It is said that change is the only constant. While that proverb can be confusing to people experiencing relative stability in their lives, it is the constant change and lack of certainty that can bring people in the middle of a major life transition to their knees. Transition and change are two very different things, and while one will never stop occurring (change), the other (transition) can feel in the moment like there may never...

Adults are faced with challenges (and advantages) that can date back to our experiences as children, particularly when it comes to money values. Our long-term financial perspectives are strongly influenced by money conversations and experiences with parents. However, even kids that grow up in the same household can end up with very different money values. For example, my 12-year-old son is a “spender” and money seems to burn a hole in his pocket, while my...

The opportunity to save money through a company sponsored retirement savings plan is an incredibly valuable benefit. Whether you are leading a small business or a nonprofit, the long-term ability to put money away on a tax-deferred basis is critical to building a nest egg that will provide financial flexibility in the later stages of life. Small business leaders can start a 401(k) or 403b Plan (“Plans”) that is cost effective for your organization, helps...

Planning for retirement can be a source of confusion or anxiety for many people. Retirement can be fraught with uncertainty given the fact that many people will face a long retirement period of 25 years plus. While many factors need to come together to make a cohesive and sustainable long-term plan, the biggest concern most people face is the fear of making financial mistakes or decisions based on emotion as they plan for this next...

I was listening to a podcast recently that got me thinking about being alone in the universe. The podcast began with a journalist, who also happened to be a particle physicist, who was having an emotional conflict with a science principle known as Fermi’s Paradox which states that there is an enormous probability that we are completely alone in the universe. This journalist explained that it made him feel really sad every time he thought...

When your child(ren) leave home for the first time, the transition to having an empty house can be challenging. It can also be very exciting! Similar to retirement, divorce, or any life transition, the range of emotions can vary and how you manage your time, feelings, finances and relationships through that transition can have an impact on your well-being and lifestyle. Having a child is a life-changing event. So is having a child leave home....