Blended Finances and Family Values

By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA

Friday, 30 October 2015

Money conversations with one couple can be complex as each individual brings their unique family history around money, values, financial resources and obligations. Financial conversations take on a whole new meaning when kids are involved as parents wrestle with spending decisions on allowances, education funding, and eventually inheritances. This complexity only increases with blended families as the number of parents and children expand the money conversation. I have personally experienced the financial complexity and extra need for communication with my blended family, having a daughter from my first marriage and two children with my current and “final” husband. From my personal experience, in addition to working with clients, blended families need additional planning for the various life stages.

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Time to Talk Money

Monday, 25 August 2014

by Kathleen Longo on August 25, 2014

Last night at dinner, my family was discussing plans to go to the Minnesota State Fair.  This year I told the kids that we are going to put them on a budget for the day to cover their food, drinks, and rides/games.  My son replied with a concerned look, “what is a budget?” 

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