• Education,  Empowerment,  Finance,  Habits

    5 Myths about Working with a Financial Professional

    November 27, 2023

    Money is integrated with every one of life’s necessities. From food to houses and cars to children and clothing all the way through retirement, money impacts many of our major decisions and the quality of the life we live. Unfortunately, personal finance is not taught in school and we lack the knowledge of how money works. Therefore, we make many of our major life decisions and how we spend our money blindly, without a guide or plan as to what will benefit us the most in the long run.

    What I find funny is that when we are in school we are given a curriculum as to what courses we need to complete to graduate. Yet, when it comes to money, we are not given the tools to make our financial futures successful.

    The good news is that there is an entire financial services industry dedicated to helping you maximize your money. Unfortunately, there are tons of myths regarding financial professionals, which makes seeking advice confusing, frustrating, and scary.

    Below, I wish to debunk 5 of those myths to help you build your knowledge about professionals within the industry and feel more confident seeking advice and help with your money.

    Myth 1: I am not old enough to work with a financial professional
    Truth: Money and time go hand in hand. The longer you have the more time for your money to grow over time. The earlier easier building new habits and wealth will become. The younger you are the easier it is to right the ship of your financial future. When it comes to the time value of money, I often tell people to start now, save regularly, and be patient. Money needs time to truly work to your advantage.

    Myth 2: I don’t have enough money to talk with a professional
    Truth: Unfortunately, there are many people in the industry who only focus on high-net-worth clients. But, if you look within the industry, you will find plenty of advisors who are willing to help you no matter what your income level. Don’t let the few who only serve the elite stereotype others who will help.

    Myth 3: I don’t need a financial professional, I can do it all by myself
    Truth: According to a recent Vanguard study, financial professionals add about 3% more in returns for their clients than those not working with a professional. 3% may not seem like a lot initially, but over time that 3% could be the difference of several hundreds of thousands of dollars when you retire, and that is a big deal. Even if you are a do-it-yourselfer, don’t you think starting early with a professional giving feedback and assessment would be key to the longevity of your finances?

    Myth 4: I am scared to reveal my money habits to a professional
    Truth: Just like you have to have the right doctor, you have to have the right financial professional. A good professional knows that no one is perfect and that you are seeking knowledge and help. The right advisor should listen to your concerns and be empathetic. He or she should make you feel safe and not judged when discussing your money challenges.

    Myth 5: All a financial professional will do is play the stock market and I don’t want to risk my money that way
    Truth: Financial professionals should look at the whole picture and develop a comprehensive plan to set you up for success long term. This goes way beyond playing the stock market. Many times, you will get advice on your savings account and emergency funds. We will examine debt. We will want to create short, middle, and long-term plans, and discuss risk tolerance. Our job is then to develop a balanced and well-diversified portfolio. Our goal is to develop an investment strategy that is appropriate for your individual situation so that you can feel in control and have confidence in the plan.

    Hopefully, your fears are debunked. A good advisor is a coach, teacher, and guide. They will be there to help you feel more knowledgeable and confident with every stage of life and every major decision. They will be there to offer options that best suit you and provide encouragement and accountability to hit your goals. Do yourself a favor and seek guidance from a professional today to enhance your financial tool belt and build more security for yourself and your family.

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  • Education,  Empowerment,  Finance,  Habits

    Growth Mode- The Future is Female

    November 15, 2023

    Recently I read an article from Morgan Stanley stating that by 2030 women are going to control over $30 Trillion dollars. That is 2/3 of all the assets in our nation. WOW! Talk about a great wealth transfer. Unfortunately, over the last few months, as I have met with dozens of women, I have realized that women lack the knowledge, confidence, and time to really understand personal finance. So it raises the question, what is this wealth transfer going to be like? How are we going to control this money? My personal thoughts can be summed up in one word: YIKES. I foresee an overwhelming number of women feeling crazed and scared simply because we don’t get it.

    Today, it is critical that women understand money. But if you don’t, I can’t place the blame on you. Personal finance is not taught in many public schools, which makes financial concepts elusive, complicated, and extremely frustrating. People simply don’t get it because we were never taught it, and this lack of knowledge creates problems in our families, from sleepless nights wondering how a bill will get paid to maxing out credit cards. Most Americans blame money and finance for so many of their issues.

