Flourish Financially with Kathy Longo

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...

For many of us, giving back is about expressing gratitude, creating change, and making a difference. But let’s be honest, with so many causes, organizations, and options out there, figuring out where to start can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why today we’re talking about values-based charitable giving. What does that mean? It’s about making sure your generosity reflects what matters most to...

It’s common to have multiple retirement accounts with overlapping objectives - and little time to organize them. However, if your accounts aren’t organized effectively, you may not be making the most of your savings and investments. In this episode, you’ll learn how to use a financial “tune-up” to create a structure and planning process that lets you quickly check in on your savings and spending g...

This time of year, we hear a lot of messaging about the promise and opportunity of a new year and a feeling of hope that we can change our lives for the better. But, what if you’re at a place in life where a new year doesn’t mean those things to you? What if you’re feeling stuck where you are and you aren’t sure how to move forward? In this episode, I want to set aside the idea that you need to be...

Our goals should inspire and motivate us, leaving us with a sense of hope for the future. But if you’re feeling haunted by past failures, the entire process of goal setting can make you feel anxious. Often, the root of the problem is that we’ve been setting the wrong kinds of goals, which is why I want to share the concept of “compass goals” with you in this episode. For more information about Kat...

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....

Many of us are on a quest for success – at work and in our personal lives – that often leads us down a path of intense pressure and stress. It affects not just our mental and physical health, but our financial wellness, too. The balancing act between maintaining health, managing stress, and ensuring financial stability is a complex challenge, and it's important to recognize the relationship betwee...

Feeling fear or intimidation around numbers is more common than you might think, especially for women. However, adopting a reactive stance toward money management only perpetuates a cycle of financial uncertainty. Proactively engaging with your finances is crucial for realizing your goals and crafting a meaningful existence for yourself and your loved ones. In this episode, learn how to tackle 'nu...

When we think of gratitude, it's often about appreciating what we have in life, but what if we applied that same mindset to our financial lives? Practicing gratitude in the realm of money can lead to a more positive and resilient approach to managing our finances. It can reduce stress, improve decision-making, and foster a greater sense of satisfaction. In this episode, we’ll explore how cultivati...

If you'll be seeing family for the holidays, it may be a good time to consider how to approach conversations about money, estate planning, retirement planning, elder care, and more. These conversations aren't easy, yet they are necessary for protecting your family’s financial future. In this episode, you'll learn a strategy to approach these discussions, called the “TALK Method." It just may...

Estate planning is a foundational aspect of planning for your family’s future and for generational success. There is an important feeling of reassurance that comes with knowing your loved ones will be looked after, your hard-earned assets protected, and your legacy carried forward. Thoughtful estate planning involves more than just a will or a trust, however. It's about thoughtful preparation and...

We all know about traditional retirement planning options like 401(k)s and IRAs, but there's another tool that often flies under the radar—health accounts. These accounts can actually play a big role in boosting your retirement savings. So, in this episode, we’re diving into the world of alternative retirement savings where health and wealth intersect, giving you more ways to support your future....

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...

The holiday season is approaching once again, and while it can be joyful, it can also be a prime time for fighting with your spouse or partner about money. As a couple, there are plenty of ups and downs that 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 find yourselves disagreeing on financial matters this time of y...

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...

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...

There’s a reason so many companies create a mission statement. 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, in order to make sure you are making decisions that line up with your values. In this episode, you'll learn four steps to creating a family mission st...

If there simply aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things you'd like to, you're not alone. The good news is, there are simple, low-effort strategies you can use to check "managing money" off the to-do list and feel more confident about your financial wellness. In this episode, I share tips for making your money management "out of sight and out of mind" so you...

Fall has arrived - meaning the holiday season is right around the corner. It's easy to overspend this time of year, so if your financial health is on your mind, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we review the 10 ingredients that are essential for financial well-being so you can stay on track while still enjoying all the Fall season has to offer. For more information about Kathy, her firm...

Retirement is often seen as the long-awaited reward after decades of hard work—a time to relax, travel, and enjoy freedom from the daily grind. While these are all aspects of retirement, the emotional and psychological transition from full-time work to retirement can be more challenging than many anticipate. This stage of life represents a major shift, and for many retirees, it can bring unexpecte...

As you plan for your long-term financial goals, it’s smart to know your net worth – that is, the value of your assets minus your liabilities. It's an important number to keep in your sights, but many people don't realize that career growth is an essential piece of the puzzle, too. As you level-up your career, you'll level-up your earning potential - and your net worth, too. For more information ab...

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...

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...

Graduating from college is an exciting milestone. If you or a loved one has recently achieved it, congratulations! However, this phase of life also comes with new financial responsibilities. As you step into the working world, managing your money effectively is crucial to building a stable future. In this episode, I’m sharing nine tips for post-college money management, covering everything from bu...

If there simply aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things you'd like to, you're not alone. The good news is, there are simple, low-effort strategies you can use to check "managing money" off the to-do list and feel more confident about your financial wellness. In this episode, I share tips for making your money management "out of sight and out of mind" so you...