Your financial plan should go beyond dollars and cents, and the best way to ensure it does is to find a financial advisor who adds a personal touch.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 02 August 2021
When it comes to achieving your financial and life goals, it is critically important to find the right person to trust with your financial planning. Many people don't take the time to find a financial advisor who best suits their needs, but it is important to find one who takes the time to get to know you - and how you think about money - in order to develop a financial plan that isn't just about dollars and cents.
Career transitions are sometimes unexpected, but if we know how they might occur, they’re easier to plan for.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 26 July 2021
Many people find themselves facing career transitions, either planned or unexpected. Though they can be positive or negative, it’s the unexpected transitions that often cause financial hardship or anxiety.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for retirement, and an encore career may be the ticket to enjoying increased satisfaction during this phase of your life.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 19 July 2021
There is no rule book to follow in retirement, which means it can take many forms. Some retirees feel content sleeping in and learning a new hobby, while others feel aimless or anxious with so much newfound free time. That’s why some people benefit from an encore career - also called a second act - in order to find more purpose and satisfaction during this unique phase of life.
Our emotions can cause us to avoid making important financial decisions, and this is particularly true when it comes to fear.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 12 July 2021
The relationship between money and our emotions is significant because the feelings we have about money and the financial decisions we make are inextricably intertwined. Fear is a particularly tricky emotion because it can hold you back from making important financial decisions - and from meeting your true potential and achieving a life where you can flourish.
If you’ve been talking with your kids about personal finance topics like saving, spending, and sticking to a budget, why not introduce the concept of investing, too?
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 05 July 2021
Parents are usually a child’s most powerful influence when it comes to money values, financial literacy, and financial decision-making. If you’re already talking with your kids about personal finance basics, consider giving them investing knowledge and lessons, too. There are many ways you could impart investing information, but it’s important to find a relatable way to teach kids complex topics – and one that will keep their attention, too.
Our friends are some of our greatest influencers, and they have a significant impact on the way we manage our finances.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 28 June 2021
Nearly three-quarters of people believe it’s inappropriate to discuss money matters in a social setting. However, our circle of friends has a tremendous impact on the way we manage our finances - for better or for worse.
As your parents age, it becomes more important to have frank financial conversations with them in order to protect your family’s finances.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 21 June 2021
Discussions about money can feel complicated and even awkward, and this includes discussing money issues with your parents as they age. However, these conversations have a meaningful purpose, and keeping the lines of communication open will be the best way to meet your parents’ wishes and protect your family’s finances.
Planning for retirement as a couple brings unique challenges that single individuals will not face – namely, compromise and agreement.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 14 June 2021
Even the strongest couples face challenges during life transitions, and retirement is one of them. For a couple to successfully enjoy their retirement together, one of the most important things they can do is to get the timing right for both of them. That’s why it’s so important to have a thoughtful discussion beforehand.
Understanding your emotions surrounding financial topics can remove barriers to success and help you make more level-headed financial decisions.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 07 June 2021
The choices we make about money are closely tied to our emotions. They impact how we perceive things like success, happiness, finance, and the experiences that shape our lives. While this is a normal part of the human condition, our money stories can create barriers to meeting our goals.
If you have a myriad of retirement accounts with overlapping objectives, make time to organize your account information and ensure you’re making the most of each one.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 31 May 2021
It’s incredibly common to have multiple retirement accounts with overlapping objectives - and little time to organize them. However, if your accounts aren’t organized effectively, you may not be making the most of your savings and investments.
Parents are powerful influences on how their children spend, save, and invest, so it’s critical to teach your kids about money early and often.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 24 May 2021
Research shows that kids learn their money habits and values from their parents, yet 69 percent of parents are reluctant to discuss money with their children. Kids are always watching, however, and parents are teaching by example - whether they realize it or not. Since parents are such powerful influencers over their children, it is critical to discuss money matters so that kids are learning from a combination of talking about money and watching their parents’ actions.
If you equate money with stress or feel paralyzed when it comes to financial decision-making, take these steps to build your financial confidence./h5>
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 17 May 2021
Did you know that 33 percent of women and 25 percent of men find talking about money to be stressful? If you find yourself in this category, you’re not alone. Equating money with stress can make it difficult to make financial decisions or to meet your goals, and it often comes down to a lack of confidence.
If you’re unsure whether your financial decisions are in line with your values, it may be time to do a “values check.”/h5>
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 10 May 2021
Money decisions are about much more than dollars and cents - they are about your core values and how they impact your financial planning and decision-making. Unfortunately, many people experience disharmony between their values and their financial decisions. If you could benefit from more clarity about your values and what they mean for your financial and life goals, your challenge this week is to complete a “values check.”
The majority of women will be responsible for their own finances at some point, making it crucial to remember that a man is not a plan when it comes to preparing for your financial future./h5>
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 03 May 2021
The financial services industry remains dominated by men, and there is a lingering feeling in some circles that women take a backseat when it comes to money matters. This can lead many women to feel unheard or uncomfortable in financial conversations, even though women control 51% of personal wealth and have a greater desire than ever to take control of their financial futures.
Family conversations regarding money can be quite challenging, but they are paramount to protecting your family’s financial health and ensuring your wealth is protected.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 26 April 2021
Conversations with family regarding money, estate planning, retirement planning, elder care, and what will happen to investments when someone dies are not easy. Of course, they are also necessary for protecting your family’s financial future.
