
3. Do you feel like the Verdi approach is/will be easier to use in the future?
4. Anything else budgeting related that you'd like to share?
I think so, we will continue to use the template year over year, we'll be excited to compare previous years expenses to current expenses to see where we've improved or gotten worse!
- Kara & Matt
The Verdi approach has definitely set me up for having a better relationship with my finances going forward. I have a better sense of exactly where my money is going, and having tools set up for me like the personal budget template make it easier for me to keep track of my spending and saving. I feel more prepared to prioritize my spending & saving, and how to adjust my goals as they shift in the future.
Having a professional in the money world take an objective look at my financial situation was incredibly valuable for me, especially because in the past, I either wasn't operating at a high enough level to qualify for financial advice, or I couldn't afford it. Caroline is incredibly understanding and patient, and she breaks down my confusion and money stress in a way that I feel more knowledgeable, prepared, and in control of my finances. I'm grateful for the perspective and the tips and tools she has given me. Thanks Verdi!
- Jo