Reduce Your Stress and Enhance Your Life With Our Expert Daily Money Management Services
Our services can be tailored to your individual situation. From basic consultation to full personal money management services, we have options to meet your needs and budget!
Estate & Digital Organization
Our robust Life Log methodology will help ensure your plan includes everything
Our estate & digital organization services use our Life Log methodology to help you meticulously organize and document your estate plans, finances, medical information, important contacts, vital records and more. Developed through our own extensive research and experience, the Life Log is a proven methodology designed to be all-inclusive, ensuring that every critical detail is accounted for.
Leave a lasting legacy for your children and loved ones
With Life Log, you are giving your children an invaluable gift. When the time comes for them to step in and act on your behalf or execute your estate, they will have a clear, organized record of all essential information, significantly reducing their stress and uncertainty. This thoughtful preparation allows them to focus on what truly matters during a difficult time, knowing that everything is in order and easily accessible.
The Life Log is more than just a service; it’s a gift that provides comfort and support to your loved ones when they need it most.
Estate & Digital Organization Packages
Estate and Digital Organization services are offered through annual packages with different levels of support so you can choose the option that fits your needs and budget. Choose the level of support you need, and switch to a different package next year if your needs change.
Don’t see a package that fits your needs? No problem! We also offer flexible consulting services at an hourly rate that can be tailored to meet your needs.
View Life Log Package details
Our Life Log packages include the following premium features:
Access to Life log Methodology:
Documenting your whole life can be overwhelming, but the Life Log Roadmap breaks it up into manageable pieces. Each quarter, you complete a part of the Life Log, and over 12 months, you’ll have documented everything. Or go faster… it’s all up to you!
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Detailed Life Log roadmap
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Exhaustive checklists of items, contacts, and documents to capture in each category
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Reviews of digital and physical platforms to store your documentation with discount codes
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Additional recommended actions for each phase
Expert support to guide you through the process:
Whether you need a little advice or someone to help do the legwork, we are committed to helping you succeed! We have deep expertise based on years of experience and research. Let’s work together to achieve that amazing feeling of having a solid plan in place for your children or loved ones!
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Review of your individual situation with tailored recommendations on items to capture and follow-up actions to take
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Recommendations for digital and physical tools to keep your information organized and secure
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Software overview and support
Discounted account with one of our recommended vault software partners:
For those who want a digital solution, we’ve got you covered! We have done the research for you and have partnered with the most robust and complete digital vault solutions on the market to make your selection easy and offer your exclusive discounts!
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Advanced security
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AI-based autofill features
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Unlimited collaborators
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Search
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Automated Monitoring and Reminders
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Computer, Tablet, and Mobile access
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All Life Log information in one place
Estate & Digital Organization Packages
BUDGET FRIENDLY support
Life Log Basic
For clients who just need a little guidance and support from an expert.
$360
one-time charge
Up to 3 hours of expert guidance as you set up your plan
Includes:
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Detailed Life Log roadmap
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Access to discounted rate in one of our recommended software platforms (not included)
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Up to 3 hours of scheduled one-on-one consulting support from an expert to help your family organize with ease
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Option to add on more expert support at the current hourly consulting rate
do it for me!
Life Log Premium
You provide the documents… we do the rest!
$720
one-time charge
Our expert will set up your plan for you
Includes:
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Detailed life Log roadmap
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Access to discounted rate in one of our recommended software platforms (not included)
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Our expert will meet with you one-on-one to understand your situation and provide personalized recommendations
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Our expert will organize and document your information in the platform you choose
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Assistance with follow-up actions for Gold and Platinum clients
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10% discount for Gold and Platinum clients!
preserve your legacy
Optional Add-On
Life Log Ongoing Support
We monitor your plan for you to make sure it stays up to date.
$300
per year
Monitoring, personal reminders, and semi-annual and as-needed updates
Includes:
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Proactive monitoring of items in your Life Log with personal reminders
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Regular touchpoints with your advisor to keep your Life Log up to date
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Assistance with follow-up actions for Gold and Platinum clients
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10% discount for Gold and Platinum clients!
Contact us for a free consultation to find the right plan for you.
Budgeting & Financial Planning
It’s not rocket science… it’s budgeting!
We get it… budgeting can seem overwhelming when you are underwater and trying to figure out how to keep up. Let us take the mystery out of it for you!
Take control of your finances
Our budgeting services take you through a structured, proven approach to take the guesswork out of your financial plan. Everything isn’t possible, but most reasonable things are possible with the right plan.
The key is to be realistic, understand the tradeoffs for any decision you make, and set a course for those decisions ahead of time with a balanced plan. Working together, our budgeting process will help you understand where your current financial patterns may not be aligned to your goals and priorities and provide you with options to achieve the balance that’s right for you.
