Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Request a 30 Minute Phone Consultation.
All it takes is 30 minutes on the phone to decide if we would be a good fit to work together. There’s no obligation and no pressure. Contact us at (707) 935-1124 to schedule your appointment.
We look forward to speaking with you!
Negotiating Your Salary
Unlock Your Earning Potential: Mastering the Art of Salary Negotiation - Gain expert insights and actionable tips on how to confidently negotiate your salary, whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional.
Read MoreNavigating the Financial Talk
Discover the Key to Empowering Your Child's Education: Uncover Proven Strategies and Insights from a Financial Coach's Perspective on Navigating the Complex Terrain of Discussing Your Contribution to Your Child's Education.
Read MoreLadies of Valor: Women's Indispensable Role During the Civil War
During my decades as a female financial advisor working with female clients, I have seen the battles waged by women for female monetary independence. As such, I am an advocate for women and I like to write about women’s...
Read MoreMemorable Dates on a Budget
Seeking to craft unforgettable moments without straining your finances? Discover a couple Memorable Dates on a Budget that's bound to captivate you. Regardless of whether you're embarking on a new journey of love or rekindling the sparks.
Read MoreBudget-Friendly Family Weekend Escapades: Adventures That Won't Break the Bank
On the hunt for clever methods to foster family togetherness over the weekend? Explore these alternatives the next time your family seeks an adventure.
Read MoreShow All
Women in the Revolutionary War: The Unsung Heroes of America's Foundation
Somewhere in the many lined libraries and historical museums of the world, the significant contributions of women in America's rise to power have been overlooked. When we think of big events throughout our nation’s founding, we...
Read MoreRetirement When You Feel Like You Can't Afford It
Implement this strategy if you're beginning to lose hope in your retirement savings journey. Sometimes, it's necessary to reassess our methods. Here are a few factors to contemplate when you're feeling stagnant.
Read MoreSurprising Travel Costs You Might Overlook
Planning your next big adventure? Don't let unexpected costs catch you off guard and ruin your travel budget! Check out these often overlooked expenses that could seriously dent your finances if you're not prepared.
Read MoreWomen and Common Law Marriage and Coexisting Relationships. Which states have common law marriage
Let’s Talk About Women and Common Law Marriage and Coexisting Relationships During my decades as a female financial advisor working with female clients, I’ve had many female clients who were unsure about Common Law...
Read MoreThe Unraveling Threads of Gray Divorce and the Loom of Financial Security for Women
The Unraveling Threads of Gray Divorce and the Loom of Financial Security for Women I am thankful to have been married for many decades to my wonderful husband. Throughout the years, we have grown older together and learned much...
Read MoreCelebrating Women in Landscape Architecture: Shaping the World, One Design at a Time
As a Financial Planner for Women in Landscape Architecture, I have empathy and understand how your business works because I have been working in a male-dominated for several decades. The Real Value of Working with a Female...
Read MoreEarning extra income as a stay-at-home parent
Earning extra income as a stay-at-home parentAs a stay-at-home parent, you may be debating having a side hustle to bring in additional income. Maybe your kids are a little older and you are finding you have some extra time or maybe you...
Read MoreUncover the Hidden Money Wasters
Take charge of your financial destiny, Discover practical tips and clever techniques to stretch your hard-earned dollars further than ever before.
Read MoreThe Power of Diversity: Why Women Belong in Science (STEM)
The Power of Diversity: Why Women Belong in Science (STEM) During my decades as a female financial advisor working with female clients I have had my share of working in a male-dominated industry. This is why I am a supporter of...
Read MoreThe Importance of Estate Planning
Unlock Financial Security: Explore the Power of Estate Planning! Learn how to safeguard assets, protect loved ones, and leave a lasting legacy. Discover key strategies, minimize disputes, and optimize tax efficiency.
