A New Study Shows that it Pays – Literally – to Practice Positivity
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Thursday, 26 December 2019
For years, psychologists have lauded the power of optimism in truly improving our lives. Unfortunately, positive thinking has developed a bit of a bad reputation, with many equating it with ignoring reality or wearing rose-colored glasses. Positive thinking means acknowledging reality while still expecting good things – and more than that, knowing that behavior matters in the face of challenges. Now, a new study is quantifying how optimism can be an important factor in your financial well-being, too.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Monday, 16 December 2019
Ah, retirement. That magical time you’ve been dreaming about for decades is nearly here, and you are likely daydreaming about how you’ll spend all your newfound leisure time. Maybe you’ll sleep in, relax in your favorite chair and read all the books you’ve been meaning to crack open, sit quietly on the front porch enjoying your favorite coffee…the world is your oyster!
Independence, delegation and knowing when and how to find a balance.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Tuesday, 17 July 2018
This past April, my family and I went to Spain to visit my oldest daughter, Maddy. She was spending a semester in Barcelona and that was a great incentive to take a European vacation. As a planner, it should come as no shock that I often plan my vacations fairly meticulously. I like to know where I’m going and, typically, lead the way. There was something very different about this vacation though, and it taught me a great deal about the freedom of letting go and the opportunities it can open up. When we arrived, we started the trip spending a few days in Madrid, then took a bullet train to Seville for a few nights during Holy Week before flying up to Barcelona.
When approaching retirement, getting your finances organized is one of the first steps you should take.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Thursday, 28 June 2018
Getting a clear financial picture can help ease the transition into retirement because, at the very least, you’ll know what accounts you will be drawing from, where they are being managed, how your investments can continue to generate income for you, and what tax liabilities they may impose. It requires discipline and clarity to keep your finances organized before and during retirement.
By Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA
Wednesday, 20 June 2018
The recent and sudden passing of Kate Spade due to suicide has raised awareness about mental illness and the challenges women face in middle age. Based on my experience working with women of all ages, I know that the stress of life can lead to mental illness and long-term health problems if not addressed proactively. Although I’m not a mental health professional, I felt compelled to write an article about those challenges with an emphasis on ways in which we can help one another to find a greater peace, a space where we are heard and understood, and a place where we are empowered to take control of our financial and personal lives.