Unpacking the mysteries of credit scores, CPA financial planner and money coach Kelley Long reveals the truth behind those three-digit numbers that can have such an impact on our financial lives. This episode explores common misconceptions, practical strategies, and insider insights about credit reporting that every listener should know.

Discover how credit scores really work, what factors truly matter, and how to navigate the complex world of financial reporting. Kelley breaks down the system in a way that's both informative and actionable.

This episode offers valuable perspectives that could transform your approach to personal finance, including answering the questions:

• Why did my credit score drop when I paid off a debt and should I be worried?
• What should I do with a credit card once I've paid it off? Shouldn't I keep a balance on it for the best score?
• What's the best way to build a long credit history that keeps my credit score up but also serves my financial wellness?
• Should I be worried about the drop to my credit score from the hard inquiry of opening a balance transfer card?
• And more

Tune in to gain the knowledge that could save you money and stress.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• www.annualcreditreport.com
• FICO Score versions

In this episode of Financial Bliss with Kelley Long, we dive into one of the most powerful productivity tools out there: the Eisenhower Matrix. Named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this simple yet transformative framework helps you prioritize tasks by urgency and importance, ensuring you focus on what truly drives your goals forward. Whether you're overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list or struggling to decide where to direct your energy, the Eisenhower Matrix provides a clear roadmap for making better decisions and staying on track.

Tune in as host Kelley Long breaks down each quadrant of the Matrix and shows you how to use it to streamline your workflow, cut through distractions, and supercharge your goal-setting process. Learn practical strategies to tackle high-priority tasks, delegate what doesn’t require your immediate attention, and finally, say goodbye to procrastination. If you’re ready to take control of your time and achieve more with less stress, this episode is for you!

Mentioned in this podcast:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

In this episode, Kelley Long opens up about the emotional and personal journey of navigating a major life transition—choosing to remain child-free after years of pursuing parenthood. Through this vulnerable storytelling, she reflects on the process of grieving an imagined future and finding peace with a new direction. Kelley explores how this personal experience has shaped her understanding of self-discovery, acceptance, and how these themes apply not only to life’s emotional decisions but also to the emotional side of managing money. She encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty, letting go of rigid timelines and expectations, and instead exploring new possibilities with curiosity and flexibility.

Kelley shares insights into how she and her husband reimagined their life together after realizing that having children wasn’t in the cards. This required confronting their financial and lifestyle decisions—many of which were made with parenthood in mind—and shifting their focus toward new, unexpected opportunities. From making decisions about spending and saving to trying out new ventures like buying a second home or pursuing hobbies, Kelley discusses the importance of small steps and mindful exploration. She emphasizes that it’s okay to take time to adjust and to allow yourself to explore without pressure, helping you find a path that aligns with your values and goals.

Ultimately, Kelley ties this personal journey back to the financial realm by illustrating how emotional clarity can drive better financial decisions. Whether it’s overcoming impulse spending, shifting from scarcity to abundance, or overcoming fears around money, the key is aligning your financial habits with a larger sense of purpose. Through self-awareness and a mindset shift, Kelley helps listeners move from financial stress to financial bliss by making decisions that reflect their true desires, both emotionally and financially.