Read MoreWorking Parent's Guide: Maternity Leave, Schedule, Budget
As a new parent, I've learned a great deal about the financial considerations that come with starting a family while you also work. Today, I want to share some tips with you to help make the process a little bit easier.Maternity...
Read MoreMaking A Support System When Balancing Parenthood and Work
Are you a new parent juggling the demands of parenthood and a full-time job? Building a strong support system can help you manage challenges, reduce stress, and achieve your goals. Let's go over practical tips on how to build a strong...
Read MoreFrom Herbalists to Modern Pharmacists: A Look at Women's Contributions to Pharmacy
Here we have another look at an industry where women have gained traction: Pharmaceuticals! Women pharmacists proliferate these days, and it’s a good thing. During my decades as a female financial advisor working with female...
Read MoreA New Addition To The Family - Financial Considerations
Are you or someone you know expecting a new addition to the family? Well, congratulations! Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to thinking about future...
Read MoreCooking Up a Storm: The Women Chefs Who Led the Way in Professional Kitchens
Female chefs have risen in the professional kitchen to a status gaining tracking with their male counterparts. Who are the women in professional kitchens over the years?
Read MoreWomen Attorneys: Breaking Down Barriers and Fighting for Gender Equality
Women Attorneys: Breaking Down Barriers and Fighting for Gender Equality As a Female Financial Advisor for several decades, I have been an advocate for women all these years, being a professional myself. I have seen wonderful...
Read MoreFrom the Suffrage Movement to Financial Empowerment: The Quick History of Women in Politics
I have long admired women who have blazed a trail into politics. It has been a long time coming, but our time is here! During my decades as a female financial advisor working with female clients, I have enjoyed watching women rise in...
Read MoreBreaking the Glass Ceiling: How Women Can Overcome Their Own Obstacles to Leadership
Being a strong supporter of women and their financial goals my entire life, I became a Financial Planner to make a difference in womens’ lives. In this regard I also became a leader, so I see the obstacles women face daily and I...
Read MoreWomen’s Rivalry and Competition Makes Us Our Worst Enemies – Is it a Myth?
Women’s Rivalry and Competition - learn how women can support each other and bust through the glass ceiling.
Read MoreTop Financial Planning Tips for Women Doctors
Being a female in a male-dominated industry is never easy. Take it from me as a female financial advisor for the last few decades. It doesn’t matter if it is nuclear research or plumbing. The stigma of women-led careers is...
Read MoreBefore Merging Bank Accounts
Deciding whether to join your bank account with your significant other is a huge decision and you should consider the pros and cons of either option.
Read MoreWomen in Trucking: Our Guide and Tips to Transform the Supply Chain Industry
If you're a woman looking to get into the trucking industry, there are plenty of reasons to do so. While it's true that women make up only a small percentage of the driver population in America, they are making considerable strides in...
Read MoreFighting Shrinkflation
When companies start downsizing their products, but the price remains the same or more expensive this is known as shrinkflation. This typically happens during times of inflation. Let’s get into a few tips for how you can
Read MoreIssues Home Buyers Face
Common issues that arise when you're in the process of buying a house.
Read MoreThe Real Value of Working with a Female Financial Advisor
If you’ve read my bio, you will notice that I have been a female Financial Planner for several decades, when the industry was dominated by men. Life was different then. Many women were stay-at-home moms and men earned the...
Read MoreAre Your Friends Keeping You Broke?
When you are trying to save money for your next major goal or goals it can be difficult to socialize with your friends and loved ones in the same way. They and you may be accustomed to a lifestyle...
Read MoreWomen in Tech: Building a Career After a Long Break
Tech, have you taken time off to have children or address other personal matters? Now you're ready to rejoin the workforce. But how do you go about it? As a women business owner for decades, I can tell you going back to the...
