Drew Curtis
@drwcrts.bsky.social
Financial coach and mortgage loan officer helping people get their money right
Want to simplify your budget?
We use a simple 3-bucket system:
1. Bills + Needs
2. Goals
3. Fun Money
Want to learn how to set this up?
I’m breaking it all down in tomorrow’s On The Money newsletter.
Subscribe here 👇
We use a simple 3-bucket system:
1. Bills + Needs
2. Goals
3. Fun Money
Want to learn how to set this up?
I’m breaking it all down in tomorrow’s On The Money newsletter.
Subscribe here 👇
On the Money | Drew Curtis | Substack
Hitting the mark on money, every time. Click to read On the Money, by Drew Curtis, a Substack publication. Launched 18 days ago.
open.substack.com
May 31, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Want to simplify your budget?
We use a simple 3-bucket system:
1. Bills + Needs
2. Goals
3. Fun Money
Want to learn how to set this up?
I’m breaking it all down in tomorrow’s On The Money newsletter.
Subscribe here 👇
We use a simple 3-bucket system:
1. Bills + Needs
2. Goals
3. Fun Money
Want to learn how to set this up?
I’m breaking it all down in tomorrow’s On The Money newsletter.
Subscribe here 👇
The more automated your finances, the less you rely on willpower.
May 27, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The more automated your finances, the less you rely on willpower.
You're not overspending. You're spending without clarity.
May 20, 2025 at 12:52 AM
You're not overspending. You're spending without clarity.
If budgeting feels like punishment, you’re doing it wrong.
🚫 Budgeting = No fun
✅ Budgeting = Saying yes to what matters most
🚫 Budgeting = No fun
✅ Budgeting = Saying yes to what matters most
May 12, 2025 at 4:19 PM
If budgeting feels like punishment, you’re doing it wrong.
🚫 Budgeting = No fun
✅ Budgeting = Saying yes to what matters most
🚫 Budgeting = No fun
✅ Budgeting = Saying yes to what matters most
Every day I talk to people who make good money but still feel broke.
Why?
- They’re avoiding debt
- Don’t know what they’re spending
- Or wildest of all — they don’t know how much they make
A little awareness goes a long way when it comes to taking control of your money.
Why?
- They’re avoiding debt
- Don’t know what they’re spending
- Or wildest of all — they don’t know how much they make
A little awareness goes a long way when it comes to taking control of your money.
May 6, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Every day I talk to people who make good money but still feel broke.
Why?
- They’re avoiding debt
- Don’t know what they’re spending
- Or wildest of all — they don’t know how much they make
A little awareness goes a long way when it comes to taking control of your money.
Why?
- They’re avoiding debt
- Don’t know what they’re spending
- Or wildest of all — they don’t know how much they make
A little awareness goes a long way when it comes to taking control of your money.
The best financial plans are the ones you can set and forget.
When your system runs in the background, you free up mental space for the big picture.
🧵
When your system runs in the background, you free up mental space for the big picture.
🧵
April 17, 2025 at 3:34 PM
The best financial plans are the ones you can set and forget.
When your system runs in the background, you free up mental space for the big picture.
🧵
When your system runs in the background, you free up mental space for the big picture.
🧵
A personal finance dashboard is one of the best ways to stay organized and in control of your money.
It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated, just consistent and clear.
Here’s what to include 👇
It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated, just consistent and clear.
Here’s what to include 👇
April 16, 2025 at 2:13 PM
A personal finance dashboard is one of the best ways to stay organized and in control of your money.
It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated, just consistent and clear.
Here’s what to include 👇
It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated, just consistent and clear.
Here’s what to include 👇
Want to reach your financial goals and actually retire one day?
Prioritize saving and investing.
The key: automate it so you don’t have to think about it.
Here are the easiest ways to automate your savings:
🧵
Prioritize saving and investing.
The key: automate it so you don’t have to think about it.
Here are the easiest ways to automate your savings:
🧵
April 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Want to reach your financial goals and actually retire one day?
Prioritize saving and investing.
The key: automate it so you don’t have to think about it.
Here are the easiest ways to automate your savings:
🧵
Prioritize saving and investing.
The key: automate it so you don’t have to think about it.
Here are the easiest ways to automate your savings:
🧵
Want a simpler money system?