Financial Planning Packages
Budgeting services are offered through packages with transparent pricing so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.
Need other types of help organizing your finances? We also offer flexible consulting services at an hourly rate that can be tailored to meet your needs.
View Budgeting Package details
Our Budgeting packages offer expert guidance through a structured process to create a realistic and balanced budget, savings plan, and cash flow strategy. Working as a team, our expert will lead you through each step, handle the detailed work to develop the plan, and ensure you review and confirm the results to accurately reflect your unique situation.
Phase 1: Set Financial Goals and Priorities
There is no one-size-fits-all budget solution. We will meet with you to get to know you, your lifestyle, concerns, priorities, and goals. We’ll document them in a way that helps us evaluate your spending to create a plan that’s right for you.
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Goal / Priority list
Phase 2: Evaluate the Current State
Buckle up for this phase!! It can be hard to take an honest look at ourselves, especially in an area we feel we are falling short. But trust us… it is so worth it!! Our expert advisor will provide an impartial perspective and help you understand the tradeoffs of different spending decisions without judgment. We’re here to help you be successful, and to do that means we have to have a clear understanding of reality!
In this phase we evaluate your accounts to help you understand your past income and spending patterns. We will compare those to the goals and priorities we set in the first phase and identify places where those patterns are keeping you from achieving your goals.
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Spending summary based on account history (preferably 2 years)
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Identify situations where your income and spending were not balanced
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Identify situations where your spending was not aligned to your goals & priorities, and the consequences / tradeoffs
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Recommendations for expenses that could be reduced, eliminated, or deferred to better align with priorities
Phase 3: Create the Plan
Time to take a deep breath… you made it past the hard part! In Phase 3, we take all those reality pills we had to swallow and turn them into future financial health. Our expert will create up to 3 options or iterations of a balanced plan that helps you understand what is realistic for you to achieve based on your priorities. A successful plan will always achieve these goals:
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Balanced budget (income covers expenses)
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Maintain positive cash flow (money comes in before it goes out)
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Understand amount that can be saved for things like emergency funds and long-term savings
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Include intentional levels of risk… planning for the unknown
Phase 4: Monitor & Evaluate
In this phase, the key word is “discipline”. You have taken the time to create a thoughtful plan that charts the path for achieving your goals! Trust us… if you stick to the plan you laid out, it will get you there!
If you’re thinking… “But what do I do when something unexpected comes up?”. That’s why Phase 4 is so important. No plan can perfectly predict the future. Income changes, expenses change, priorities change. Life happens. It is important to evaluate actuals against the plan to see where things didn’t go as planned, and ask ourselves why.
We will approach this question without judgment, but with the goal of understanding what changes we can make so that we can better plan for reality in the next cycle. Maybe we need to add in more money into an emergency fund. Maybe we need to add a source of income. Maybe we need to adjust our priorities or our timeline expectations on our savings goals. By thinking through these things now, we can determine what adjustments are needed going forward to avoid getting caught off-guard.
We suggest clients review and adjust their plan at least annually, but for some clients it may make more sense to do this more frequently (twice a year or quarterly). Of course, it’s also wise for clients to monitor their accounts against their budget monthly to catch any issues before they become a bigger problem.
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Budget vs. actual reporting
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Recommended options for changes to the plan for the next cycle
Budgeting Packages
get me started
Create the Plan
For those who need help getting started with a balanced budget.
$550
one-time charge
Up to 3 months of expert guidance through Phases 1-3
Includes:
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Complimentary account in our online budgeting & tracking platform for clients who add-on Monitoring and Reporting services
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Up to 3 plan options or iterations
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Tailored recommendations
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Documented plan with balanced budget, savings plan, and positive cash flow
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Scheduled virtual meetings as needed to create balanced plan
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Option for in-person meetings (travel charges apply)
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Complimentary for our Gold and Platinum clients!
help me stay on track
Optional Add-On
Refresh the Plan
Checkpoint for clients monitoring their own spending against their budget.
$300
per refresh
Plan refresh based on client’s own monitoring of budget vs. actuals.
Includes:
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Review and refresh of deliverables from original plan based on client’s own reporting of budget vs. actuals
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Tailored recommendations
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Updated plan with balanced budget, savings plan, and positive cash flow
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Up to 2 hours of virtual meetings
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Option for in-person meetings (travel charges apply)
do it for me!
Optional Add-On
Monitoring & Reporting
Full visibility… minimal effort.
$100
per month + $200 one-time setup charge
Full service monthly reporting and as-needed plan refreshes.
