Audio Articles By Brian Plain

Are you an optimizer or simplifier? 16.07.2022 2:07 ↓

Knowing the answer for both yourself and your partner will help you both get and stay on the same page.

My new mailing address starting July 1st 25.06.2022 1:29 ↓

After 13 great years in Oak Park, it's time for a change.

Is it all flying by too fast? 11.06.2022 1:54 ↓

If you're too future-focused, you're likely to miss the only thing that's promised to any of us.

Why now is the time to take your financial temperature 21.05.2022 3:12 ↓

It might not seem like it but now is a great time to take your financial temperature.

How to use hindsight effectively 14.05.2022 2:29 ↓

It helps to remember that all we can do is make the best decision using the information available to us at that moment in time.

Avoiding a big mistake 23.04.2022 2:53 ↓

You know those skills that helped you achieve financial comfort and confidence? They aren't necessarily the same ones you'll need to keep it.

Skip the budget and try this instead 09.04.2022 2:06 ↓

Once you're comfortably making more than you spend, try tracking your spending to build awareness and alignment with what matters most to you.

Never stop asking this question 26.03.2022 2:26 ↓

Being a grown up doesn't mean we should stop asking ourselves what and who we want to be.

How To Enjoy Life More 12.03.2022 2:53 ↓

It's good to plan for our future and reflect back on our past but let's make sure we're living in the present too.

Money problems that aren’t about money 26.02.2022 2:24 ↓

At a certain point, our "money" problems are rarely just about money anymore.

Math vs Feelings 12.02.2022 1:59 ↓

Math might not care about your feelings but should you?

How to make decisions in an ever changing world 29.01.2022 3:43 ↓

Making decisions in an ever changing world is challenging. Here's how you can make that process easier.

Find your happy medium in 2022 15.01.2022 2:59 ↓

Here are three thoughts to keep in mind as you work towards finding your happy medium in 2022.

This is the only real way forward 18.12.2021 3:11 ↓

When faced with adversity, there is really only one way through.

You control this, but not that 04.12.2021 2:06 ↓

Focus on your actions, not your outcomes.

Two magic words that will bring more gratitude into your life 20.11.2021 3:12 ↓

The language we choose to use makes a world of difference when it comes to experiencing greater gratitude.

Here's why you shouldn't pursue happiness 06.11.2021 2:47 ↓

While temporary at best and not something we can just will ourselves to be, happiness can be found when we take meaningful actions in our lives.

Something you never thought you'd hear from a financial planner 23.10.2021 2:26 ↓

Here's why there is a strong case to be made for spending now rather than later.

Does your spending align with your current life stage? 09.10.2021 2:08 ↓

Financial rules of thumb only get you so far. Try asking yourself this question instead.

How to teach your kids about money 25.09.2021 4:29 ↓

Teaching your kids about money, gratitude, and charity is easier said than done. Here's how we're tackling this tall task in our household.

Don't get stuck waiting for normal to return 11.09.2021 2:01 ↓

Make sure you're not waiting for a normal to return that was never really there in the first place.

The answer to your most burning retirement saving question 28.08.2021 3:03 ↓

There's one big retirement saving question everybody seems have. Learn what that question is and how you can answer it.

Time for a summer reflection? 14.08.2021 2:14 ↓

Make time for a quick reflection before you kiss summer goodbye.

Reduce Your Decision Making Fatigue 24.07.2021 2:43 ↓

Establishing default decisions ahead of time can make a big difference in your life.

Are You Asking or Telling? 10.07.2021 2:21 ↓

Are you asking before doing or telling yourself you'll figure it all out afterwards? Your answer might determine your financial well-being – or lack there of.