Flourish Financially with Kathy Longo

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....

If you’ve heard the term “legacy planning,” you might think it’s interchangeable with “estate planning.” Although they are related concepts, they are distinct. In this episode, we will talk about going “beyond wealth” – and the traditional estate plan – to create a legacy plan that infuses purpose and passion, and serves as a testament to your values, beliefs, and the contributions you have made t...

Although it’s no longer the very beginning of the year, I believe that it’s always a good time to think about your financial goals. Money touches every part of our lives, including our relationships and our emotions, too, so striking a balance between financial goals and well-being is not only wise but essential for a fulfilling life. That’s why, today, we’re exploring the significance of setting...

The New Year hits differently for everyone. For some, it might feel like hope, promise, and opportunity. 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? Sometimes, a new year is less about charging toward massive goals and ambitions and more about taking one small step forw...

Celebrate with us! This episode marks a dual celebration - the 100th episode of this podcast, and the 10th anniversary of Flourish Wealth Management! What has evolved over our last ten years in business is something that, today, we call The Flourish Fundamentals - the three things that set our team apart from other financial advisors. Learn more now! For more information about Kathy, her firm, and...

As with many things in life, perspective is paramount. That's why mindset is critical in building wealth and achieving financial security. Money is a complex, complicated topic. Changing your mindset around it can take time, but it’s worth the effort. Viewing your wealth as a tool of empowerment and a creator of choice is an important step toward maximizing your financial potential in the ways tha...

Would you like to achieve greater financial health this year? Whether you're just starting your career, raising a family, or enjoying your retirement, achieving financial health is a goal that transcends generational boundaries. In this episode, you'll learn key principles and strategies to help you foster financial well-being at any stage of life. You've got this! For more information about Kathy...

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...

When you think about your finances, you probably don’t simultaneously consider your core values. You’re more likely to be focused on the debt you’re trying to tackle, the trip you’re saving for, and even how much you’ll spend at the grocery store this month as food costs continue to rise with inflation. However, it's important to get a bit introspective about your finances and consider things like...

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...

Money and finances are the top cause of stress for Americans, and financial anxiety can be compounded during the holidays. In this episode, I suggest a few ways you can reclaim your holiday joy instead of succumbing to financial worries AND make a plan for living with less financial stress the rest of the year, too. For more information about Kathy, her firm, and the valuable services they offer,...

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new relationship and in making plans for your future together. Though your new love may check all the proverbial boxes for your ideal mate, it’s important to ask yourself whether there are any financial red flags that could amount to deal-breakers for you. Now, I know what you may be thinking: you should choose a mate based on love, not money… righ...

In a world where women are progressively breaking barriers and rising to leadership positions, there remains a lesser-known yet significant aspect of their journeys: financial fears that often hinder their progress. In this episode, we discuss common financial fears for women, as well as actionable strategies to empower you to overcome these obstacles and embrace a future of financial security and...

The world we live in today is fast-paced and increasingly complex, and it's challenging to navigate the landscapes of work and life. As you strive for career success, you may sometimes find yourself facing difficult decisions that can impact your overall well-being. One question that may arise on your journey is whether it is ever acceptable to take a pay cut. In this episode, we explore five scen...

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. And, neuroscientists have found that one of the best ways to do this is to help our teens develop positive habits and routines. For more information about Kathy, her firm, and the great things the valuable services they offer, visit...

Conversations with family regarding money, estate planning, retirement planning, elder care, and what will happen to investments when someone dies are not easy. Of course, they are also necessary for protecting your family’s financial future. In this episode, Kathy explains how to approach these discussions using the “TALK Method” to conquer your money conversation anxiety and broach just one mean...

Money matters and mental health are inextricably connected. Being able to work through your day-to-day experiences with money and your emotions can help give you a better understanding of the interconnection between money and mental health in your own life, as well as give you a clearer understanding of what your strengths and weaknesses are when it comes to money management. For more information...

The financial services industry remains dominated by men, and there is a lingering feeling in some circles that women take a backseat when it comes to money matters. This can lead many women to feel unheard or uncomfortable in financial conversations, even though women control 51% of personal wealth today and have a greater desire than ever to take control of their financial futures. Add in the fa...

Fall is a time of reflection and introspection for many people. You may be thinking back to the resolutions you made at the start of the year, assessing your progress, and making plans to move forward. If you aren't where you desire to be, common “mental roadblocks” could be holding you back. In this episode, you'll learn how to overcome four of these limiting mindsets and psychological obstacles...

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...

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...

If you’ve heard the term “legacy planning,” you might think it’s interchangeable with “estate planning.” Although they are related concepts, they are distinct. In this episode, we will talk about going “beyond wealth” – and the traditional estate plan – to create a legacy plan that infuses purpose and passion, and serves as a testament to your values, beliefs, and the contributions you have made t...

You may 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. In truth, though, 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 effe...

No matter what your marriage looks like - and each one is unique - having money conversations with your spouse can be complex. You each bring your own money story, values, and financial resources and obligations to the relationship, which can create complications. In this episode, we'll talk about what productive money discussions look like, and how to overcome the challenge of a partner who is he...

It might not be as exciting as choosing your venue or deciding what you'll wear on the big day, but intentional financial planning before marriage can reduce future conflicts around money, help you establish shared expectations, and start a habit of open communication so your relationship can flourish. So, if you’re planning to get married soon and you’re struggling with how to approach the topic...