Discussing money matters with the people closest to you is a crucial step in achieving your goals and improving your financial health.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 12 April 2021
Your financial life won’t flourish in a vacuum, so it is crucial to engage in money conversations with the people around you. This includes your spouse or partner, your children, your aging parents, and even your close friends. Although these discussions may feel awkward at times, having them is an integral step in achieving your goals and improving your financial health in important ways.
Many people fail to put enough thought into their legacies - what they would like to leave to their children, grandchildren, and favorite charities when they pass away.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 05 April 2021
If your financial plan focuses mainly on your current phase of life, plus overarching goals like maxing out on retirement contributions, you need to ask yourself if you’ve done enough legacy planning.
Every person’s ideal retirement lifestyle is different, yet research shows there is a common thread among the happiest and healthiest retirees: they remain active and engaged in life.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 29 March 2021
Retirement looks different for everyone, but you’re likely to be happier and healthier if you remain active and engaged in the world around you. Research shows that retirees who work part-time, volunteer, or otherwise spend their time in active or socially engaged situations have a lower likelihood of developing age-related chronic health conditions.
If you’re struggling with the transition from the working world to retirement, it may be time to give yourself a ‘retirement identity makeover.’
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 22 March 2021
The transition from working full-time to retirement raises all types of emotions - including challenging ones like apprehension and sadness. When you spend much of your life identifying as a professional or a parent or both, it will take time to cope with adjusting to a new phase of life.
Nearly 55% of young adults will move back in with their parents before the age of 27, and these so-called “boomerang kids” can have serious financial implications for parents.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 15 March 2021
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 55% of young adults will move back in with their parents for a period of time before age 27.
When your children leave home, the transition to an empty house will impact your emotions, time, finances, and relationships.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 08 March 2021
When your children leave home for the first time, the transition to an empty house can be challenging. It can also be very exciting!
Life brings many ups, downs and surprises and preparation is key when it comes to surprises that impact your money.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 01 March 2021
In this life, financial surprises are all but inevitable. One thing we can control, though, is how we handle surprises when they come along, and preparation is key when it comes to surprises that impact your money. That’s why it’s so important to have an emergency fund.
The vast majority of us will have debt at some point in our lives, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing because debt can be either “good debt” or “bad debt.”
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 22 February 2021
Most Americans will have debt at some point, but this isn’t necessarily a financial failure. That’s because there is a distinction between “good debt” and “bad debt.” As a general rule, good debt facilitates a goal, such as buying a home.
Parents are used to sacrificing for their children, but your retirement savings should always come before saving for college.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 15 February 2021
Parents often feel responsible for setting their children up for a successful future. However, in terms of priorities, your retirement savings should generally always come before saving for college.
Your financial situation is unique and so are your goals, so don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all financial plan.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 08 February 2021
When it comes to financial planning, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. Your situation is unique – and so are your goals – and you may find that you need more extensive planning than most people.
Money discussions in blended families can become quite complex, and there are key discussion points you’ll want to keep in mind when raising children with input from multiple sets of parents.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 01 February 2021
Financial conversations are often difficult, particularly within marriages. This is especially true for those who have been married more than once, and for those with children from prior marriages. However, money discussions in blended families can become quite complex,
If a money value you hold dear is the ability to support causes and organizations that are meaningful to you, use these six tips to get the most out of your giving.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 25 January 2021
Charitable giving is a very personal decision, and two-thirds of Americans give money to a charitable organization annually. If giving back is a money value you hold dear, you’ll want to make sure you get the most “give” for your giving.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Wednesday, 20 January 2021
Kathy Longo sat down with George Grombacher of the Money Savage podcast to discuss how values fit into financial success, how to determine yours, and the challenges and opportunities associated with life’s transitions.
There is significant interplay between our emotions and our financial decisions and sadness, in particular, can lead to disastrous financial behavior when left unchecked.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 18 January 2021
It is an unfortunate truth that money can be the catalyst for some of our most difficult struggles. This is why it is so important to minimize the negative impact that our emotions have on our financial decisions during challenging times.
Harboring money secrets can damage your relationship, yet a large percentage of Americans are failing to have candid conversations about finances with their spouse or partner
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 11 January 2021
Did you know that 31% of Americans say they have lied to their spouse about money? Or that 80% of couples spend secret money?