Read MoreSecuring Financing for Women-Owned Businesses - Loans and Grants for Female Entrepreneurs
Women business owners and entrepreneurs struggle with securing financing, loans, and grants - Female Entrepreneurs, Recently I’ve been thinking back on how long I’ve been a Financial Advisor for Women and the time I’ve been advising women
Read MoreMoney Lessons For Kids
Everybody knows that the sooner you take control of your finances the more likely you are to become financially free, so why not teach sound money habits to your kids at an early age? Good habits are more likely to stick around if done...
Read More11 Powerful Reasons Why Women Should Work
As a Financial Advisor for Women for decades now, I have encouraged women to earn their own source of income in order to be independent, not just from their husbands, but independent of the society we live in. This is where you can...
Read More7 Social Security Mistakes Women Need to Avoid
Social Security and women: I meet women almost daily who have questions and concerns about Social Security, and I am more than pleased to demonstrate The Real Value of Working With a Female Financial Advisor. Women often make...
Read MoreFeel More Financially Stable
When you think about your future, what financial goals do you have in mind? Is one of them feeling more financially stable? The meaning of financial stability will vary from person to person. For some, they may be looking to live a...
Read MoreLevel Up in Your 20s (Money Moves To Avoid)
Reach your financial goals faster, don’t make these financial mistakes in your twenties. Managing your money correctly early in life can be a difficult task. This is when most people start developing money habits, so...
Read MoreWomen Live Longer: But Who Will Take Care of Us?
One of the biggest concerns I have as a Financial Advisor for Women is that my clients and their significant others remain healthy and active for as long as possible. Independence is very important as we grow older and it’s...
Read More4 Ways Women Can Avoid the Bag Lady Syndrome
I hear a lot from my women clients about their fear of becoming a Bag Lady, so I thought I would talk a little about how women can overcome our money fears through Financial Coaching, make a plan to manage our wealth so that we...
Read More7 Steps for Women to Survive Divorce
As a several-decade veteran of financial planning and wealth management for women, I can tell you that divorce is devastating for the female population. Thank goodness this has never happened to me, but I do hold the CDFA®...
Read MoreWomen Trailblazers: 6 Ways to Be an Independent Woman
Women Trailblazers: 6 Ways to Be an Independent Woman: When I chose the topic of women’s independence for this article, I was amazed during my research...
Read More7 Barriers to Female Leadership And What to Do About It
Let’s see more Female leadership through fighting sexism and gender bias, improving self-promotion, fighting the ‘ol boy’s club, getting support, and being role models for women.
Read MoreWomen in Leadership - The Characteristics of Female Leaders
Women in Leadership - The Characteristics of Female Leaders As a member of Soroptimist and Impact 100, I witness many female leaders doing great things. Women giving back to society has its benefits including making the world a...
Read MoreHow Domestic Violence Against Women During Covid has Changed
How Domestic Violence Against Women During Covid has Changed While Covid is on the decrease around the country and we are seeing fewer cases, there has been a phenomenon working behind the scenes that has come to light. ...
Read MoreWays to Shrink the Gender Pay Gap and Increase Women’s Salaries
No one is more aware of the Gender Pay Gap than I am, being a female business owner in a male-dominated industry for decades now. I am well aware of what women bring to the table in terms of income and work in the home. Think about it:...
Read More4 Simple Tips for Women Navigating Divorce
At some point, you looked into the loving eyes of your partner and said those two simple words that bound you together. That sweet moment promised endless summers walking hand in hand and cold winter nights curled up together watching...
Read More4 Ways Women Can Prepare for an Inheritance
Why is this article focused on women? It’s simple. My target market is women, and they tend to do better with investing and financial management than men. Female investors earn better returns than men and lose less on...
Read MoreWomen and Success - How to Define the Benchmarks of Your Life
As a woman, how do you define success? Is it through your career, through your marriage, through your children? Or is it rebuilding your life after losing a spouse or going through a divorce? What are the benchmarks that communicate to...
Read MoreWomen and Widowhood - Exploring a New Normal
Throughout my career, I have had many women clients who have experienced widowhood. While loss of a spouse is part of life, losing your significant other can be one of the most painful episodes women will ever experience in their lives...
