The Juggling Act
A financial guide for High achieving parents
A practical, plain-English guide for families who’ve done a lot right, but don’t have the time to manage a complicated financial life alone.
Take charge of your finances.
ABOUT THE Book
Success has likely created a new challenge in your life: financial complexity.
What used to be simple (one 401(k), a savings account, a few smart decisions) has turned into a scattered web of accounts, tax questions, college costs, aging parents, and constant “we should really deal with this” conversations that never quite happen.
And when the numbers get bigger, the consequences of inaction get bigger too—because missing the right tax move or leaving money uncoordinated can quietly cost tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars.
You don’t need another budgeting pep talk. You need clarity. You need a plan that makes sense—where taxes, investments, college funding, retirement, and legacy all work together.
ABOUT THE Book
Success has likely created a new challenge in your life: financial complexity.
What used to be simple (one 401(k), a savings account, a few smart decisions) has turned into a scattered web of accounts, tax questions, college costs, aging parents, and constant “we should really deal with this” conversations that never quite happen.
And when the numbers get bigger, the consequences of inaction get bigger too—because missing the right tax move or leaving money uncoordinated can quietly cost tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars.
You don’t need another budgeting pep talk. You need clarity. You need a plan that makes sense—where taxes, investments, college funding, retirement, and legacy all work together.
The best part of this guide:
It’s worth reading cover to cover, but each chapter also stands alone, so you can focus on what fits your financial goals.
- Chapter 1: Starting with What Matters – Your Values-Based Financial Foundation
- Chapter 2: Getting Your Financial House Organized – The Power of Clarity
- Chapter 3: Tax-Smart Strategies – Keeping More of What You Earn
- Chapter 4: Investing Made Simple – Beyond Basic Index Funds
- Chapter 5: Protecting Your Family – Insurance And Estate Planning Essentials
- Chapter 6: Raising Financially Smart Kids – Money That Works
- Chapter 7: College Planning Strategy – Funding Education Without Sacrificing Retirement
- Chapter 8: Planning Your Next Chapter – Career Transitions and Retirement
- Chapter 9: The Ongoing Partnership – Why DIY Has Its Limits
- Chapter 10: Finding the Right Financial Partner – What to Look For
- Conclusion: From Juggling to Mastery — Your Path Forward
Unlock instant access to your free audio or E-book
Frequently asked questions
What is The Juggling Act?
The Juggling Act is a comprehensive financial planning guide for busy, high-achieving parents. Written by Mike Morton, CFP®, it covers nine areas of modern family financial planning — from aligning money with personal values to investing, tax strategy, college planning, and building career flexibility — organized as a practical framework families can work through over time.
What topics does The Juggling Act cover?
The guide covers nine areas: clarifying personal values as a financial foundation, getting organized financially, using tax-smart strategies, investing simply and intentionally, addressing insurance and estate planning, raising financially smart kids, planning for college, building career flexibility, and managing the financial plan consistently over time.
Why does the guide start with values rather than numbers?
Financial planning works best when it is anchored to how you actually want to live. Without that clarity, even technically sound financial decisions can miss the mark because they are not connected to real goals. Starting with values ensures the rest of the plan is pointed in the right direction.
What does getting organized financially mean in this context?
Getting organized means developing a clear picture of income, expenses, and savings, tracking down old accounts, and consolidating your financial information so you can see the full picture in one place. It is the foundation that makes every other planning decision easier and more accurate.
What tax-smart strategies does the guide discuss?
The guide covers strategies including Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Backdoor Roth IRAs, donor-advised funds, charitable giving using appreciated stock, and deductions available through side work or a small business. These are presented as practical tools that busy families can use to reduce their tax burden without complexity.
What is the core message of The Juggling Act?
Financial planning for busy parents is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about starting with your values, simplifying where possible, addressing the issues that matter most to your family, and managing the plan consistently over time. Small, intentional steps taken regularly matter more than a perfect plan that never gets implemented.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi! I am Mike Morton, CFP®
After founding two tech start-ups and then spending time as a full-time dad, I decided to launch my own fee-only advisory firm.
And now I’ve written a book with all my experience crafting hundreds of plans over the years.
He is also the host of Five Minute Finance, a podcast focused on financial planning, now in its fifth season, and available wherever you get your podcasts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi! I am Mike Morton, CFP®
After founding two tech start-ups and then spending time as a full-time dad, I decided to launch my own fee-only advisory firm.
And now I’ve written a book with all my experience crafting hundreds of plans over the years.
He is also the host of Five Minute Finance, a podcast focused on financial planning, now in its fifth season, and available wherever you get your podcasts.