Hello Reader, I’ve been hearing the same questions from almost everyone I talk to lately: “Is everything going to be ok?” “What should I be doing given the current state of the country?” The start of the Trump Administration has been unprecedented in many ways, creating considerable uncertainty about what lies ahead. Many people are wondering how to adjust their plans in response. During uncertain times like these, I find it helpful to focus on what we can actually control. And while none of...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Well, it’s been an interesting start to the year here in Los Angeles – to say the least. The wildfires that have decimated several neighborhoods here have impacted pretty much every Angeleno (yes, that’s what we’re called) in some way. We ended up evacuating last week – and while our neighborhood ended up being relatively unscathed, save the lingering air quality issues – it was nonetheless jarring. Of course the events are tragic and my heart goes out to those who have lost so...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, I hope you’re enjoying your holiday season! I realize it’s painfully cliche – but how is it possible that this year is almost over?! For me, the year has really flown by. Time flying isn’t necessarily a bad thing… but it has prompted me to reflect on how I’m using that time. What’s truly important to me? What activities do I want to spend more time doing? What things do I want to spend less of my limited time and energy on? I’m not huge on new year’s resolutions, but I do want...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, It’s a time of year many of us will be getting together with loved ones we don’t see that often. Which makes it a great time to consider whether your beneficiary designations are up-to-date! What is a beneficiary designation? 🤔 A beneficiary designation designates who should get your account assets if you pass away. That person is the beneficiary of your account. Usually you can just fill out a form online through your financial institution. By doing so, you are creating a...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I feel like I’m still recovering, although that’s mostly from the cold I picked up along the way. 😷 As we quickly approach the new year, I’ve been thinking about what I’ll cover in this email newsletter in 2025. AND I’ve been considering how I can make what I cover most impactful for you – wherever you find yourself in your professional journey. Just below, you’ll find links to let me know your current professional focus. That’ll allow me to...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Happy early Thanksgiving! This is one of my favorite times of year! 🦃 🎄 Yes, I know that’s cliché – but, as I like to say, cliches exist for a reason! One thing I’m grateful for this year is knowing other people who have very different opinions and perspectives than I do. Yes, that includes different political beliefs! 🇺🇸 How boring would life be if everyone thought just like I did?! 😴 But having constructive conversations with those who don’t share my beliefs can be, well,...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, The Trump Administration will take power early next year, with both chambers of Congress also controlled by the GOP. What does this mean for your financial planning? Great question! There has been plenty of speculation about potential changes, but the truth is, we just don’t know. As this op-ed beautifully articulates, the world is complex, and humans are notoriously bad at predicting the future—no matter how confident we feel. I also love the title: If You’re Sure How Trump’s...
5 months ago • 4 min read
Hello Reader, I intended to send this email on Friday. 🗓️ That was the day the latest episode of Therapy for Your Money was released – and I'm the featured guest. And I was (slash am) excited about that. But then, you know, the election happened. 🗳️ And being excited about a podcast episode felt a bit... oh, out of place, maybe tone deaf... or at least inauthentic. Because I was NOT excited about the outcome of the election. I had a lot of feelings about it – few (maybe none?) of them...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, It’s my favorite time of year! The weather is cooling down, pumpkin spice is everywhere, and “fun-size” candy bars are hard to avoid. 🍁 AND it’s open enrollment season! What is open enrollment? Open enrollment is the one time each year when you can make changes to your insurance and benefit coverages for the upcoming year. Typically, you’re locked into your coverage for the year and can only make changes during this open enrollment window. However, there are special enrollment...
6 months ago • 1 min read