Flourish Financially with Kathy Longo

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...

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 great things they are doing for p...

It’s that time of year when many of us are reflecting on the past 12 months and planning for the future, too. 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. For more information about Kathy, her firm, and the great things they are doing for people like you, visit www.flourishwealthmanag...

Most of us enter a new year with one or more goals, but it’s important to realize that not all goals are created equal. If your financial health is on your mind and you want to meet your money objectives this year, you have to set the right type of goals. Using the 'S.M.A.R.T.' acronym is a helpful place to start. For more information about Kathy, her firm and the great things they are doing for p...

There are so many areas of our lives that can be made better with an intentional focus on communication –or which can suffer from a lack of communication. Your finances are one such area. During the holidays, it is important to remember that we can experience more joy in this very busy season if we remember a few basic “rules of engagement” for communicating with our loved ones. Here are some comm...

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...

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...

As we enter our second holiday season under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be easy to be overcome by stress, frustration, and uncertainty. It can all feel a little overwhelming, even as we approach Thanksgiving – a time when many of us try to focus more on the things we’re thankful for. If you’re struggling to get into the Thanksgiving spirit, practicing gratitude may be the key. In t...

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 great things they are doing fo...

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...

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 great things they are doing for...

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 c...

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...

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, Kathy shares four steps to creating a family mission st...

Happy one-year anniversary to Flourish Financially Challenge! Can you believe it's been a year already? I'm so grateful to have had you join me on this journey, I hope that you've been pushed and challenged and have grown both financially and personally throughout the past year. When it comes to achieving your financial and life goals, it is critically important to find the right person to trust w...

Many people find themselves facing career transitions, either planned or unexpected. Though they can be positive or negative, it’s the unexpected transitions that often cause financial hardship or anxiety. In this episode, Kathy discusses common career transitions - from going back to school to pursue a passion to losing a lucrative job - and shares how you can plan ahead to better weather whateve...

There is no rule book to follow in retirement, which means it can take many forms. Some retirees feel content sleeping in and learning a new hobby, while others feel aimless or anxious with so much newfound free time. That’s why some people benefit from an encore career - also called a second act - in order to find more purpose and satisfaction during this unique phase of life. In this episode, Ka...

The relationship between money and our emotions is significant because the feelings we have about money and the financial decisions we make are inextricably intertwined. Fear is a particularly tricky emotion because it can hold you back from making important financial decisions - and from meeting your true potential and achieving a life where you can flourish. In this episode, Kathy shares fourtee...

Parents are usually a child’s most powerful influence when it comes to money values, financial literacy, and financial decision-making. If you’re already talking with your kids about personal finance basics, consider giving them investing knowledge and lessons, too. There are many ways you could impart investing information, but it’s important to find a relatable way to teach kids complex topics –...

Nearly three-quarters of people believe it’s inappropriate to discuss money matters in a social setting. However, our circle of friends has a tremendous impact on the way we manage our finances - for better or for worse. In this episode, Kathy explains four reasons that she feels friends and finances do mix, and why we should all be engaging in money conversations with the people in our closest so...

Discussions about money can feel complicated and even awkward, and this includes discussing money issues with your parents as they age. However, these conversations have a meaningful purpose, and keeping the lines of communication open will be the best way to meet your parents’ wishes and protect your family’s finances. In this episode, Kathy shares three questions you can ask to start these criti...

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...

The choices we make about money are closely tied to our emotions. They impact how we perceive things like success, happiness, finance, and the experiences that shape our lives. While this is a normal part of the human condition, our money stories can create barriers to meeting our goals. When you can learn to understand the emotions connected to your financial decision-making, you can separate the...

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...