You really only need 3 accounts. 👇
🧵
You really only need 3 accounts. 👇
🧵
April 14, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Want a simpler money system?
You really only need 3 accounts. 👇
🧵
You really only need 3 accounts. 👇
🧵
Most people don’t need a financial advisor to manage their investments.
Their fees can eat into your returns and they often underperform simple strategies like total market index funds or target date funds.
If you want help, look for a fee-only advisor, not one earning commissions.
Their fees can eat into your returns and they often underperform simple strategies like total market index funds or target date funds.
If you want help, look for a fee-only advisor, not one earning commissions.
April 11, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Most people don’t need a financial advisor to manage their investments.
Their fees can eat into your returns and they often underperform simple strategies like total market index funds or target date funds.
If you want help, look for a fee-only advisor, not one earning commissions.
Their fees can eat into your returns and they often underperform simple strategies like total market index funds or target date funds.
If you want help, look for a fee-only advisor, not one earning commissions.
Worried about all the market volatility right now?
Zoom out.
The market can swing wildly day to day, but if you’re in it for the long haul, stick to the plan, stay consistent, and let time do the work.
Stay calm, zoom out, and relax 😎
Zoom out.
The market can swing wildly day to day, but if you’re in it for the long haul, stick to the plan, stay consistent, and let time do the work.
Stay calm, zoom out, and relax 😎
April 10, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Worried about all the market volatility right now?
Zoom out.
The market can swing wildly day to day, but if you’re in it for the long haul, stick to the plan, stay consistent, and let time do the work.
Stay calm, zoom out, and relax 😎
Zoom out.
The market can swing wildly day to day, but if you’re in it for the long haul, stick to the plan, stay consistent, and let time do the work.
Stay calm, zoom out, and relax 😎
Traditional vs. Roth (401k or IRA):
📌 Traditional = Contribute pre-tax → Pay taxes when you withdraw
📌 Roth = Contribute after-tax → Withdraw tax-free in retirement
Both have pros and cons. I like using a mix to get the best of both.
📌 Traditional = Contribute pre-tax → Pay taxes when you withdraw
📌 Roth = Contribute after-tax → Withdraw tax-free in retirement
Both have pros and cons. I like using a mix to get the best of both.
April 9, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Traditional vs. Roth (401k or IRA):
📌 Traditional = Contribute pre-tax → Pay taxes when you withdraw
📌 Roth = Contribute after-tax → Withdraw tax-free in retirement
Both have pros and cons. I like using a mix to get the best of both.
📌 Traditional = Contribute pre-tax → Pay taxes when you withdraw
📌 Roth = Contribute after-tax → Withdraw tax-free in retirement
Both have pros and cons. I like using a mix to get the best of both.
How much do you need to retire?
It depends.
⏳ When do you want to stop working?
🏝️ What kind of lifestyle do you want?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the earlier you start saving and investing, the easier that future becomes 😎
It depends.
⏳ When do you want to stop working?
🏝️ What kind of lifestyle do you want?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the earlier you start saving and investing, the easier that future becomes 😎
April 8, 2025 at 2:44 PM
How much do you need to retire?
It depends.
⏳ When do you want to stop working?
🏝️ What kind of lifestyle do you want?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the earlier you start saving and investing, the easier that future becomes 😎
It depends.
⏳ When do you want to stop working?
🏝️ What kind of lifestyle do you want?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the earlier you start saving and investing, the easier that future becomes 😎
The best time to start saving for retirement?
Your very first paycheck.
The next best time to start saving for retirement?
Now!
Your very first paycheck.
The next best time to start saving for retirement?
Now!
April 7, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The best time to start saving for retirement?
Your very first paycheck.
The next best time to start saving for retirement?
Now!
Your very first paycheck.
The next best time to start saving for retirement?
Now!
One of the biggest investing mistakes? Depositing money into an account but not actually investing it.
Opening an account is step one. Choosing investments is step two.
Make sure your money is working for you so you don’t miss out on compound growth! 🚀
Opening an account is step one. Choosing investments is step two.
Make sure your money is working for you so you don’t miss out on compound growth! 🚀
March 28, 2025 at 2:38 PM
One of the biggest investing mistakes? Depositing money into an account but not actually investing it.
Opening an account is step one. Choosing investments is step two.
