Success Stories

Savvy living success

Kelly & Ben

Vermont

My husband and I were both laid off during the same calendar year.

It happened to be the same year we also brought our second child into the family. Expenses went up; income went way down. We were in a really difficult spot.

We asked around to find out who could help us navigate this terrifying time. My sister’s financial planner recommended The Savvy Life. Melissa Tosetti was the perfect fit!  Not only did she expertly help steer us out of the red and into the black, but we now have the tools and knowledge to keep ourselves on the path to financial security.

We used to experience fear and anxiety when an unexpected expense came up, because we didn’t know what we could afford. Our decisions were not made with a clear understanding of our financials.  We did not have a proper savings plan in place. When life required us to be nimble, we couldn’t respond quickly and effectively.

All of that changed once we began working with Melissa. We got clear on our routine and intermittent expenses and how to plan for each, how to prioritize savings in both times of crisis and times of wealth, and we learned how to respond to increases and decreases in salary/income going forward.

When COVID-19 brought substantial changes to our financial landscape, we were able to pivot quickly and with certainty because we finally understand how to manage our finances.  Where this type of situation would’ve typically resulted in huge amounts of stress and perhaps even marital disharmony, we instead responded calmly and confidently. We never thought we’d have financial peace of mind, and now we do. And I have to say, it’s priceless. 


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Reginald D.

Atlanta, GA

A temporary pay cut due to the COVID crisis could have stalled Reginald in his excellent money habits as a saver, but he didn’t allow that to happen.

Reginald reached out to us to get a 2nd and unbiased opinion on his budgeting strategies for tips and suggestions. Although his methods were well above average than most clients we see, we had the pleasure of working with him to create a 3-Month Spending Plan to get him through those pay cut months and a second plan for when his income normalized.

Reginald was able to navigate a challenging time with grace and ease while exceeding his initial goals. He believes, despite how well one may know money and have budgeting plans that work, it’s was a relieving experience to get an expert’s advisement to add additional confidence to your money spending habits.


Savvy life stories

Lynn R.

Washington DC

Melissa Tosetti is a sheer pleasure to work with…smart, savvy(!), committed, excellent with details, and to top it all off, charming and lovely as well… someone who by the end of your work with her, you want to meet and call your friend.

I couldn’t recommend her more highly. If you need someone to help you with budgeting your household expenses, I can’t imagine anyone better than Melissa.  I got in touch with her on advice from my financial advisor before my husband’s retirement.  I was nervous that our new income wouldn’t stretch to cover what I have always thought of as our necessary expenses; not only did she have me set out what we were spending on both necessary and elective expenditures, but she had suggestions as to where we could save. She was absolutely super in every way!!


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Wing P.

California

I found myself in a tough place even though I had a great career. I’d gotten divorced and put two amazing kids through school and college. When I looked to the future, it was clear I hadn’t planned as well as I should have.

Melissa worked with me to bring things back to basics. First she just listened and understood my journey and my situation. She never judged and always asked me what I wanted out of my life. She then helped me prioritize what really mattered to me and gave me the tools and support to take control of my budget and my future planning. 

Melissa is more than a coach. She’s a practical cash flow expert as well as an empathetic listener. She’s encouraging but also clear about what needs to be done. She’s the kind of person one finds in life that you never want to let go of. 


cash flow savvy

John & Marcia

Hull, MA

Marcia and John were recommended to The Savvy Life by their financial advisor. Both retired, they needed to figure out how to go from a large income to a smaller, fixed income.

“We were challenged balancing our desire to travel out of state to spend time with our siblings, children and grandchildren while maintaining our home with significant fixed and unexpected variable costs. Although John had substantial financial experience during his working years, Melissa identified many areas and techniques allowing us to better manage our cash. Her sessions were always positive yet challenging. Her approach and demeanor encouraged us to open up to her and to each other. We still have work to do but now believe we can achieve our goals”


Silke S.

cash flow planning

California

Honestly, being connected with Melissa and The Savvy Life has been a life changing experience for me. 

I initially connected with her because I am a Realtor and was getting large sums of money that would disappear without anything to show for it.  I was always good at making money but had no idea on a day to day basis how to account for it.  It seems crazy now, not have a plan for your money, but that was how I lived.

I have been able to accomplish so many things now that I have a household budget.  The ability to pay cash for a car, a down payment on a home and reserves in the bank…are a few. 

It was extremely uncomfortable in the beginning to share with Melissa where I was financially but she was able to give me an objective view of my situation and a plan on how to get to where I wanted to be.  The peace of mind and the freedom I now have around money is hard to describe.  Thank you Melissa.