If you're experiencing financial stress, you know that it can mean all the joy and happiness surrounding the holidays gets replaced with worry instead.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Thursday, 01 December 2022
Money and finances are the top cause of stress for Americans, and financial anxiety can be compounded during the holidays. In this episode, I suggest a few ways you can reclaim your holiday joy instead of succumbing to financial worries AND make a plan for living with less financial stress the rest of the year, too.
It’s common to think about practicing gratitude in the Thanksgiving season, but it can positively impact your emotional and physical health all year long.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Wednesday, 23 November 2022
During the holiday season, it can be easy to be overcome by stress, frustration, and anxiety. If you’re struggling, remember there is a mysteriously easy way to improve many areas of your life: gratitude. Studies show that practicing gratitude is linked to benefits in the areas of social well-being, emotional health, and psychological functioning. Not only that, but science has also shown that regular gratitude practices are linked to improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and even asthma control and weight loss. Use these six strategies to start your gratitude practice today.
Merging finances as a couple can be complicated, but use these tips to choose the best strategy for your unique relationship.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 15 November 2022
Money is a very personal topic. It can be difficult to talk about, even with the person you’re sharing your life with. That’s one reason why determining your financial strategy as a couple can be a challenge. If you’ve been struggling to successfully blend this portion of your life, I have good news – there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do it.
When you’re sharing your life with someone, you need to understand how that person views money so that you can achieve your joint financial goals.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 08 November 2022
Money matters can be so difficult to discuss, sometimes most especially with those closest to you. You may even have a bit of trepidation if you suspect you and your spouse or partner are out of harmony on financial matters, and that broaching the subject could lead to a disagreement. It might not be easy – it may even be messy – but it is crucial to have money conversations with the person you’re sharing your life with. In this episode, I provide tips to get started.
No one sets out to tell themselves money lies, but our beliefs can sometimes override facts when it comes to personal finance.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 01 November 2022
Because money is such a big part of life, our wishes, hopes, dreams, and fears can sometimes make it hard to see the truth for what it is. Often, this happens without us realizing it, but the consequences can be very real. If you've been harboring any of these common money misconceptions, it might be time to set the record straight in your own mind and start embracing better choices. Your financial health and future will thank you!
Understanding your money story and the emotions surrounding it are key steps in removing barriers to financial success, and the first step is to clarify your values.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 25 October 2022
We all have our own Money Story, made up of our entire history of financial decisions and influences. Your money story represents the emotional attachments you have to money, which impact how you spend and save. Understanding your own money story and the emotions surrounding it are key steps in removing the barriers that keep many people from making level-headed financial decisions and achieving the success they desire.
Use these five actionable steps to help you turn your best intentions into best practices for spending less and saving more.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 18 October 2022
Overspending can be a difficult habit to break, but doing so means more financial security - and less financial anxiety. Try these five actionable steps to help you turn your best intentions into best practices so you can spend less - and save more - for your future. Remember, taking small steps consistently can change your life!
When you take time to gain clarity on the roots of your overspending habit, you can make a plan for positive change.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 11 October 2022
So often, we have the best of intentions when it comes to our money goals – including with our spending. We might start the month resolving to stop unnecessary spending, only to be wooed by an unexpected sale here, and a fancy coffee there. Before we know it, we’ve spent more money than we wanted to, and we end the month beating ourselves up yet again. If you recognize this cycle, it’s time to get to the root of your overspending habit so you can begin to make a change.
If you feel like you're lacking balance in your life, this tool will help you find greater happiness and fulfillment.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 04 October 2022
The Wheel of Life is a concept I introduce to all my clients because of its incredible value in helping you get to the heart of your values and priorities. If you want to establish meaningful financial and life goals and create a decision-making framework for your money and your future, this tool can help you get there. It will help you develop more satisfaction, a better sense of well-being, and a life that allows you to flourish every day.
Don't forget to download your own Wheel of Life Worksheet!
External factors may be impacting your financial freedom, but there's also a chance that your personal finance habits are keeping you from meeting your goals.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 07 June 2022
Achieving financial freedom – whatever that might mean to you personally – can seem like an insurmountable task. But the truth is, your journey to achieving any major milestone begins with small steps and smart habits that you put into practice each day. While it’s possible that there are external factors impacting your finances, there’s also a chance that your personal money habits are keeping you from meeting your goals. Since you *can* control your own habits, that’s what we'll discuss in this episode.
Some career transitions are exciting, while others can leave you feeling adrift.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 24 May 2022
Life transitions often throw us for a loop, and this certainly includes career transitions. Sometimes they’re planned, but many times they are unexpected and challenging. However, when we examine how these transitions might occur, they become easier to plan for.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Wednesday, 20 April 2022
You might think that the level of happiness you feel about money, your work, your social life, or your relationships is derived from what happens in each of those areas of your life. But, actually, 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.”
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 15 March 2022
So much is expected of us as modern women, and none of us can balance it all perfectly. However, many women devote so much time and energy to the other people in their lives that they can sometimes neglect to focus on their own finances. Set aside some focused time to make these five money moves and give yourself the gift of a firm foundation for the future.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Wednesday, 23 February 2022
According to a recent study from the Pew Research Center, roughly 38 percent of adults are living alone, and more than half are women. That’s one reason why I think it’s so important to educate women about managing their own money to ensure they can take care of themselves now and in the future. Regardless of your relationship status, the five financial strategies we’re talking about today will help you safeguard your financial future and ensure your peace of mind.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 15 February 2022
Securing financial backing for a new venture can be challenging – especially for women. Whether you’ve been wanting to be your own boss in order to have more flexibility, or you’re feeling as though you have fewer options in your current field due to our changing world, right now might be the right time to start your own business. 60% of female entrepreneurs choose to self-fund, and these are the three most common ways to do it.
