Flourish Financially with Kathy Longo

Our social circles greatly influence all aspects of our lives. How we act, how stressed we feel, how long we live, the choices we make, the risks we take, our self-control… studies have shown that our friends significantly impact us in all of these areas and more. Of course, the way we manage our finances is strongly influenced by our circle of friends, too, which can be both positive and negative...

As a woman, you face special challenges when it comes to retirement. Don’t let your retirement dreams become derailed by common myths that continue to persist. When you have a strong understanding of both the financial and emotional realities of retirement, you are far more likely to enjoy this phase of your life. For more information about Kathy, her firm, and the valuable services they offer, vi...

Achieving financial freedom – whatever that might mean to you personally – can seem like an insurmountable task. But the truth is, your journey to achieving any major milestone begins with small steps and smart habits that you put into practice each day. While it’s possible that there are external factors impacting your finances, there’s also a chance that your personal money habits are keeping yo...

Retirement is often viewed as the ultimate goal, a reward for decades of hard work and diligent saving. However, the transition from a structured career to a life of leisure can be daunting and filled with uncertainty. At Flourish Wealth Management, we have always believed that a successful retirement isn't just about financial stability; it's about aligning your emotional and intellectual intelli...

Retirement is more than the end of a career—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, filled with the people, passions, and possibilities you’ve long envisioned. Whether your dreams include traveling the world, spending time with grandchildren, volunteering, or exploring new interests, bringing your retirement vision to life requires careful planning and thoughtful financial decisions. Here are eight s...

According to a recent study from the Pew Research Center, roughly 38 percent of adults are living alone, and more than half are women. That’s one reason why I think it’s so important to educate women about managing their own money to ensure they can take care of themselves now and in the future. Regardless of your relationship status, the five financial strategies we’re talking about today will he...

As a couple, there are plenty of ups and downs you’ll face together and work through as a team. However, fighting about money doesn’t have to be one of your challenges. If you and your partner find yourselves disagreeing on financial matters, you’re not alone. In fact, money issues are one of the leading causes of contention in romantic relationships. If you’re looking to find healthier ways to co...

As parents, our world centers on our children when they’re young, which is why it's common to struggle with the transition from a full house and a busy schedule of kid-related activities to an empty nest and lots of free time. It can be an incredibly emotional time for parents. While you might feel happy and proud to have successfully launched young adults out into the world, you might simultaneou...

Because money is such a big part of life, our wishes, hopes, dreams, and fears can sometimes make it hard to see the truth for what it is. Often, this happens without us realizing it, but the consequences can be very real. If you've been harboring any of these common money misconceptions, it might be time to set the record straight in your own mind and start embracing better choices. Your financia...

Retirement is a time to pursue dreams, explore new opportunities, and enjoy the rewards of years of hard work. But ensuring your retirement aligns with your aspirations requires regular attention to your financial plan. Life changes, market conditions, and evolving goals all play a role in shaping your retirement strategy, making it essential to revisit your plan periodically to ensure it remains...

You might think that the level of happiness you feel about money, your work, your social life, or your relationships is derived from what happens in each of those areas of your life. But, actually, your perception of the things that happen is what truly makes a difference in your outlook. It really is all about perspective, and psychologists who study this cognitive bias call it the “framing effec...

While we often associate resolutions with the start of a new year, financial goal-setting can happen whenever you're ready to take action. Establishing clear financial goals can help provide direction and structure for your money management, whether you’re saving for the future, managing debt, or working toward a specific milestone. In this episode, you'll learn four main advantages of setting fin...

Even when it’s the right decision for everyone involved, divorce still often feels like the rug has been pulled out from under you. The future you had previously mapped out might seem out of focus now, and it can be hard to navigate your own emotions – let alone the practical steps you should be taking for your financial security. It is possible to bounce back, though - and to become stronger both...

Women face so many expectations these days, especially working moms. We are bombarded on all sides by endless streams of advice on how to be better parents as expectations for parent involvement have been growing, alongside many other, more elaborate expectations for working mothers. Does this mean you can’t find success both at work and at home? No! In fact, I believe you can. You just have to ch...

Lifestyle inflation can begin subtly, and it’s not just a financial phenomenon; it's a psychological trap, too. The excitement of extra income can quickly turn into a desire for a more luxurious life. You get that promotion, and suddenly you're eyeing a more upscale apartment or contemplating a flashy new gadget. It happens to the best of us, and today we'll discuss the three most common culprits....

When you think about your finances, you probably don’t simultaneously consider your core values. But... maybe you should! In this episode, you'll learn why it’s important to get a bit introspective about your finances and consider things like your intrinsic values. This can take some getting used to if you’re not accustomed to thinking about your finances in a values-based way – and it may even fe...

Financial freedom has obvious benefits, doesn’t it? They include things like increased savings, investment potential, and a secure retirement. However, the less obvious impacts of financial freedom are not discussed as frequently, although they are just as significant. They can subtly transform various aspects of your life, from improving mental health to fostering better relationships. In fact, t...

As you’re cleaning out the cobwebs and decluttering your home this Spring, consider that it’s also the perfect opportunity to sweep through your finances and get better organized. By taking the time once a year to organize and optimize your financial strategies, you’re helping pave the way for a more comfortable – and less stressful – retirement. In this episode, I’ll share six steps to take in yo...

In today's world, achieving financial independence is more crucial than ever. For women, building wealth is not just about amassing money; it's about gaining control, security, and the freedom to live life on your terms. Whether you're a woman seeking financial independence or a man looking to guide your daughters or granddaughters, in this episode I’ll share actionable strategies to build wealth...

As parents, our world centers on our children when they’re young, which is why it's common to struggle with the transition from a full house and a busy schedule of kid-related activities to an empty nest and lots of free time. It can be an incredibly emotional time for parents. While you might feel happy and proud to have successfully launched young adults out into the world, you might simultaneou...

Have you ever stopped to consider why companies create mission statements? Doing so succinctly defines values and goals and serves as the standard against which decisions - financial or otherwise - are measured. It’s a tool you can use within your family, too, to make sure you are making decisions that line up with your values. In this episode, we review four steps to creating a family mission sta...

Even the strongest couples face challenges during life transitions, and retirement is one of them. For a couple to successfully enjoy their retirement together, one of the most important things they can do is to get the timing right for both of them. That’s why it’s so important to have a thoughtful discussion beforehand. You and your spouse should have a shared understanding of your visions for r...

Our social circles greatly influence all aspects of our lives. How we act, how stressed we feel, how long we live, the choices we make, the risks we take, our self-control… studies have shown that our friends significantly impact us in all of these areas and more. Of course, the way we manage our finances is strongly influenced by our circle of friends, too, which can be both positive and negative...

The Center for Financial Security recently conducted a study that showed that 99% of people who experience domestic abuse also experience financial abuse from their partners. The study also found that most domestic abuse cases actually begin with a subtle form of financial control that escalates into physical, verbal, or emotional abuse. Unfortunately, financial abuse is not talked about as often...

It's normal for teens to ignore their parents sometimes, but we’re ultimately responsible for helping them develop the strong foundations they’ll carry into adulthood in just a few years. And, neuroscientists have found that one of the best ways to do this is to help our teens develop positive habits and routines. Learn more in this engaging episode. For more information about Kathy, her firm, and...