Includes:
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Complimentary account in our online budgeting & account tracking platform
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Monthly reporting on actuals vs. plan and account balances
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Notifications and recommendations when things get off-track
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Yearly / as-needed updates to plan
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Client portal website for easy access to plan and reporting information
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Reviews with family members and other advisors as requested
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Quarterly 30-minute review meetings as requested (virtual)
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Option for in-person meetings (travel charges apply)
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Complimentary for our Gold and Platinum clients!
Contact us for a free consultation to find the right plan for you.
Account Management
Our Account Management services keep your money secure and working for you!
Our Daily Money Management account services are designed to support your financial well-being with a personal touch. We’ll help you create a balanced budget and manage your bank accounts to ensure your money flows smoothly according to your plan. Your dedicated Daily Money Manager will take care of everything, from paying your bills and monitoring for fraud to resolving any issues that arise with your accounts or bills. We can even monitor your medical bills to make sure services are billed correctly and you are getting the insurance coverage you are entitled to.
A foundation of trust… We provide complete visibility and transparency for you and your loved ones
You and your loved ones will stay informed with regular reports and have full visibility of your financial information through your own online client portal. Let us be your trusted financial partner, simplifying your financial life and saving you money so you can focus on what matters most to you.
Plus, our Gold or Platinum Account Management packages include all the benefits of our budgeting packages and a 20% discount on our Full Service Estate Organization package.
Account Management Packages
Our Account Management services are offered through annual packages depending on the number of accounts and bills you need us to manage. All our packages include all the benefits of our budgeting packages and so much more! As a Gold or Platinum client, you will also enjoy a 20% discount on our Full Service Estate Organization services.
We understand everyone’s situation is different. If you need Account Management services but these packages do not quite fit your situation, we also offer flexible consulting services at an hourly rate that can be tailored to meet your needs.
View Account Management Package details
All of our Account Management packages include the following premium features:
Budgeting with ongoing monitoring and reporting:
A budget is at the foundation of our account management services. We will get to know you and work together with you on a plan that defines how you want your money to be managed. Then we will provide you complete visibility to how things are going compared to the plan. You are in complete control, but we do all the work for you!
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Balanced budget, savings, and positive cash flow plan based on your priorities and goals
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Monthly reporting on actuals vs. plan and account balances
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Notifications and recommendations when things get off-track
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Yearly / as-needed updates to plan
Personal bill payment service:
Advocate Money Management offers personal bill pay services that utilize the budget and cash flow plan we’ve developed together. We work with you to document your bills and we will take responsibility for ensuring they are paid securely and on time according to the plan. You decide which bills and other expenses you want us to manage, and let us handle the rest!
If a bill increases or an issue arises with a provider account, we will follow up with the provider on your behalf to resolve it. This service is especially beneficial for elderly clients who wish to maintain their independence and for other clients looking to reduce stress. With our personal bill pay services, you can be assured that your financial obligations are being managed efficiently and reliably.
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Automated bill pay set up and monitoring where available
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Electronic payments to individuals through ePay services on your behalf
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Recommendations for opportunities to reduce costs
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Follow up with providers for incorrect or unplanned charges and account issues
General consulting and account management:
Think of us as your personal financial concierge. We regularly oversee your bank accounts, insurance payments, and other financial accounts to ensure that all transactions align with the plan we’ve created together. If something unexpected occurs, we will follow up on your behalf to resolve any issues that arise.
With our support, you can have peace of mind knowing that your finances are being carefully monitored and managed.
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Unlimited support for client in assessing emails, texts, or other communications or requests for potential scams and fraud
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Regular monitoring of managed account communications via email (requires changing email contact information on managed accounts)
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Regular monitoring of your bank accounts for fraudulent and unauthorized transactions
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Support and follow up on your behalf when actions are required or issues arise with your accounts
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Tailored recommendations on additional tools and resources to help protect and control your finances
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Assemble tax information and provide to accountant to file taxes
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Assistance filling out basic financial information on paperwork
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Reviews with you, your family members, and other advisors as requested
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Coordination with other professionals such as accountants and attorneys as requested to ensure all parties are working together seamlessly in your best interest
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Client portal website to give you and your loved ones complete access to all your information
Account Management Base Packages
BUDGET FRIENDLY
Gold
For those with fewer accounts and bills.
$180
per month + $1400 one-time setup charge
Up to 2 bank accounts and 7 bills.
Includes:
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Full service personal account management for up to 4 accounts (1 checking, 1 savings, 1 e-pay, and 1 credit card)
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Monitoring and reporting for 2 personal accounts (1 client managed spend account and 1 investment account)
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Bill pay services for up to 8 bills
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Option to add on tailored consulting and research services for a 10% discount off the hourly rate
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10% discount off any Life Log package
most popular
Platinum
For those who prefer comprehensive support.
$260
per month + $1900 one-time setup charge
Unlimited bank accounts and bills.
