It's Time to Stop Shying Away from Having Money Conversations with Those Closest to You
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Monday, 25 January 2021
The following article is based on content covered in my book, Flourish Financially: Values, Transitions, and Big Conversations. If you’d like to read more, you may purchase a copy here.
If you grew up with the understanding that it’s inappropriate to talk about money in social settings, you’re not alone. A full 70 percent of people shy away from discussing personal finance topics with their friends. However, our friends are some of our greatest influences in life and I believe it’s important to have money discussions with those closest to you. Below I’ll share four reasons why I think friends and finances do mix, even if common etiquette tells us otherwise.
10 Steps That Can Make All the Difference in 2021
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Friday, 15 January 2021
The following article is based on the content covered in my book, Flourish Financially: Values, Transitions, and Big Conversations. If you’d like to read more, you may purchase a copy here.
How would you describe your level of financial confidence? One thing I have noticed in my line of work is just how many people find it difficult to talk about money. A lack of financial confidence can have a variety of root causes. Some people still consider money a taboo subject, some suffer from numerophobia,, others find it overwhelming or stressful, and still, others want to discuss it but feel silly asking questions they believe they should already know the answers to. Regardless of the origin, a lack of financial confidence is a roadblock on your path to accomplishing your goals.
If you want to feel more financially confident in the new year, follow the ten steps below and take control of your financial outlook for 2021.
Your Money is About More Than Dollars and Cents
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Wednesday, 30 December 2020
The following article is based on the content covered in my book, Flourish Financially: Values, Transitions, and Big Conversations. If you’d like to read more, you may purchase a copy here.
When considering how to find a financial advisor, there are various methods people employ. However, I recommend finding someone who adds a personal touch to their work. After all, money is about much more than dollars and cents. It’s about our family, it’s about our first experiences with money, it’s about our life values, and it’s about the conversations we do or do not have with the people who influence our saving, investing, sharing, and spending. These conversations are key, but they don’t always turn into “big conversations” because money remains a taboo subject.
I’ve always believed that my job as a financial advisor is to help my clients to have these conversations so they can make the best financial decisions – ones that align with their goals and their values. This means getting to know my clients and how they think about money, both individually and as a couple.
If you want to develop a financial plan that goes beyond dollars and cents, and fits your personal needs and wants, the following steps offer guidance on how to find a financial advisor who will provide a personal touch.
Use These Tips to Consider When it May Be Appropriate for You to Retire
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Monday, 14 December 2020
The following article is based on the content covered in my book, Flourish Financially: Values, Transitions, and Big Conversations. If you’d like to read more, you may purchase a copy here.
Retirement is an exciting topic, but it can also be fraught with uncertainty, given the fact that many people will face a long retirement period of thirty years or more. When is the right moment to retire? What is the best retirement timeline for you? Unfortunately, there are no simple answers to these questions.
While many factors need to come together to make a cohesive and sustainable long-term plan, the biggest concern most people face is the fear of making financial decisions based on emotion. Here are some tips for decreasing retirement anxiety and increasing clarity on the road to sound retirement planning, including answering that very important question of “when.”
Tips for Transitioning to a Kid-Free Home
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Monday, 30 November 2020
The following article is based on the content covered in my book, Flourish Financially: Values, Transitions, and Big Conversations. If you’d like to read more, you may purchase a copy here.
When your children leave home to start their own lives as adults, the transition to having an empty house can be challenging. It can also be very exciting! Similar to retirement, divorce, or any life transition, the range of emotions can vary, and how you manage your time, feelings, finances, and relationships through the transition can have an impact on your well-being and lifestyle.
If you’re a new empty-nester or will be soon, it’s good to begin preparing for the changes you’ll experience. Read on for three tips to help you navigate this new phase of life.
