Emily Promise

It’s back-to-school season. For parents, that means new clothes, school supplies, fall sports registrations, activity fees and the inevitable last-minute trip to the store for something you forgot. As you watch all of those expenses add up, have you ever stopped to think about what it actually costs to raise a child? According to a 2025 study by SmartAsset, Massachusetts ranked as the most expensive state in the country to raise a young child. Using data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the study estimated…

Last month, we explored why planning ahead is one of the most important steps toward long-term financial success. While planning ahead is always ideal, financial success isn’t determined by when you start; it’s determined by whether you have a coordinated plan for where you're going. I’ve found that many families don't have a savings problem; they have a planning problem. They've done an excellent job accumulating wealth over the years — built successful careers, purchased homes, invested consistently and even owned businesses. Despite their financial…

No big travel plans needed when you can spend summer in Marblehead. After a long New England winter, summer often reminds us to slow down and appreciate what matters most. Many of the same principles that help create a memorable summer can also help build a stronger financial future. Current financial columnist Emily Promise / COURTESY PHOTO Plan ahead Whether it's securing a vacation rental, planning a family trip, signing children up for summer programs or organizing time with friends and family, a little preparation…

Over the past several decades, women have made remarkable progress in education, careers and leadership. However, when it comes to personal finances, many still tend to take on a more passive role. The reality is this: financial confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from being engaged, asking the right questions and having a clear understanding of where you stand. Whether you are single, married, divorced or widowed, your financial life deserves your attention. Emily Promise, president of Blakely Financial, is the newest columnist…

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, this month’s column focuses on money conversations in relationships. One of the most common hot-button topics in any partnership is finances. When couples talk about money, the discussion often centers on the everyday: mortgage payments, grocery bills, vacations and perhaps the occasional splurge. But one of the most important and frequently overlooked aspects is the broader financial picture. Investment decisions, in particular, can quietly become a source of misunderstanding, even in otherwise strong relationships. Not necessarily because couples disagree…

January arrives each year with a sense of possibility. It’s the month of clean slates, ambitious resolutions and renewed motivation, especially when it comes to money. Advertisements urge us to “start fresh,” social media celebrates dramatic financial transformations and many people feel an unspoken pressure to fix everything at once. While the energy of a new year can be helpful, many of the ideas surrounding January money moves are rooted in myths. These misconceptions can lead to rushed decisions, unrealistic expectations and frustration when progress…