Includes:
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Full service account management, monitoring and reporting for any number of personal accounts
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Bill pay for unlimited personal bills and expenses
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Unlimited assistance filing and managing insurance claims
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Unlimited assistance researching benefit options
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Unlimited assistance analyzing large purchase decisions or life changes
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Option to add on other tailored consulting and research services for a 10% discount off the hourly rate
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10% discount off any Life Log package
Optional Account Management Add-On Services for Gold and Platinum Clients
Optional Add-On
Mail Management
$60
per month per person
Includes:
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Regular monitoring of managed account communications via physical mail (requires changing account address information on managed accounts)
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Support and follow up on your behalf when actions are required
Optional Add-On
Medical Billing & Insurance
$140
per month
Includes:
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Regular monitoring of insurance claims to ensure they are coded and covered properly by Medicare and supplemental insurance
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Support and follow up on your behalf with Medicare and medical providers when actions are required
Optional Add-On
Power Of Attorney
$100
per month per person
Includes:
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Your Daily Money Manager will serve as your Financial Power Of Attorney (using Illinois Power Of Attorney standard form)
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Requires review of client’s family and friends to ensure no other viable options exist
Contact us for a free consultation to find the right plan for you.
Research & Consulting Services
Daily Money Management services as unique as you are!
Our Daily Money Management research and consulting services are completely customizable to meet your needs and budget. With our support, you can navigate complex financial choices with ease, knowing that you have a trusted partner by your side.
Add us to your team as a trusted advisor
Like many things, knowing how to manage financial matters well comes with experience. While “learning the hard way” can be a great way to gain experience in some cases, other times we just need an easier (or quicker) way. That’s where Advocate Money Management can help. We have been there. We have done that. And we love helping others succeed! Bring us your problem or situation and let us share our knowledge with you so you don’t have to learn through making your own (sometimes costly) mistakes.
A vast network of resources
Do we know everything? Of course not. But as the saying goes, “We know a guy!”
We have access to a wide range of resources that are not available to the everyday person. When we don’t know the answer to a client’s question, we will tap into our extensive network of professionals – including hundreds of other Daily Money Managers across the country – and usually find the answers much quicker than you would be able to do on your own. Or, when appropriate, we can refer you to a vetted, trusted professional to help you find the answer to your question.
Research and Consulting Packages
Our Research and Consulting services are available in packages designed to offer you complete flexibility to create a customized option that suits you.
View Research and Consulting Package details
The sky is the limit!!! Our Research and Consulting services are offered at an hourly rate and completely customizable.
Let us help you find the answers you’re looking for
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Are you just starting out on your own and need a little help deciding if you can afford your first big purchase?
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Are you in the sandwich generation managing an elderly parent’s finances, looking for ways to manage your own stress?
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Are you confused by new concepts like Medicare, VA benefits, or reverse mortgages?
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Are you trying to figure out when or how to take over a parent’s finances?
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Are you concerned about a loved one with dementia giving money away and looking for ways to protect them?
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Are you facing the prospect of needing assisted living services for yourself or a loved one, and wondering what options may be available to help with the cost?
Financial Consulting:
Just need help on a few questions? Or want to run your thoughts by someone with experience to make sure you’re on the right track? Schedule a 30- or 60-minute session with us to talk through whatever topics you want. We will share our knowledge and advice based on your specific situation, as well as any tools or resources that we know of that may help you.
Research and Analysis:
Maybe you’ve got more complex issues or decisions to make, and just don’t have the time to research them yourself. After meeting with you to understand the problem you’re trying to solve, we will help do the legwork to research and analyze options for you and present you with the findings so you can focus on your other responsibilities.
After Loss Support:
Being named as a Trustee or Executor is a profound honor. It means your loved one trusted you with their life legacy, showing immense trust, respect, and confidence in you. However, this role can also be incredibly time-consuming and stressful. That’s where we come in.
While we can’t replace the role of an estate attorney, we will guide you through the process steps that don’t require an attorney, saving you money on attorney fees. Of course, when something comes up that requires input from an attorney or tax professional, we will refer you to one of our vetted and trusted network of advisors.
When the deceased had a Life Log with us, we will provide documentation and guidance based on their individual estate plan to make your job even easier. Additionally, we can handle some of the administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on healing from your loss.
Let us help you navigate this challenging time with compassion and expertise.
Research and Consulting
Customized services to meet your individual needs
$120
per hour (one hour per month minimum for active clients)
Pay only for what you need, when you need it.
Includes:
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Scheduled virtual or phone meetings in 30- or 60-minute sessions
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Follow up work to do research and analysis
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Option for in-person meetings (travel charges apply)
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Gold and Platinum clients and U.S. military veterans enjoy a 10% discount off the hourly rate
Contact us for a free consultation to find the right plan for you.
