We often think of finances as a calculative and dry subject. We believe that the cold numbers will lead us to an objectively correct way to spend our money. However, life is full of unexpected and difficult choices and sometimes there isn’t a purely data-driven answer available.In these times you need to examine factors like your mental state, your money
Money is a hard thing to talk about. It fits right in between being honest with your doctor and discussing a “newly renovated” nursing home with your mother-in-law. In fact, we’re taught from an early age to avoid talking about money. Even straightforward subjects like salary and savings are hindered by a layer of taboo. So, imagine the herculean difficulty of
THE ASSUMPTIONS WE MAKEDuring the transition of married life to divorced life, I was in a doctor’s office, filling out the typical paperwork. The question of ‘in case of emergency who should we call?’ stumped me as I thought, “Now what? Who should they call?” It’s strange how a usually straightforward question transforms into more profound thoughts about who and
THE ASSUMPTIONS WE MAKEDuring the transition of married life to divorced life, I was in a doctor’s office, filling out the typical paperwork. The question of ‘in case of emergency who should we call?’ stumped me as I thought, “Now what? Who should they call?” It’s strange how a usually straightforward question transforms into more profound thoughts about who and
“I have never heard a person speak with such vulnerability at a business conference as you just were.” Really? Moi? My presentation at a national conference of financial and philanthropic professionals carried the title, “What Was and What Will Be: A Client in Transition.” I presented case studies, mine included, to illustrate the best and worst practices of advisors’ vis-a-vis
For many people, when the pandemic and shelter in place dramatically changed our personal and professional lives, their general anxieties about financial security shot to the sky. As someone who has “bag lady syndrome,” I was surprised that I didn’t crawl under my bed and assume a fetal position. The hypothetical scenario of the world coming to an end was
On March 17, 2020, shortly after shelter-in-place was mandated in San Francisco, I wanted to post, on the Power of And facebook page, a daily message about community compassion, self compassion, and something that spoke to the ways people were trying to use their humanity for good. On Day 16, we were told that shelter-in-place would extend at least
Can We be Impartial With Ourselves About Our Money?Impartiality is a hot topic in the press these days. The issue of neutrality led me to wonder if we are fair with ourselves. Are we open to new ideas, facts, lessons learned, or are we just critical with our life choices? I posed these questions to my clients as we reviewed
November is the month where we are especially thankful for our bounty, in whatever form it takes. I am grateful for this year’s opportunities for growth, challenge, learning, and listening. In the spirit of the season, I offer you fodder for your nourishment.Perspective Can Take You Anywhere We are all in some life transition – either by choice or thrust
I want to open with a personal story: I learned I have a hearing impairment (and tinnitus) at age 48. For years, I have had to pay closer attention to what people were saying and I increasingly asked questions to add clarity and context to conversations. Plus, between you and me, my hearing “auto-correct” is often hilarious, and nowhere near