This morning I was running behind and realized, of course, my gas tank was dangerously close to empty. I quickly pulled into the gas station and pulled a little too close to an advertisement sign that was placed by the pump. I had to squeeze by the sign to access the pump so while I was filling my tank I was reading over the sign. In large letters was the promotion “5 cents off a gallon” and below a picture of their credit card.

That thought of that sign stayed with me. I love saving money so 5 cents off gas sounds great, but I also know that trying to save a few dollars can sometimes end up costing more in the long term. Are you one to approach promotions like that with caution or do you see a discount and want to sign right up?

Have you ever had a point in your life that you felt like you were in a “funk.”  You know, just a period of time where mentally, physically, and emotionally you have felt like you just can’t get your mojo flowing?  As I often do, I Googled the definition of “funk” and the two definitions I found were:

1. North America - A state of depression

2. British – Avoid (a task or thing) out of fear

I have heard that statement several times recently, perhaps because the winter was so long for my northern clients, or perhaps it is just that many have been hit by some pretty big issues recently.  I’ve experienced it a time or two (or twenty) myself, so after I heard it several times I tried to think of what caused it to happen and what got me out my “funk?”  

I’ve probably put more time and energy in this blog than any other blog I’ve written.   When I wrote the first draft I was steaming mad.  My fingers were slamming the key board so hard and fast my fingertips were actually warm.  If steam could come out of my ears, it would have been for sure!    This is a little on the “rant” side, but what I am about to share with you is not a story, it has actually happened, more than once.

Picture this, you are in the Teacher’s Lounge, lunch room of a hospital, or some other “community” room that has a table full of donuts a financial advisor brought in today.  They are there to talk to you about saving for retirement with a 403b account.  They are one of the “approved” vendors that have the privilege of meeting with you in this environment. 

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” – Christopher Reeve

As I was preparing for today’s blog, I came across the above quote.  No doubt, “Superman” was a hero to many of us, and not for the role he played in the movies, but for the role he played in life and the inspiration he gave to many.   In a million years, we would have never expected him to become disabled – he was Superman – how could that happen to him?  And if it could happen to him, then it’s likely it could happen to any of us.  It’s critical we talk about these issues.  No, it’s beyond critical.

“One reason, doubtless, why squirrels are so bold and reckless in leaping through the trees is that, if they miss their hold and fall, they sustain no injury.  Every species of tree-squirrel seems to be capable of a sort of rudimentary flying, at least of making itself into a parachute, so as to ease or break a fall or a leap from a great height.” – John Burroughs

Have you ever noticed how a squirrel seems to lack focus?  They get the job done, but they seem to take the long way around and they jolt back and forth from spot to spot.  I’ve also called this the “oh, did you see something shiny?” syndrome.   Have you ever felt that way yourself?  We live in such a distracting world it is often really hard to focus on one thing at a time. 

I’ve noticed recently the word “Fiduciary” has been tossed around in various contexts and statements, for example:

• I am a fiduciary
• It’s my fiduciary responsibility
• I acted as a fiduciary

A couple of times in the last few weeks I have heard these phrases and I was not completely sure the individuals stating actually knew what the word meant.  Sometimes it’s being used as a noun and sometimes as adjective. 

“If you are saving, you’re succeeding.” – Steve Burkholder

Last Friday we released Wine and Dime Episode 13 – The Six Letter “B” Word with the “Money Honey.” Nancy and I have worked together on projects for Cornell Cooperative Extension Steuben County for many years, and her commitment to educating the community is extraordinary.

In addition to the podcast, we hope you enjoy the following guest blog from Nancy on “Who’s Watching?”  For more information about the amazing programs being offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension Steuben County, and to help them celebrate their 100th anniversary, go to their website: www.putknowledgetowork.org

Last Friday I released my 12th Episode of Wine and Dime!  I look forward to all of my guests, but this one touched a place in my heart and soul because it was about financial education for our youth.  This is an area of great passion for me personally; I can’t wrap my head around why financial education isn’t a class that is required each year, just like math, science, etc.   Please take the time to listen to this episode and share it with friends and family – as a community let’s start a movement to make financial education just as important as the traditional education subjects, it is a skill we use for the rest of our lives!

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.”” – Denis Waitley

 Last Friday I appeared on a podcast called “So Money with Farnoosh Torabi,” (click here to listen).  One of the topics that came up was market volatility and it got me thinking about one of the top topics that clients are asking me right now.  As I glanced through the recent emails, I noticed the number of questions coming up about Bitcoin; what is it, am I buying any, and should it be purchased?  I hope the following information helps to educate you on this topic! 