    The lack of understanding, available education, and the wealth transfer to women is why I entered the industry. For over 20 years I specialized in coaching, educating, empowering, and giving accountability to women. I also know that women are underserved in the financial services industry because when you lack understanding of something, like money, talking about it becomes taboo, and seeking help becomes hard. Because of this problem, many women believe that working with an advisor is only for the wealthy, a stereotype I need to break because that is not who I am. I am someone who listens to understand what is going on. I love to meet people where they are and develop a map to get them to where they want to be. I am someone who checks in and pays attention in order for you to follow through on making your goals a reality. I am someone who understands that sometimes it takes a little extra motivation to reach a goal and that progress towards that goal is always more important than giving up. I believe in people even when they have a hard time believing in themselves. Ultimately, I transform lives. And that job title is amazing.

    The future of money is female, and it is critical that women begin to understand it so we don’t screw up what is our responsibility. It is time we jump into growth mode and begin to properly educate ourselves. It is time we grow in confidence as we inherit wealth from our parents and spouses. It is time that we feel empowered and in control of our spending. This isn’t a pitch to come talk to me, though I am here to provide a judgment-free space to listen to and understand your concerns and questions and to educate you on how money can work for you. But, this is a plea that you take your knowledge about money more seriously. In just 6 years the need for women to understand money is going to change drastically. Start learning now. Put it on your goals list. Take action by asking questions. Build that confidence. Spread the need to others in your life. Support one another, grow together, and take this transfer with control, power, and excitement. I want to change that thought about the wealth transfer from YIKES to YESSSS!

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  • Empowerment,  Habits,  Purposeful Living

    Why I am a Financial Professional

    April 17, 2023

    I was raised by two finance professionals. My dad was a banker. My mom managed a local branch of Household Finance. Money, investing, saving, budgeting, etc was all common dinner table conversations; however, my brother and I would rather fold up a piece of paper and play football. I grew up in a family that every Christmas I would receive stocks paid for by dividends and government bonds (you know the kind that takes decades to mature). The 8-year-old me didn’t value these presents, I just wanted the Barbie doll. But the 30+-year-old me sees the value, and looking back I am thankful for the experience and knowledge passed on to me.

    When I was in junior high, Mom would set me up with a weekly budget/ allowance. I had to budget my lunch money and spending money. If I wanted something I would have to figure out how to save that money to make the purchase. This continued throughout high school. Understanding money coming in versus money going out helped me know where to spend my dollars wisely.

    Yes, my parents tried to pass on financial literacy to me throughout my teen years. But, admittedly I took those lessons for granted. Why? My need for something now was stronger than my need for financial stability and freedom in my 40s, 50s, and 60s. Sometimes looking back, I think retirement was just too far away to really take that need seriously. I fell victim to the immediate want vesus the long term want mentality. My wants of today trumped my wants of the future.

    Then, as life continued, I found it hard to admit failure with money- especially when your parents tried so hard to teach you better. It is a little embarrassing to discuss things like credit card debt, credit scores, money in a saving account, budget, investing, and how perhaps you are trying to just make ends meet living paycheck to paycheck. There are so many negative stereotypes associated with each one of these areas that for many ignorances or pushing the problem aside is just easier.

    When Matthew and I finally decided to take our wealth more seriously, we were in our 30s. And we knew we needed a coach. This coach didn’t necessarily need to tell us what to do, but, instead, to change my perspective, help me problem solve, and hold us accountable to taking these goals seriously.

    The good news is that one of the ways we learn is by making mistakes. I am glad I have the life experiences of learning about money to help me relate to others who need help. I can pass these lessons on. Like many I have paid off student-loan debt (thanks to a 3rd degree that I didn’t even finish). I have overcome credit card debt. I have lived paycheck to paycheck and taught myself how to save so that stress isn’t so dire.