Read MoreMaking a Career Change for Women at 50 Years of Age
As we finally crest the hill of younger days into later adult life, we are faced with unique changes. Many of our friends are entering their retirement years, filling their days with grandchildren, and finishing out careers that have...
Read MoreWhy are Most Caregivers Women and How Does This Impact Women's Lives?
Did you know an estimated 66% of caregivers are female? The average caregiver in the United States is a woman around 49-52 years of age who works outside the home and provides 20 hours per week of unpaid care to older family members...
Read More3 smart strategies to pay for college: Live off campus and enroll in junior college
3 smart strategies to pay for college: Live off campus, live at home, and enroll in junior college Paying for a university education these days can deplete the saving account faster than several decades ago. It can be a real burden for...
Read MoreHow to pay for College: Apply for Private Scholarships & Grants
Working with our Financial Coaching Clients, we know how concerned they are about finding ways for themselves or their children to get a good education without going into debt. That’s why we created this series about Education...
Read MoreThe best paying part-time jobs for college students - 30 Best Jobs, while going to College!
Who wants to graduate from college with a huge amount of debt? Who wants to be stuck with a 10-20 year loan repayment schedule that could affect your ability to buy a house or a car? Why have debt if it can be avoided? Through coaching...
Read MorePay for College using 6 grants, good grades, scholarships, low income grants, and more.
College costs have skyrocketed in the last few decades, making it difficult for many students to go on to college after high school and earn a degree that will help them secure a better financial future. Through our Financial Coaching...
Read MoreHow do you know if your financial advisor is a fiduciary?
What is a Fiduciary? I don’t know about you I am very excited about getting back to normal. I got my Vaccine and my first Pfizer shoot I was so relieved I felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off my shoulders. Then two...
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of a savings account? It’s for an emergency and to keep you out of being broke!
In other words, an emergency account or savings account is money for the “Just in case” situations we all run into at one time or another. We often cover this topic in Financial Coaching with our clients. Income not spent...
Read MoreWhat effect can debt have on your future: What is a debt example?
What effect can debt have on your future: What is a debt example? Debt is defined as owing money, owed money that is past due or the feeling as if you owe someone something. An example of debt is what you owe on your mortgage and car...
Read More7 Steps in the Budgeting Process: Where did your money go and how do you plug the holes?
7 Steps in the Budgeting Process: Where did your money go and how do you plug the holes? Do you buy whatever you want whenever you want it? Is your checking account drained to zero by the end of the month? Have you ever had a budget?...
Read MoreThe Differences between a Financial Coach, Investment Advisor, and Certified Financial Planner
The Differences between a Financial Coach, Investment Advisor, and Certified Financial Planner Are you looking for a financial coach? Not sure if you really need a financial advisor rather than a coach? What about your investments?...
Read MoreMoney Mindset: What are your fears about money?
Money Mindset: What are your fears about money? What were you taught as a child about Money? Were you raised in a house that believes money is bad? What are your fears about money? Growing up I remember that my family had ideas that...
Read MoreProceeds from sale of property, business, or equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, business, or equipment Are you thinking of selling property? Want to sell your business? Thinking about equipment to buy or sell? Selling a property, business or equipment requires planning and thinking....
Read MoreEmployee stock options explained: understanding stock options and employee benefits
(ESOs) Employee stock options explained: understanding stock options and employee benefits Imagine that you worked for Google, Apple, or Yahoo back in the day when nobody realized how successful and powerful these companies would...
Read MoreWhat to do with the money from a Legal Settlement and is it taxable?
What to do with the money from a Legal Settlement and is it taxable? You just received word that you are the recipient of a legal settlement Your attorney is happy to notify you that you have a legal settlement check waiting for you...
