In a season where it can be easy to be overcome by stress, practicing gratitude can have significant mental, emotional, and physical benefits.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Tuesday, 23 November 2021
As we enter our second holiday season under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be easy to be overcome by stress, frustration, and uncertainty. It can all feel a little overwhelming, even as we approach Thanksgiving – a time when many of us try to focus more on the things we’re thankful for. If you’re struggling to get into the Thanksgiving spirit, practicing gratitude may be the key. In this episode, we discuss six ways you can start your own gratitude practice - and reap the benefits all year long.
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®
Wednesday, 17 November 2021
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.
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®
Thursday, 04 November 2021
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.
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.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Friday, 22 October 2021
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…
When you're parenting a teenager, instilling positive habits around money, school, and health is imperative for their future success.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Wednesday, 13 October 2021
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.
If better money management is on your "someday" list, 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®
Wednesday, 06 October 2021
If there simply aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things you'd like to, you're not alone The good news is, there are simple, low-effort strategies you can use to check "managing money" off the to-do list and feel more confident about your financial wellness. In this episode, I share 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.
For working mothers, finding balance between work life and home life can be a frustratingly elusive goal.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Thursday, 30 September 2021
Women face so many expectations these days, especially working moms. We are bombarded on all sides by endless streams of advice on how to be better parents as expectations for parent involvement have been growing, alongside many other more elaborate expectations for working mothers. Does this mean you can’t find success both at work and at home? No! In fact, I believe you can. You just have to change the rules of the game.
A family mission statement is a powerful tool to inform your choices and help you meet your family’s personal and financial goals.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Thursday, 23 September 2021
There’s a reason so many companies create a mission statement. Doing so succinctly defines values and goals, and serves as the standard against which decisions - financial or otherwise - are measured. It’s a tool you can use within your family, too, in order to make sure you are making decisions that line up with your values. In this episode, Kathy shares four steps to creating a family mission statement that helps you remain on the right track to meet your family’s goals.
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.
