Kathy Longo, CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
Kathy Longo
CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
Kathy Longo created Flourish Wealth Management out of a passion for making financial matters more friendly and enjoyable. Kathy is wholeheartedly committed to enhancing the lives of every client she serves.
Her unique talent lies in taking the intricacies of finance and transforming them into simple, easily digestible concepts. Kathy has an uncanny ability to ask the perfect questions, unlocking fresh opportunities and crafting optimal strategies for her clients’ success. Her role in their lives is more than just a job; it’s a genuine honor and privilege. Kathy takes pride in being the trusted guide on their financial journeys, ensuring that her clients flourish in every sense of the word.
Kathy’s journey as an author began with her book, Flourish Financially: Values, Transitions, and Big Conversations. What makes this book so special is its warm and friendly tone. It doesn’t overwhelm with jargon; instead, it invites readers into a conversation about their financial journey. Kathy encourages readers to reflect on their unique money story and gently guides them on how to open productive discussions about money with their loved ones. It’s a book that not only informs but also puts people at ease.
Taking her passion further, Kathy transformed the wisdom from her book into an inspiring weekly mini-podcast and an engaging Alexa Skill called Flourish Financially with Kathy Longo. Through these friendly platforms, Kathy continues to make finance accessible and enjoyable for all, helping her audience thrive financially while building stronger connections with their communities.
Kathy lives in Minneapolis with her husband (and co-worker) Jay Pluimer. She is also the proud mom to Madeline, Fernando and Grace.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FLOURISH?
Selecting the name for my company, Flourish Wealth Management, felt like naming my fourth child. When the name was suggested, it instantly resonated with me, feeling like the perfect fit for the experience I wanted to create for my clients, my team, and myself; it means living life with a deep sense of purpose, extending beyond personal well-being to nurturing the well-being of everyone around us, creating an atmosphere of warmth, kindness, and community. It is all about connecting to one’s passions and relationships and realizing all the incredible possibilities. This is what it personally means to flourish for me.
FAVORITE BOOK
The Prophet
by Kahlil Gibran
I received this book as a gift my Senior year at Purdue from my boss at the Visitors Information Center where I gave tours to visitors in college. The book was published in 1923 and is a collection of 26 poetic essays covering various aspects of life, spirituality, love, marriage, parenting, work, freedom, and more. Little did I know the insight this book would provide with my many life experiences to come.
Education & Certifications
- Purdue University, Degree in Financial Planning
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®)
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Accredited Investors
- Family Financial Strategies
- American Express Trust Company
- KPMG
- Deloitte & Touche
- CCP Financial Planning
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES
Life is a beautiful tapestry woven with these interests and activities, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I absolutely cherish the traditions in my life. One of my all-time favorites is reliving my college days by performing on the football field at Purdue with the “All American” Marching Band as part of the dance line. Every two years at Homecoming, it’s a thrilling experience with parades, pom poms, and the joy of nostalgia.
One of my most cherished activities is hosting Thanksgiving, especially with my girls. From planning the menu to spending time in the kitchen, it’s a special time of bonding and creating traditions together.
Decorating and design projects are another source of happiness for me. Transforming spaces into beautiful and functional places is like a creative outlet. I love the feeling of accomplishment when a project is completed.
Vintage sunglasses and thrift store treasures hold a special place in my heart. I often find myself wondering about the history these treasures might have had before they came into my possession. It’s like holding a piece of the past in my hands.
Vacations with family and friends are some of the best times in my life. Palm Springs is my ultimate getaway spot, a place where I can relax, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Cuddles and taking an excessive number of adorable photos of my dog, Sunny, are my daily dose of happiness. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the unconditional love and joy that pets bring into our lives.
I’m an avid reader with a focus on personal growth, relationships, and business skills. But, every now and then, I like to dive into a historical romance novel for a change of pace. It’s a perfect way to escape into another time and place.
Life is a beautiful tapestry woven with these interests and activities, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Serves on the Board of Directors for Moneyweave Academy to enhance the financial literacy and, thus, the economic security of women and girls in the United States.
- Served on the Board of Directors for YWCA Minneapolis to eliminate racism and empower women and girls.
- Served on the Professional Advisor Committee for the Women's Foundation of Minnesota.
- Member of Women Presidents' Organization (WPO)
- Member of Woman’s Club of Minneapolis
- Dean and Mentor for Financial Planning Association Residency Program
- Served on the Executive Board of Directors for Common Hope for nine years and as Chair of the Board for seven of those years to help Guatemalan children and families find new opportunities through education.
- Served on the Board of the National Financial Planning Association and as President of the Minnesota Financial Planning Association
- Served on the Professional Advisor Committee for the Minneapolis Foundation
- Served on an advisory council with Purdue University
HONORS & RECOGNITION
- Investopedia Top 100 Wealth Advisor, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
- “Five Star Wealth Manager Award” 2009, 2010, 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.
- “Top 50 Women in Wealth Management” Wealth Manager Magazine, 2009
- "Future Star of The Financial Planning Profession" Financial Advisor Magazine, 2004
- “One of the nation’s Top 250 Wealth” Advisors Worth Magazine, 2008
- “Outstanding Professional Alumni Award” Purdue University Consumer and Family Sciences School, 2004
Read Kathy's Book
Flourish Financially: Values, Transitions, and Big Conversations
Embracing the Emotionally Driven Side of Wealth Management.
When it comes to financial planning, open and honest communication is absolutely essential to creating the right plan for your present and future needs. Flourish Financially is a guide to starting the hard conversations about your money and how it impacts every aspect of your life.
QUOTED AS A TRUSTED EXPERT IN MULTIPLE NATIONAL AND LOCAL PUBLICATIONS INCLUDING:
The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Investopedia, Reader’s Digest, NASDAQ, Money Magazine, More®, Ladies Home Journal, USA TODAY, REAL SIMPLE, Bloomberg Wealth Manager, WalletHub, Investor’s Business Daily, the Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, Journal of Financial Planning, Financial Advisor, and Investment News, and more.
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