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?
We all need to tighten our budget belts to save money at times, and it begins with remembering the differences between necessary and nice-to-have spending.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 04 January 2021
Whether it's due to a change in income or simply a decision to prioritize savings goals, we all need to tighten our budget belts sometimes and the new year is a perfect time to get started.
The end of a relationship marks a personal and financial transition in our lives that stirs up emotions and makes it difficult to move forward with clarity.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 28 December 2020
One of the most effective ways to come out financially on top after a difficult life transition is to keep emotion out of your decision making. Of course, that’s easier said than done! While it may be an uphill battle, though, there are things you can do try to keep your emotions separate from your financial decisions.
One of the most challenging and stressful events we can go through in life is the end of a marriage, yet there are financial practicalities that must be addressed.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 21 December 2020
Welcome to your weekly opportunity to take a few minutes to set a small goal that can help you achieve your larger aspirations. This week I will be talking about DIvorce & Your FInances.
To find success in managing your household finances, it’s crucial to lay a foundation built on the fundamentals.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 14 December 2020
To find success in managing your household finances, it’s crucial to lay a foundation built on the fundamentals.
No matter what your marriage looks like, having the money conversation with your new spouse can be complex.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 07 December 2020
Taking the time to get on the same page as your spouse with household finances is always a positive step – and one that I encourage all married couples to take, even if they’re far past the newlywed stage.
Society encourages us to look at things in black and white but, when our finances are uncertain, this mentality can hinder our ability to see a new path forward.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Monday, 30 November 2020
If you are dealing with financial uncertainty, as many of us are during this pandemic, this challenge is for you.
