WHERE DO YOU ‘THINK’ YOU SHOULD BE? Reflecting on our progress is something we all do, but often without knowing it. Whether we’re aware of it or not, several times a day, we measure ourselves against something or someone—be it our past self, others, or some societal ideal. Whether it’s consciously deciding to check in on our progress, or doing so unconsciously, benchmarks are always being set. These benchmarks could be internal or external, and they […]
Continue readingRoadblocks and reflections
Life is full of roadblocks. They come in many forms: an unexpected expense, a career setback, a strained relationship, or even just a sense of stagnation. At first glance, these challenges can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and even unfair. But what if we stopped seeing roadblocks as something meant to halt our progress and instead viewed them as opportunities to pause, reflect, and redirect? Every obstacle we encounter forces us to ask important questions: Am I on […]
Continue readingSign that Will!
A will might not seem like the most exciting thing on your pre-vacation checklist, but it’s arguably one of the most important. Mark Twain once said, “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” It’s a confronting, yet profound reminder that planning for the inevitable is just part of living a well-considered life. And yet, when it comes to writing and signing […]
Continue readingDealing with loss when everyone else is celebrating
Holidays and special occasions often bring with them the joy of celebration, the warmth of shared moments, and the comfort of togetherness. Yet, for many, they also highlight the quiet ache of loss. Whether it’s the empty chair at the dinner table, the sting of a recent job loss, or the ongoing battle with a serious illness, these moments can magnify pain that is otherwise neatly tucked away in the everyday busyness of life. Dr. Susan […]
Continue readingReady for a financial health checkup?
Have you ever noticed how similar financial wellness is to physical health? Just as we visit doctors for regular check-ups, perhaps it’s time for a different kind of examination – one that focuses on your financial health! Let’s step into this unique doctor’s office together. Patient History Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? – Occasional (or frequent) money anxiety – A strong desire for financial certainty – Dreams of a comfortable retirement that seem just […]
Continue readingEcho chambers and our money
Have you ever noticed how a conversation with people who share your views can make you feel more strongly about what you already believe? Legal scholar Cass Sunstein captured this phenomenon perfectly when he observed, “What we know is if you get groups of like-minded people together, they tend to end up thinking a more extreme version of what they thought before they started to talk.” This observation isn’t just about politics or social issues – […]
Continue readingMarket folklore or financial facts?
You may not know this, but there is a joke in the investment world that October is the worst month in which to invest. It’s easy to get swept up in the seasonal chatter about how this month is supposedly more dangerous for the markets than others. But before diving into these claims, here are some wise and witty words from Mark Twain: “October: This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. […]
Continue readingA worldview shaped by ‘enough’
Wherever people are involved… it’s not uncommon for conflict to arise—whether with loved ones, colleagues, or even within ourselves. At the heart of many of these conflicts lies a common thread: a worldview shaped by scarcity. We may think that conflicts are purely situational, stemming from disagreements or unmet expectations, but more often than not, they go deeper. They reveal a story of feeling like we don’t have enough, aren’t enough, or aren’t receiving enough. Scarcity, […]
Continue readingOnce bitten…
When was the last time you worried about being bitten by a shark? Probably not recently, unless you’re an avid surfer. Here’s a fascinating statistic that might make you smile: sharks bite around 70 people annually, while New Yorkers bite approximately 1,600 people each year. Surprising, isn’t it?? This quirky comparison teaches us something profound about how we perceive risk – especially when it comes to our finances. Often, we’re so focused on the dramatic “sharks” […]
Continue readingDifferent is as different does
Albert Einstein is often credited with saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Think about that for a moment. It’s a statement that cuts through the noise and forces us to ask: If we’re stuck in a cycle with our money, how can we possibly expect things to change if we aren’t willing to do something different? Many of us find ourselves on repeat when it comes to […]
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