Make sure your money is working for you so you don’t miss out on compound growth! 🚀
Opening an account is step one. Choosing investments is step two.
Make sure your money is working for you so you don’t miss out on compound growth! 🚀
🚀 One of the best-kept secrets in retirement planning? The HSA (Health Savings Account).
✅ Contributions = tax-free ✅ Growth = tax-free ✅ Withdrawals = tax-free (after 65)
Only available with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), but a great way to invest more & pay less tax!
✅ Contributions = tax-free ✅ Growth = tax-free ✅ Withdrawals = tax-free (after 65)
Only available with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), but a great way to invest more & pay less tax!
March 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM
🚀 One of the best-kept secrets in retirement planning? The HSA (Health Savings Account).
✅ Contributions = tax-free ✅ Growth = tax-free ✅ Withdrawals = tax-free (after 65)
Only available with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), but a great way to invest more & pay less tax!
✅ Contributions = tax-free ✅ Growth = tax-free ✅ Withdrawals = tax-free (after 65)
Only available with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), but a great way to invest more & pay less tax!
Ready to invest? Here’s where to start:
1️⃣ Contribute to your 401(k)/403(b) up to the employer match (free money!) 2️⃣ Max out a Roth IRA 3️⃣ Max your 401(k) 4️⃣ Invest in a brokerage account
💡 Use a target-date fund or low-cost index funds. Stick to this, and you’re on the right track!
1️⃣ Contribute to your 401(k)/403(b) up to the employer match (free money!) 2️⃣ Max out a Roth IRA 3️⃣ Max your 401(k) 4️⃣ Invest in a brokerage account
💡 Use a target-date fund or low-cost index funds. Stick to this, and you’re on the right track!
March 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Ready to invest? Here’s where to start:
1️⃣ Contribute to your 401(k)/403(b) up to the employer match (free money!) 2️⃣ Max out a Roth IRA 3️⃣ Max your 401(k) 4️⃣ Invest in a brokerage account
💡 Use a target-date fund or low-cost index funds. Stick to this, and you’re on the right track!
1️⃣ Contribute to your 401(k)/403(b) up to the employer match (free money!) 2️⃣ Max out a Roth IRA 3️⃣ Max your 401(k) 4️⃣ Invest in a brokerage account
💡 Use a target-date fund or low-cost index funds. Stick to this, and you’re on the right track!
It’s never too early to start investing, even if it’s just small amounts.
💰 Low income? Invest.
💳 Have debt? Invest.
🧑🎓 Too young? Nope - invest.
Once you see how fast it grows you’ll wish you started sooner.
💰 Low income? Invest.
💳 Have debt? Invest.
🧑🎓 Too young? Nope - invest.
Once you see how fast it grows you’ll wish you started sooner.
March 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
It’s never too early to start investing, even if it’s just small amounts.
💰 Low income? Invest.
💳 Have debt? Invest.
🧑🎓 Too young? Nope - invest.
Once you see how fast it grows you’ll wish you started sooner.
💰 Low income? Invest.
💳 Have debt? Invest.
🧑🎓 Too young? Nope - invest.
Once you see how fast it grows you’ll wish you started sooner.
Saving alone won’t make you rich, you have to invest.
Start early, keep it simple and stay consistent.
The best time to start was yesterday.
The next best time? Today!
Start early, keep it simple and stay consistent.
The best time to start was yesterday.
The next best time? Today!
March 24, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Saving alone won’t make you rich, you have to invest.
Start early, keep it simple and stay consistent.
The best time to start was yesterday.
The next best time? Today!
Start early, keep it simple and stay consistent.
The best time to start was yesterday.
The next best time? Today!
The best way to split expenses as a couple (if you haven’t combined finances) depends on income.
💰 If incomes are similar → 50/50 split works.
📊 If one earns more → split based on % of income.
Know your numbers, have the convo, and figure out what works for both of you 🤝
💰 If incomes are similar → 50/50 split works.
📊 If one earns more → split based on % of income.
Know your numbers, have the convo, and figure out what works for both of you 🤝
March 21, 2025 at 2:13 PM
The best way to split expenses as a couple (if you haven’t combined finances) depends on income.
💰 If incomes are similar → 50/50 split works.
📊 If one earns more → split based on % of income.
