Life After 18

01/28/2026

01/26/2026

Have y’all ever heard of this??? I swear I learn something new every day! 👍🤠

Yes — it’s a real thing: “exploding” trees are possible in Dakota County tonight into Friday. 🌳❄️

As temperatures plunge below about –20°F, sap inside trees can freeze and expand faster than the wood can flex — sometimes causing a sudden crack or bang that sounds like a gunshot.

A few things to know:
• It usually happens overnight, when temps fall fastest
• Older or stressed trees are more vulnerable
• It’s dramatic, but rarely dangerous — just startling

So if you hear a loud boom in the middle of the night, it may not be fireworks or a transformer — it could just be a tree reacting to the cold.

Another reminder that Minnesota winter does not mess around.

Now I’m headed to Hockey Day Minnesota here in Dakota County — a little chill in the air and exploding trees aren’t keeping me home.
If I come across any exploded trees, we’ll save them for hockey sticks. 🏒❄️

01/26/2026

🙏💖

01/26/2026

Straight talk about relationships: Sometimes the person who seems "perfect on paper" isn't perfect for YOU.

I used to think finding the right partner was about checking two or three simple boxes:

✓ Good job
✓ Nice to your friends
✓ Says the right things

But here's what I learned the hard way: Your gut knows things your simple checklist doesn't.

That person might look great on paper, but if something feels off when you're with them—if you find yourself constantly explaining away small disrespects or feeling like you can't fully be yourself—that's data too. Actually, that's some of the MOST important data.

I've talked to so many people who said, "Looking back, I knew something wasn't right. I just didn't want to admit it."

Don't be that person.

This Valentine's season, instead of settling for someone who checks a few boxes, get clear on what YOU actually NEED to feel respected, valued, and genuinely happy.

Need help figuring that out? Download my FREE "Perfect Match Worksheet and Sample." It'll help you identify:

• Your core values in relationships
• Your absolute must-haves
• Your deal-breakers (the things you WON'T compromise on)

👉Get your worksheet now: https://zurl.co/fYtTl

When you know what matters most to YOU, trusting your gut becomes so much easier.

So, what's one green flag you've learned to look for in relationships?
🚩💚

01/26/2026

Thoughts?
IMO, this is wrong…this simple math proves it.

I get it, we don’t make pennies anymore. Totally fine. But if you owe me $0.02 and you don’t have pennies… that feels like a you problem, not a me problem.
My change at Walmart was supposed to be $1.57. Instead, I got $1.55. Will two cents ruin my day? No. Will I survive? Yes. But let me teach yall some math… If 50 people get shorted $0.02, that’s a whole $1.00. If it’s $0.04? Walmart makes $2.00. Now imagine how many times that happened today across the world.
I’m not usually a complainer on social media, but this rubbed me the wrong way. My money is MY money. I don’t care if it’s only two cents… it’s my two cents, and I’d like it back.

01/25/2026

Is It Really Your Bank? 3 Warning Signs It's a Scam

Recently, there’s been an increase in scams where criminals are posing as bank representatives and other trusted organizations to steal personal information or money. They may reach out by phone, text, email or even in person. Recognizing the warning signs can help keep you safe.
Be aware of these red flags:

1. Spoofed phone numbers and emails
Scammers can make contact details look legitimate. If you suspect it could be a scam, tell the caller you’ll call them back. Hang up and call your bank using a verified number.

2. Pressure to move money fast
Never send money to yourself or someone you don’t know via peer-to-peer payment platforms like Zelle®, gift cards or wire transfers.

3.Unexpected in-person visits
Banks will never send someone to collect account details in person. Anyone claiming to do so is a scammer.

What should you do if you suspect a scam?

This is the advice I received from U.S. Bank:
They will never contact you to ask for sensitive personal information or ask you to send money to yourself.

If you are a U.S. Bank customer and you think you’ve been a victim of a scam, let them know right away. The U.S. Bank fraud department number is: 877 595 6256.

All banks have a fraud department number listed on their official websites. You may also go into a brick and mortar branch for assistance.

Keep your eyes open for these posts. Share them with someone who needs to see them. And remember: if something feels urgent and scary, that's exactly when you need to slow down and verify.

Have you or someone you know been targeted by a scam? Feel free to share your story in the comments—we can all learn from each other.

01/24/2026

Concerned about your young adult's financial readiness? These banking basics are what every parent wishes they'd taught before their child left home.

Ready to Build Stronger Financial Foundations?

Financial independence starts with understanding these basics—but it doesn't end here. Whether you're navigating your first bank account or helping a young person in your life prepare for financial independence, solid banking knowledge is just the beginning.

Take the Next Step:
📖 Get the complete guide: "Life After 18" available on Amazon
💻 Dive deeper with our comprehensive online Banking lesson at https://zurl.co/QmYzy
🎤 Want to bring this training to your organization or group? Contact me to discuss presentation options

(LINKS in profile!)

What banking mistake do you wish someone had warned you about? Share your experience in the comments below.

01/23/2026

Yes. 🙏🇺🇸

01/23/2026