A little more than two months before my due date, panic set in. Though I had much experience as an aunt and babysitter, and in spite of my life-long fantasies of motherhood, the moment was quickly approaching where my life would change forever. Change, even joyous change, can be terrifying. In my case, a difficult twin pregnancy kept very dire possibilities hanging in the balance. My husband was eerily calm; if I didn't know better I would have thought he was medicated. I spoke to my Read on...
Why the “F” Word is so important for Women Investors
Ladies, it’s time to take charge of your money. You know you need to; you know you want to. So what’s holding you back? According to a 2015 Money Fit Women Study conducted by Fidelity Investments, 92% of women want to learn more about financial planning, and yet only 47% feel comfortable discussing money with a planner on their own. What is the cause for this insecurity? Trust. They don't trust their own knowledge and they are not sure what professional they can trust. Here’s the “F” Read on...
Politics, Investing and Propaganda
I used to look forward to voting when I was younger as I was certain of what I was doing. My lack of sophistication and naiveté made me see things in very simple terms and it was easier to choose between the “right” candidates and the “wrong” candidates. Now, I am jaded, and I realize that everyone has an agenda and some have better propaganda machines. An advertising budget can do wonders in painting either a shiny, albeit inaccurate picture; or a scathing and unfair one. Many investors fall Read on...
Skin in the Game
Today I had the pleasure of meeting with the students at Setauket Elementary School. I am always impressed with how quickly they can grasp the concept of handling money responsibly, if they are shown the way. The trouble is, as parents, we are pulled in many directions (as are our children) and there is always something more fun, exciting or urgent for us to do rather than have a "money lesson." But the lessons are all around us, every single day. If we spend a few minutes to point out some Read on...