Know your numbers, have the convo, and figure out what works for both of you 🤝
💰 If incomes are similar → 50/50 split works.
📊 If one earns more → split based on % of income.
Know your numbers, have the convo, and figure out what works for both of you 🤝
💰 Separate accounts or joint finances?
It depends!
Combining makes life easier, but it’s not a must.
Some couples keep separate accounts for personal spending while sharing joint expenses.
There is no right answer, but as always, communication is the key.
What works for you?
It depends!
Combining makes life easier, but it’s not a must.
Some couples keep separate accounts for personal spending while sharing joint expenses.
There is no right answer, but as always, communication is the key.
What works for you?
March 20, 2025 at 2:06 PM
💰 Separate accounts or joint finances?
It depends!
Combining makes life easier, but it’s not a must.
Some couples keep separate accounts for personal spending while sharing joint expenses.
There is no right answer, but as always, communication is the key.
What works for you?
It depends!
Combining makes life easier, but it’s not a must.
Some couples keep separate accounts for personal spending while sharing joint expenses.
There is no right answer, but as always, communication is the key.
What works for you?
The biggest money mistake I see couples make?
Waiting until there’s a problem to talk about it.
When emotions are high, it’s the worst time to have the money talk.
The best time?
Early and often.
Regular conversations = fewer surprises and fewer fights.
Waiting until there’s a problem to talk about it.
When emotions are high, it’s the worst time to have the money talk.
The best time?
Early and often.
Regular conversations = fewer surprises and fewer fights.
March 19, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The biggest money mistake I see couples make?
Waiting until there’s a problem to talk about it.
When emotions are high, it’s the worst time to have the money talk.
The best time?
Early and often.
Regular conversations = fewer surprises and fewer fights.
Waiting until there’s a problem to talk about it.
When emotions are high, it’s the worst time to have the money talk.
The best time?
Early and often.
Regular conversations = fewer surprises and fewer fights.
💰 Talking about money with your partner doesn’t have to lead to a fight.
Here are 3 ways to make it easier (and even fun!): 🧵👇
Here are 3 ways to make it easier (and even fun!): 🧵👇
March 18, 2025 at 3:38 PM
💰 Talking about money with your partner doesn’t have to lead to a fight.
Here are 3 ways to make it easier (and even fun!): 🧵👇
Here are 3 ways to make it easier (and even fun!): 🧵👇
Want to buy a house?
Start saving NOW, even if it’s just a little.
Building the habit early makes a huge difference when it’s time to buy.
Set up automatic transfers, open a dedicated account, and you’ll be ready when the right house comes along.
Start saving NOW, even if it’s just a little.
Building the habit early makes a huge difference when it’s time to buy.
Set up automatic transfers, open a dedicated account, and you’ll be ready when the right house comes along.
March 13, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Want to buy a house?
Start saving NOW, even if it’s just a little.
Building the habit early makes a huge difference when it’s time to buy.
Set up automatic transfers, open a dedicated account, and you’ll be ready when the right house comes along.
Start saving NOW, even if it’s just a little.
Building the habit early makes a huge difference when it’s time to buy.
Set up automatic transfers, open a dedicated account, and you’ll be ready when the right house comes along.
When you buy a home, your mortgage is just the start.
Other costs add up fast:
🏡 Property taxes
🛡️ Insurance & mortgage insurance
🏘️ HOA fees
🌱 Lawn care
🔧 Maintenance
Run the numbers first, homeownership gets expensive, and you don’t want to end up house poor.
Other costs add up fast:
🏡 Property taxes
🛡️ Insurance & mortgage insurance
🏘️ HOA fees
🌱 Lawn care
🔧 Maintenance
Run the numbers first, homeownership gets expensive, and you don’t want to end up house poor.
March 12, 2025 at 5:03 PM
When you buy a home, your mortgage is just the start.
Other costs add up fast:
🏡 Property taxes
🛡️ Insurance & mortgage insurance
🏘️ HOA fees
🌱 Lawn care
🔧 Maintenance
Run the numbers first, homeownership gets expensive, and you don’t want to end up house poor.
Other costs add up fast:
🏡 Property taxes
🛡️ Insurance & mortgage insurance
🏘️ HOA fees
🌱 Lawn care
🔧 Maintenance
Run the numbers first, homeownership gets expensive, and you don’t want to end up house poor.