Practical guides for board members and treasurers. No jargon, no sales pitch — just the stuff you need to know to run your HOA's finances well.
Your reserve study is the most important financial document your HOA has. Here's how to actually understand it — the 5 numbers that matter, what "percent funded" really means, and red flags to watch for.
Financial PlanningNobody wants a special assessment. Before you send that letter, explore these funding strategies — from phased increases to reserve loans — that spread the cost without the sticker shock.
Self-ManagementManagement companies charge $15–40/unit/month. For a 30-unit building, that's $5,400–$14,400/year. Here's how to decide if self-management is right for your community — and what tools make it feasible.
BudgetingIf you just joined the board and someone handed you last year's budget, this guide walks you through every common line item, typical costs by building size, and how to build next year's budget.
ComplianceEvery California HOA must send annual disclosures to all members. Miss one and you're exposed to fines and personal liability. Here's exactly what to send and when.
Financial LiteracyYour management company sends a financial packet every month. Most board members glance at the bank balance and move on. Here's how to actually read the balance sheet, income statement, and bank reconciliation — and catch problems early.
Reserve PlanningA reserve study is the single most important financial document your HOA owns. Learn what's inside, what percent funded means, California requirements, and how to actually use your study to prevent special assessments.
AssessmentsToo low and you defer maintenance. Too high and owners revolt. Here's the formula, benchmarks by building type, a worked example, and how to communicate increases without a fight.
GovernanceMinutes are the official record of what the board decided and why. Learn what must be recorded, how to document motions and votes, executive session rules, and California Open Meeting Act requirements.
Community LivingHOA conflicts are inevitable. The difference between a community that works and one that implodes isn't the absence of conflict — it's how people handle it. The etiquette rules, de-escalation steps, and resolution strategies that actually work.
Reserve PlanningYour reserve study says you're 35% funded. The roof is due in 4 years. Here are the 5 strategies to close the gap — with real math, real trade-offs, and a communication plan that won't start a revolt.
GovernanceBoard members fight. They take votes personally, dig in over small issues, and sometimes weaponize Robert's Rules. A practical guide to surviving a dysfunctional board, de-escalating without backing down, and rebuilding a working relationship with people you can't fire and can't avoid.
InsuranceHOA master insurance premiums in many markets are up 40-100% over the last two years. The carriers leaving aren't coming back. A practical playbook for shopping the renewal, lowering the bill, and explaining the increase to owners without starting a riot.
GovernanceA week-by-week guide for the new board member who just got handed the keys, a binder, and a vague "the previous treasurer can answer your questions." What to read, what to ask, what to avoid, and how to add value without stepping on toes.
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