Read MoreInstant Wealth - Managing what to do when you receive a large monetary gift
The word gift was first used in the 12th century (1101-1200) with words like She, Heron, countess, crown, birth etc. What is a gift? It is something given without compensation. (Merriam Websters dictionary) Instant wealth with a gift...
Read MoreWhat is an inheritance and how do you make good decisions about it?
An inheritance is considered an instant wealth event because it usually happens through the disposition of a will and it may happen after the passing of a loved one. The emotions of inheriting Inheritance has many phases of emotions:...
Read MoreShould you take a Pension Lump Sum or an Annuity Lifetime Retirement Benefit?
Should you take a Pension Lump Sum or an Annuity Lifetime Retirement Benefit? What is a Pension? A pension is a financial benefit that helps you create income when you retire. It is company funded only. Every year the company...
Read MoreWhat a Year: 2020 - Covid-19, Protests, PPP loans, the Economy, and More
The year 2020 has become a year that will have one of the largest impacts on our lives and lifestyle, with unprecedented events in history. Covid-19 has changed our lives forever and will continue to force us to make additional...
Read MoreAmeritrade Schwab Final
Lillian Meyers, CFP, Meyers Financial Services Sonoma California - Our Asset Custodian TD Ameritrade to be acquired by Charles Schwab We have some exciting news! As you may have recently heard, Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade have...
Read MoreDivorce Settlement - Key Considerations and Next Steps
Divorce Settlement - Key Considerations and Next Steps Divorce can be one of the most emotional events a person will ever go through, yet there is much to know about how to negotiate before divorce, or how to go forward with your life...
Read MoreInsurance Settlement
Instant wealth Insurance settlement When you receive money from an insurance settlement it is not a happy or joyous occasion. It is money that you have recovered because of a loss. Moving forward with your life may not be so simple....
Read MoreWinning the Lottery - what to do next?
Welcome to my series on Wealth Events and Instant Wealth. I’ll be taking you through a series of blog posts about the types of wealth events and what you can do when they occur. Winning the Lottery Wow! You won the Lottery! You...
Read MoreHow to Prepare for Retirement: Who’s involved - what happens - where to get help - retirement issues
Thank you for visiting my final blog post about Retirement! As you may have noticed, I have written four blog posts about retirement to help you think through one of the most important decisions in your life’s journey. A dream...
Read MoreInstant Wealth and Wealth Events - What do you do with the money?
• You receive a phone call that your Great Aunt Edna has passed and that she was childless and has left you her entire retirement portfolio. What do you do?• You just left a meeting with your divorce attorney and with a check...
Read MoreWhat issues will you consider when retirement takes place?
Looking at expenses As you go through this process it is work but it can be exciting and so much fun. Working with a CFP Professional to attain an opinion of your portfolio can be helpful full of new information and food for thought....
Read MoreWhere Can I get help when deciding upon a financial advisor at retirement?
Where Can I get help when deciding upon a financial advisor at retirement? Google, of course, has information available that is massive and is like” finding a needle in a haystack.” But you may be asking yourself,...
Read MoreWhat happens to set in motion the planning for retirement?
Making the decision to retire is sometimes a planned event and other times, it just happens to us without planning. This post is about setting in motion planning for retirement and the questions we may have when that happens. Is this...
Read MoreRetirement or Retired? Who needs to be involved in the process?
When thinking about retiring, who are the key people involved? Is it only me? Or should others’ be consulted? Who is involved? The answer is: The whole family Is this the conversation you are having with yourself? I am thinking...
Read MoreFinancial Windfalls - the Fantasy and the Epic Fails
You have just received a windfall, and you do not know what to do. Or maybe you have a list of things you want to do and are ready to spend that money starting tomorrow. Hold on, not quite yet. First, let’s define instant wealth....
Read More10 Steps to Starting a Business -
Like when you take a trip or buy a car, you need a plan. Starting a business is no different. Making important key financial decisions, looking at the legal and tax aspects of what you want to do, and managing your next steps are...