    Admitting all this is embarrassing, especially because I should have known better because my parents tried so hard to give me the tools and teach me about money. But it is all true. When I decided to take my money seriously, my life changed. And I have gained a ton of knowledge including how to create the habits to get yourself unstuck. I am literally walking, talking proof that if I can make these changes, you can too. And I am here to help.

    Financial planning isn’t just about investments and portfolios. It isn’t just for the rich and soon-to-be retired. Financial advising is here to help you take control of your bad habits, and for you to take ownership of your money. It is for you and for your family to be protected in case the unimaginable happens. It is for you to dream about a work-optional lifestyle instead of a life where you must work. And I can’t wait to watch people gain confidence and control of their money and watch people dream in exciting, amazing ways, createing a life where those dreams come true.

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  • Empowerment,  Habits,  Purposeful Living

    Lesson Learned: Forgive to Expand

    February 20, 2023

    “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

    I check my Instagram messages and type, “Still good for 9:30.” Quickly I get a reply, “Yes, see you there.” I take a big breath. I am nervous. But, Lily and I are committed to meeting an old acquaintance for coffee. This person and I have not spoken in years and our friendship ended abruptly. I didn’t agree with her actions. I felt hurt and betrayed by her. I held a grudge. And I couldn’t forgive her.

    I requested that we grab a coffee. These last few months I have been thinking about her and our relationship. How we actually challenged one another and learned from one another… sharpened one another. We pushed one another’s creativity, competitiveness, leadership, and growth. I learned how to deal with conflict differently because of our experience. She actually sharpened me.

    When Lily and I walked into the coffee shop, she was already there. We walked up to her table and sat. Immediately, I remembered my word of the year “expand” and recognized that in order to expand this year, I needed to forgive. I needed to release my grudge.

    Was it hard? Yes. Was it super uncomfortable? Yes. Did I like feeling humbled? No.

    But when we walked out of the coffee shop nearly 2 hours later, I felt a release of something I have been holding onto with negative intention. It was calming and peaceful. It felt good. It was powerful. It was expanding who I am.

    Lesson learned: Forgiveness isn’t forgetting… it is giving yourself a chance to expand and grow.


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  • Empowerment,  Habits

    Making A Change Is Hard: Do a Challenge

    January 16, 2023

    There are a few things that I love about a 6 Week Challenge, whether it is focused on fitness, finances, relationships, spirituality, or some other area in your life. Here are 3 reasons why I think starting habit change with a challenge is a great beginning point.

    1.) There is a starting and ending date.
    Most of the time when we think about creating new habits, it is something that can be overwhelming. Seeing a starting and ending date gives you an advantage. An end date allows you to keep the eye on the prize. Personally, I think 6 weeks is a good amount of time. Typically, it takes 21 days to start to build the habit. It takes longer to make it part of who you are and your lifestyle. 6 weeks ingrains the habit into who you are, without feeling the pressures of lifelong commitment. By seeing the end date, you can build your confidence when you hit it. That confidence is so valuable to pursuing any change.

    2.) Challenges normally come with others who are doing it with you and a coach to support you.
    Having multiple people involved gives you a sense of community, support, and accountability. The cliche that it takes a village to raise a child, is also so true when it comes to changing your habits. People think that making changes is a lonely hard process. They are scared to ask for help. But the truth is when you have like-minded people make the changes together and a coach guiding you, you will achieve success. You have others to give guidance, offer support, keep you focused, and celebrate the smallest wins.

    3.) Challenges include invaluable knowledge.
    The other cliche is “knowledge is power.” But it is true. And the amount of knowledge you gain during a challenge is invaluable. During a challenge, you will be forced to learn. When you learn something, it can never be taken away from you. During a challenge, you will be forced to problem-solve. Those lessons will last longer than the length of the challenge. During a challenge, you will face adversity. Your perseverance will grow and be with you forever. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. And a challenge is designed to help you make those positive changes.

    So, now that the New Year’s Resolutions are starting to become harder, maybe research different ways you can get in on a challenge to help you begin fresh, find community, and learn.