Financial Independence

How do you know when you can stop working?

When future expenses are covered by passive income streams, a person is typically considered to be financially independent. In this situation you no longer need to work to support yourself.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will stop working, but it does mean that you can choose to do the kind of work that makes you happiest.

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” - Lance Armstrong

 I saw that quote recently in an article published by First Ascent Asset Management, one of the key sub-advisors we have formed a strong relationship with over the past year.  I thought it really was fitting on many fronts as I was sitting in my office in New York shivering, pondering how thankful I am that it is temporary because all of you allow me to live my dream of being warm for most of the winter. 

On Thursday we announced the addition of Katrina (AKA Kate) Welker to the team, which was followed by a special edition podcast release on Friday (click here to listen).  Now you get to hear from her via her first blog post!  We hope you enjoy this edition.

On Friday we released a great podcast with Career Coach Ray Giese (click here to listen); in addition he has agreed to be our guest blogger for this week.  Thank you for your words of wisdom Ray!

When asked most people would say that their home is their greatest financial asset (note that I said financial asset – I could argue that my greatest assets are my family and health, but that’s for another post).  However, think about it.  What gave you the financial resources to buy the home in the first place?  Your career of course!  Another way to state is that your earning power gave you the financial capability to purchase that home and everything else you have in your life!  Everything in your life really starts with your earning power!

One of my goals for 2018 is to give you multiple voices with regards to financial education and this week I’m excited to share a great blog by one of my co-XY Planning Network members, Brian Thompson.  Brian is the owner of Brian Thompson Financial, and I think you’ll enjoy reading his suggestions and ideas, of course if you are working with me, we incorporate many of these tasks into the year, but a different voice on a topic can sometimes bring attention to an area that may need additional discussion.

I’m not sure if I should be saying Happy New Year or Happy BRRRRR Year!  Yikes, the January freeze has really kicked in, even down in Florida this year! 

A few weeks ago, I put out a call to my Facebook friends asking if anyone knew or could recommend someone from law enforcement for an interview on safe driving techniques.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get any takers, but a friend of mine sent me the funniest You-Tube video where a law enforcement individual demonstrated the “miracle stick.” 

To all my wise-crackers out there – yes, I realize it is not Monday as I’m sending this out – but it’s in Monday Morning Quarter-Buck style!  For those of you that are football fans, it’s common to sit around the preverbal water cooler and discuss what happened during our favorite football game the prior weekend.  Discussing where the referee’s missed the mark and made ridiculous calls, how the team played, and the actions of the coaches.  Well, that’s how I felt today.  Every time I thought I had this Special Edition ready to send out to you all, a new article comes into my email box with additional information, feedback and opinions.  So, what I had planned to have out to you this morning is just now finally “ready.”  

A bit of history – did you know that on November 6, 1917, yep one hundred years ago, women won the right to vote in New York.  Read more about this amazing milestone in this New York Times Article.

I can’t believe we are less than 2 weeks away from Thanksgiving! 

So much has happened since the last time I sat down to write this blog!  We’ve been busy recording some interesting interviews for our podcast, “Wine and Dime” with Amy Irvine, so if you have a few moments subscribe via iTunes or head on over to our website to catch up: Wine and Dime Podcasts

Last weekend, on November 4th, 2017, I had the privilege of co-hosting the 4th Annual Southern Tier Financial Conference for Women by Women.  The event this year

Autumn is here, although the weather is saying something very different (I’m perfectly happy with it!).  This year is just flying by and the events of the past few weeks have made it feel like it has been months since my last blog post! 
 
On the mind of many is the Equifax Breach.  It seems every day we are learning more and more about this breach.   Many of you may have already signed up for the 1-year monitoring from Trusted ID Premier, but I’m beginning to wonder if that is enough.  According to an article published by the Federal Trade Commission, Equifax is now offering free freezes until November 21st.  However, unlike a fraud alert, a freeze needs to be placed with each individual credit reporting agency, so to make a freeze truly effective you would need to place a freeze with TransUnion and Experian.  If you’d like to read the article for yourself, here is the link: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/09/free-credit-freezes-equifax?utm_source=govdelivery
 

Several years ago, when my grandmother was clearly near the end of her life, I asked her if she could have a “do-over” was there anything in life that she would change.  She looked at me with her chin pointed out and simply said, “no.”