Flourish Financially with Kathy Longo

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. Get tips and guidance in this encouraging episode! For more information about Kathy,...

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 retirement, your preferred timing, and even details like how to accomplish daily housework tasks. Th...

Having an emergency fund is critical to building and maintaining wealth over time. This is true even if you have a high net worth or a high monthly income. Both of these things can make you feel more financially secure than you really are, meaning an unexpected emergency expense could have a significant negative impact on your present – and future – finances. For more information about Kathy, her...

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...

There’s a lot that goes into a comprehensive retirement plan, and women have different considerations - and challenges - compared to men. This is due to many economic and social factors that work against women in intersecting ways. In this episode, I explore why proactive retirement planning is important for women and provide tips for creating a secure retirement. For more information about Kathy,...

It's that time of year when many new high school graduates are preparing to head off to college. While they are often full of excitement, it can be a worrisome time for parents. Although we have always seen ourselves as the protectors and decision-makers for our children, we lose some of our rights once they come of age. We may fully trust them to make their own decisions, but this can pose a chal...

It's easy to overspend on leisure activities and vacations during the summer. 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 the summer season. For more information about Kathy, her firm, and the valuable services they offer, visit www.flouri...

It can feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things you'd like to. The good news is, there are simple, low-effort strategies you can use to check "managing money" off your to-do list and feel more confident about your financial wellness. Use these tips for making your money management "out of sight and out of mind" so you can feel more confident a...

Things. We all have so many of them, don’t we? Some of our material possessions are necessary aspects of modern life, but many are not. As you think about your life and creating long-lasting fulfillment, are physical possessions the way to do it? In this episode, we’re asking the question “How do we actually achieve happiness?” For more information about Kathy, her firm, and the valuable services...

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...

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...

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...

If you’re a breadwinning woman – or on the verge of becoming one – congratulations on being strong and unafraid to grow your career! Regardless of your power and confidence, though, it’s likely you’re facing tricky societal pressures. In this episode, you'll find a frank discussion of the pressures and benefits of being a female breadwinner, along with practical advice for overcoming the challenge...

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 cha...

If you have a job that you love and that challenges you, congratulations! It’s something that many people wish for but never find. I know how challenging it can be to feel disengaged or bored with the work you do every day. The truth is that career complacency is common. Many of us get comfortable in our jobs and we stop striving for growth and development. While this may feel safe and secure in s...

It’s incredibly 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 easily check in on your savings and...

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...

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 and have a greater desire than ever to take control of their financial futures. Add in the fact tha...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

It’s tempting to think that money is an equalizer or that “investing is investing” regardless of the investor’s demographics. However, there are key differences in financial planning for women. Both societal factors and common life events can impact a woman’s financial position and her resulting investment choices. In this episode, I’ll review five financial planning considerations for women to he...

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. For more information about Kathy, her firm, and the valuable services they offer, vi...

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...