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  • Empowerment,  Habits,  Purposeful Living

    Wednesday Wisdom: Why Taking Physical Action Benefits So Much More

    January 11, 2023

    I had a client yesterday say that she was ready to make a change physically. However, our discussion took a much different turn. We ended up talking more about emotional and mental health. It’s true when you find physical success, your mental and emotional health grows as a result of that success.

    Those things that tend to scare us a little; for example, learning something new, making a commitment, or changing the direction of schooling, a business, or a career, test who we are at the foundation of our beings. Typically, being “new” or making a change is uncomfortable. It is out of that comfort zone. We are unsure of who or what we are in that new space. In order to make those changes, it takes risks. And risks are more terrifying than those monsters hiding under the bed when we were kids. SImply put, we don’t want to fail.

    When we decide to commit to making that change, that is where we grow. We grow phyically, mentally, and emotionally. Where more people make the mistake is that the commitment to change doesn’t need to be huge. Physically, you don’t need to go to the extreme. In fact, I never recommend that. Why? I think extreme change is hard and unsustainable. You are setting yourself up for failure. But let’s say physically, you start by setting your alarm for 5 minutes earlier in the morning for 1 week. With that 5 minutes, you incorporate some morning stretches. Physically, your body will improve its flexibility, which as we age is super important. And after 1 week, you feel proud of yourself for sticking with your commitment. Mentally, you are also building strength and growth. Stretching tends to help clear the mind. By following through on the 5 minutes a day, you are building confidence and self- credibility. With that confidence, you are emotionally more stable.

    This small improvement to your physical health will give you the power to try (or take a slightly bigger risk) another physical task. Maybe signing up for a yoga class once a week to not only improve that flexibility but balance as well. Or maybe making the physical commitment to after 5 minutes of stretching in the morning, drinking a glass of water (so many physical health benefits there).

    The point is not necessarily about exercise. When we physically do something, take physical action toward something, we grow. And that action, that physical growth, also builds your mental and emotional growth as well. It could be finally making that dentist appointment you have been neglecting for 5 years (action in the process is growth). It could be making the decision to physically wire money into your investment portfolio each week. It doesn’t matter. What matters is the action leads to growth. Learning leads to growth. Being uncomfortable leads to growth.

    What physical actions are you doing this week that will help you grow? Let’s share in the comments. And if you like this and other posts, please subscribe.

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  • Habits,  Productivity,  Purposeful Living

    But First, Get Me My Coffee

    January 5, 2023

    Morning routines. We all have them. Some of us rise with the first alarm. Others snooze 12 times before getting out of bed. Some of us make our bed right away, while others choose not to make their bed at all. Some of us drink water in the morning. Others want to shake their coffee machine because it can’t brew fast enough.

    Our routines are our habits. It is a reflection of what we most consistently do. While I do drink water, have a protein shake, and take my supplements while the coffee is brewing, it is still part of my routine. This morning, disaster. Somehow our BUNN coffee maker got turned off. The water that poured through the grinds was cold. The coffee… clear. Disappointing? Yes. Annoying? Yes. Devasting? Could have been, depending on the day.

    I didn’t even like coffee until I was 34. That is what happens when you have a two year old and a newborn… you drink coffee to have a little energy for both. Now, I find myself making a cup for all kinds of random things. My hands are cold, let me make a cup of coffee. I need to focus on a project, let me make a cup of coffee first. It is quiet in the house, let me enjoy it with a cup of coffee. I just ate too much dinner, might as well have a cup of coffee.

    I know I am not alone. Sometimes I wonder if we replaced the smoke break with the coffee break. I have never been a smoker, but I can see how taking a moment to make a cup of coffee can help you slow down, realign your thoughts, and breathe. I could be wrong. But I could also see it.

    But, back to my original point… My coffee maker didn’t work today. I feel the hiccup in my morning routine. I feel like I am missing something without the warm cup in my hand, the savory smell, and the bitter taste. Please… get me my coffee!

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    Back to the Gym… Congrats!

    January 4, 2023

    For everyone who is starting a fitness routine, or getting back into the gym… CONGRATS! It isn’t easy! And you are getting better.

    I took 10 days away from the gym. In my world, it seems like a lifetime.
    To be completely honest on Monday, I convinced myself to skip my workout. I knew it was going to hurt. I would be sore… and I didn’t want to do it. I let my excuses get the best of me.

