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.
Tuesday, 26 September 2023
It’s 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. In this episode, you’ll learn how to use a financial “tune-up” to create a structure and planning process that lets you quickly check in on your savings and spending goals to ensure you’re staying on track. This can also help you plan for contingencies, allowing you to feel more empowered to meet your financial and life goals.
A legacy plan is broader than an estate plan, as it is meant to preserve and pass on not just your financial assets - but your personal vision and the impact you hope to leave behind, too.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 19 September 2023
If you’ve heard the term “legacy planning,” you might think it’s interchangeable with “estate planning.” Although they are related concepts, they are distinct. In this episode, we will talk about going “beyond wealth” – and the traditional estate plan – to create a legacy plan that infuses purpose and passion, and serves as a testament to your values, beliefs, and the contributions you have made throughout your life.
Our minds are powerful tools on the journey to success, and studies show we can use the power of perception to change our outlook - and our lives.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 12 September 2023
You may think that the level of happiness you feel about money, your work, your social life, or your relationships is derived by what happens in each of those areas of your life. In truth, though, your perception of the things that happen is what truly makes a difference in your outlook. It really is all about perspective, and psychologists who study this cognitive bias call it the “framing effect.” Learn more in this engaging and optimistic episode!
It can be frustrating to feel like the financial part of your relationship is one-sided, but remember that one productive, team-oriented conversation can jump-start some forward momentum.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 05 September 2023
No matter what your marriage looks like, having money conversations with your spouse can be complex. You each bring your own money story, values, and financial resources and obligations to the relationship, which can create complications. In this episode, we'll talk about what productive money discussions look like, and how to overcome a partner who is hesitant to discuss money matters.
If you're getting married soon, it’s critical to have honest discussions about money topics as you enter this new stage of your relationship.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 29 August 2023
It might not be as exciting as choosing your venue or deciding what you'll wear on the big day, but intentional financial planning before marriage can reduce future conflicts around money, help you establish shared expectations, and start a habit of open communication so your relationship can flourish. So, if you’re planning to get married soon and you’re struggling with how to approach the topic of money with your partner, this episode is for you.
As a new school year begins, we're discussing how parents of teenagers can instill positive habits around money, school, and health to empower kids for a successful future.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 22 August 2023
It's normal for teens to ignore their parents sometimes, but we’re ultimately responsible for helping them develop the strong foundations they’ll carry into adulthood in just a few years. And, neuroscientists have found that one of the best ways to do this is to help our teens develop positive habits and routines. Get tips and guidance in this encouraging episode!
Planning for retirement as a couple brings unique challenges that single individuals will not face – namely, compromise and agreement.
Tuesday, 15 August 2023
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. You and your spouse should have a shared understanding of your visions for retirement, your preferred timing, and even details like how to accomplish daily housework tasks. Kathy shares guidance on how to start the conversation in this episode focused on communication for couples nearing retirement.
Earning a substantial salary or having a high net worth can make you feel financially secure, but having a cash reserve for emergencies is critical for everyone.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 08 August 2023
Having an emergency fund is critical to building and maintaining wealth over time. This is true even if you have a high net worth or a high monthly income. Both of these things can make you feel more financially secure than you really are, meaning an unexpected emergency expense could have a significant negative impact on your present – and future – finances.
Divorce is one of those life transitions that can rattle you to the core, and navigating the financial aspects - alongside an array of emotions - can be quite challenging.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 01 August 2023
Even when it’s the right decision for everyone involved, divorce still often feels like the rug has been pulled out from under you. The future you had previously mapped out might seem out of focus now, and it can be hard to navigate your own emotions – let alone the practical steps you should be taking for your financial security. It is possible to bounce back, though - and to become stronger both emotionally and financially.
Achieving a financially secure retirement is something that we all strive for, but this may be more difficult to accomplish for women than it is for men.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 25 July 2023
There’s a lot that goes into a comprehensive retirement plan, and women have different considerations - and challenges - compared to men. This is due to many economic and social factors that work against women in intersecting ways. In this episode, I explore why proactive retirement planning is important for women and provide tips for creating a secure retirement.
Sending a child off to college can be a hopeful and exciting time, but take these important steps to guard against the unexpected.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 18 July 2023
It's that time of year when many new high school graduates are preparing to head off to college. While they are often full of excitement, it can be a worrisome time for parents. Although we have always seen ourselves as the protectors and decision-makers for our children, we lose some of our rights once they come of age. We may fully trust them to make their own decisions, but this can pose a challenge in the case of an emergency scenario at college or otherwise. Be prepared - and gain peace of mind - with these four important documents.
Summer is the time when many of us spend more money, so it's a great time to revisit your financial habits and strengthen your financial well-being.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 11 July 2023
It's easy to overspend on leisure activities and vacations during the summer. If your financial health is on your mind, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we review the 10 ingredients that are essential for financial well-being so you can stay on track while still enjoying the summer season.
If daily obligations are getting in the way of your money management, these tips will help you free up time to tackle it now and gain greater financial peace of mind.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 27 June 2023
It can feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things you'd like to. The good news is, there are simple, low-effort strategies you can use to check "managing money" off your to-do list and feel more confident about your financial wellness. Use these tips for making your money management "out of sight and out of mind" so you can feel more confident about your finances - while being less occupied by them, too.
Our experiences in life shape us at our very core, but the same can't be said about our physical possessions.
Tuesday, 20 June 2023
Things. We all have so many of them, don’t we? Some of our material possessions are necessary aspects of modern life, but many are not. As you think about your life and creating long-lasting fulfillment, are physical possessions the way to do it? In this episode, we’re asking the question “How do we actually achieve happiness?”
Our friends are some of the greatest influencers on all aspects of our lives, meaning the company we keep can make or break our financial success.
Tuesday, 13 June 2023
Our social circles greatly influence all aspects of our lives. How we act, how stressed we feel, how long we live, the choices we make, the risks we take, our self-control… studies have shown that our friends significantly impact us in all of these areas and more. Of course, the way we manage our finances is strongly influenced by our circle of friends, too, which can be both positive and negative. We'll explore both sides of the coin in this episode.