Read MoreHow Your Life Style Today Affects Your Future
Your lifestyle today will determine your retirement style tomorrow. Your current spending habits are crucial to your long-term success and to whether or not you reach your goals. Is the life (style) you are living right now aligned...
Read MoreHow to be a Millionaire
Money is tied to your dreams and goals. But how to make it all work out in the end? Well, once you have your goals, you make a plan. The plan is all about small steps and incremental, achievable goals. Your dream, for example, could be...
Read MoreWhen you dream, dream big - then do your research
In 1967, my husband and I were at a crossroad. We were considering many options, even a move from the US to Australia. Jerry brought home pamphlets all about the country and what they were offering. Australia is not only beautiful, but...
Read MorePaying for College: The Difference Between the Two Kinds of 529 Plans
Let me start off by saying, we all know that one of the most important parts of being a parent is making sure that your child is well provided for. A large part of providing for your child is making sure that they get a good education....
Read MoreFinancial Security: Phishing
Imagine this scenario. You get an email that appears to be from your bank. You open it and read a message riddled with misspelled words that direct you to “click the link below.” You click on the link, and are taken to a...
Read MoreBrexit Q&A
By now, you’ve probably heard a lot about Brexit. It might seem like a strictly British affair, but it actually has profound economic implications for us here in North America. As a financial advisor, it’s my responsibility...
Read MoreThe Story Behind the Song: America the Beautiful
During the summer of 1893, a teacher named Katherine Lee Bates encountered a sight she would never forget. As she told it: “One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. We hired a...
Read MoreTop 10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement
Financial security in retirement doesn’t just happen. … It takes planning, commitment, and yes, money. 1. Start Saving, Keep Saving, and Stick to Your Goals If you are already saving, whether for retirement or another goal...
Read MoreThe Boys of Iwo Jima
During this Memorial Day holiday, may we remember all those who have died in defense of the freedoms that we enjoy every day. The following story took place in the fall of 2000, and I thought I’d share it with you in honor of...
Read MoreFinancial Security: Identity Theft
In the past, I’ve occasionally sent letters on ways to protect your finances from crooks and criminals. Many people have told me how much they appreciate these letters, so I thought it might be a good idea to delve even deeper...
Read MoreIt's Not What You Make, It's What You Keep
In professional sports it’s becoming more and more common for athletes to broker trades to teams that are located in tax advantaged states. For example Tony Romo’s contract with the Dallas Cowboys makes him the fifth...
Read MoreDecember Newsletter
This turned out to be a pretty decent year for me and, I hope, for you also, and I wanted to share this story that was related to me by an acquaintance. This was what he said: One December night a man came home late to find a small...
Read MoreJanuary Newsletter
I was thinking about goals and New Year’s resolutions when I came upon the story of John Goddard—an adventurer, lecturer, and perhaps “the world’s greatest goal achiever.” If you’ve ever read the...
Read MoreNovember Newsletter
Time for Thanks It seems that every year the holiday season starts earlier and earlier, leaving us with little time to really enjoy Thanksgiving and reflect on what we’re grateful for. So here’s my list! My Family Freedom...
Read MoreOctober Newsletter
As the days get shorter and the nights longer, most people start turning their attention to upcoming holiday plans and Christmas shopping. But there’s something else on the rise during this time of year: charitable giving....
Read MoreSeptember Newsletter
Tomorrow is Never Promised You work hard for what you have and don't you want to make sure your family will be ok if something happened to you? We insure our homes, our cars, even our big screen televisions, but what about the people...
Read MoreAugust Newsletter
Happy Labor Day! As you know, the history of Labor Day is filled with the stories and sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of laborers throughout our country’s history. I always considered the holiday to be a chance to reflect on...
Read MoreJuly Newsletter
Summer is one of my favorite times of the year… inspiring. Hope you are enjoying the longer days. Recently, I read a beautiful story about a cab driver who, displaying just a little patience, ended up having one of the most...
Read More