    But on Tuesday, I ditched all excuses and got it in. I lifted. I taught a class. I did a Bas Rutten. Needless to say, I didn’t ease back into anything. And, I feel it today. My chest and shoulders are sore. My abs are sore. My legs and booty are sore. But I am glad I got back after it. It feels good to be back in my routine.


    I know starting/ or getting back into a routine is hard. So for everyone who took the first step in creating a new habit, a new choice, and a new lifestyle…. or for everyone who decided to start again (even if it is for the 25th time), CONGRATS! It isn’t easy. It will suck at times. But the journey is worth it in the end. Staying focused on the long-term result and taking it one day at a time will get you there.

    Need help with staying committed? That is another topic for another day. 🙂 Today, celebrate the fact that you did it (despite the soreness or other struggles along the way). And know that people are proud of you and recognize that it takes a lot of courage, grit, perseverance, and determination to start again.

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  • Habits,  Purposeful Living

    Finding a Moment of Stillness

    January 3, 2023

    “Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 42:10

    Stillness… I think we all need it. A moment to breathe, clear our thoughts, and just be… Taking a moment to not play any role. A moment to release all expectations. A moment to find peace. A moment to hand over any problems. Even if it is just for 2 seconds… be still…

    I am a sunrise girl. I love waking up while it is still dark. I love the quiet of the early morning before the kids start playing, the TV gets turned on, and the traffic on the road picks up. It is my time to think, plan, pray, and prepare for the day. Then something magical starts to happen. The sky becomes a little brighter. The sun begins to rise, sometimes a glowing orange ball and sometimes a hazy light in a gray sky.

    No matter the day, I glance out my kitchen slider to see how the sun is rising, symbolizing a new day of fresh possibilities. I pause. Stillness. This moment is mine. Be still, and know.

    I breathe. Sometimes I take a sip of coffee and am thankful for another day, another sunrise, and another opportunity to do my best. I find calmness deep in my soul. Sometimes I just look out in awe of what is capable.

    Sometimes, if the time is just right, I sneak outside and take a picture or two and post the sunrise on social media. This moment that I hit the pause button has been picked up by my kids. Not too many days ago, Lily looks at the sky one morning and said, “Mom, look there is a pink rainbow in the sky.” I also learned this morning that my sneaking out to take a picture was also captured by my two little ones because Jack then promptly says, “Can we go take a picture with our tablets?” So much for being discreet.

    This is that morning in mid-October when the kids insisted
    on taking a picture. It was special….

    But it is in those moments (not minutes, not hours, not days), that I find peace. Where the chaos of the day doesn’t exist. A sunrise really is but a powerful moment. Each is a little different, and never at the exact same time. Always changing.

    Do you have a moment in the day that you pause for stillness?

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  • Empowerment,  Habits,  Productivity,  Purposeful Living

    23 in 2023 Bucket List

    December 30, 2022

    This week multiple people shared a similar idea with books to read next year, places to travel, etc.
    I saw someone do a 23-in-23 list. I think this can bring it all together. Books, vacations, projects, habits, etc.
    SO….
    Why not make it a graphic and share it with everyone as a free download?

    In order to make it work, think about 23 things your want to do in 2023. Matthew and I sat down last night and did it together. We brainstormed about things we could build, habits we wanted to put in place, and ways we can make our family stronger. We also talked about places to visit (even for a day trip that accepts crazy dogs). We just talked and connected for well over an hour about how we can make our lives better individually and together. It was great!

    You can easily do this activity alone or with others. Then you can share it. Cross them off when they happen. Make some of your bucket list items a true reality.

    Download, print, share, and enjoy! And if you really want to start a conversation, share some of your 23 in 2023 Bucket List ideas below. You never know who you may inspire.

    Don’t forget if you like this be sure to subscribe to get all the latest coming your way.
    If you need more ideas for how to set your goals for 2023, check out the blog https://purposelyempowered.com/word-of-the-year-for-2023/ which has a new twist on how to set up your year for success. 🙂

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