Financial Life Focus

Aging

Rules of Thumb Are Mostly Dumb

Michael F. Kay on December 18, 2019

The ideas here are fine as a rough measure, but they might or might not have any meaning in your life.

The ideas here are fine as a rough measure, but they might or might not have any meaning in your life.

Anxiety

One-Click Spending and the Money Misery Hangover

Michael F. Kay on December 11, 2019

Give yourself the gift of peace and contentment by making good decisions for yourself and your financial well-being.

Give yourself the gift of peace and contentment by making good decisions for yourself and your financial well-being.

Motivation

When It Comes to Financial Decisions, KISS and Know Your SWOT

Michael F. Kay on December 5, 2019

A mantra that comes to mind is “Keep it simple stupid.” The KISS principle is not an insult, but a tech design rule. It’s so simple it doesn’t even require a comma.

A mantra that comes to mind is “Keep it simple stupid.” The KISS principle is not an insult, but a tech design rule. It’s so simple it doesn’t even require a comma.

Gratitude

A Special Thanksgiving Message

Michael F. Kay on November 27, 2019

I love Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite holiday of the year. I love it so much that I celebrate it twice.

I love Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite holiday of the year. I love it so much that I celebrate it twice.

Trust

Life Insurance After Your Kids Are Grown

Michael F. Kay on November 21, 2019

When those responsibilities are behind you, it might be appropriate to cut back on the expense of life insurance premiums and channel that money to your nest egg.

When those responsibilities are behind you, it might be appropriate to cut back on the expense of life insurance premiums and channel that money to your nest egg.

Health

Six Steps to Simplifying Your Money Life

Michael F. Kay on October 31, 2019

Nothing you can do about global economic shifts or changes in the tax laws, but you can safeguard your financial security and peace of mind.

Nothing you can do about global economic shifts or changes in the tax laws, but you can safeguard your financial security and peace of mind.

Resilience

Resilient: Advice From the Author of "Act From Choice"

Michael F. Kay on October 24, 2019

All of our money habits are learned, mostly through childhood messages and experiences. But as grownups we’re still perfectly capable of learning new habits that serve us better.

All of our money habits are learned, mostly through childhood messages and experiences. But as grownups we’re still perfectly capable of learning new habits that serve us better.

Motivation

Five Powerful Planning Strategies To End the Year

Michael F. Kay on October 17, 2019

The leaves have just begun to turn colors here in the Northeast. The kids are well into the school year and planning their Halloween costumes. The sprint to 2020 has begun.

The leaves have just begun to turn colors here in the Northeast. The kids are well into the school year and planning their Halloween costumes. The sprint to 2020 has begun.

Health

Why You Need to Buy Green Bananas

Michael F. Kay on October 10, 2019

You derive happiness and satisfaction from understanding where you are, where you came from, and what life experiences you want to add on.

You derive happiness and satisfaction from understanding where you are, where you came from, and what life experiences you want to add on.

Career

Why Men Struggle When It's Time to Retire

Michael F. Kay on September 11, 2019

"Chapter X" can be filled with meaning and mastery, and new beginnings, if we man up and face some truths head on.

"Chapter X" can be filled with meaning and mastery, and new beginnings, if we man up and face some truths head on.

Aging

Living Within a B–––––

Michael F. Kay on August 8, 2019

It’s the six-letter word that feels like a straitjacket of misery, the word that means you’ll never again get to splurge on something that sends your endorphins racing.

It’s the six-letter word that feels like a straitjacket of misery, the word that means you’ll never again get to splurge on something that sends your endorphins racing.

Fear

20 Ideas That Will Take the Fear Out of Financial Planning

Michael F. Kay on July 25, 2019

How many people see something dark and foreboding when they look at their personal finances?

How many people see something dark and foreboding when they look at their personal finances?

Motivation

Five Steps to Money EmPOWERment

Michael F. Kay on July 11, 2019

Money Empowerment is less about how much money you have than about knowing what you need and how you’ll pay for it. It’s about breaking your money questions down to smaller pieces.

Money Empowerment is less about how much money you have than about knowing what you need and how you’ll pay for it. It’s about breaking your money questions down to smaller pieces.

Sensation-Seeking

What If? A Guide to Financial Risk-Taking

Michael F. Kay on June 27, 2019

Several years ago, a couple in their 40s came in to talk about their financial planning. I asked about their retirement savings. They both smiled.
“Oh, we’re not concerned."

Several years ago, a couple in their 40s came in to talk about their financial planning. I asked about their retirement savings. They both smiled.
“Oh, we’re not concerned."

Aging

Overcoming Money Conflict With Your Partner

Michael F. Kay on May 30, 2019

When both partners in a couple agree on a goal, focusing on the road to get there seems easy. Shared values make financial planning so much simpler.

When both partners in a couple agree on a goal, focusing on the road to get there seems easy. Shared values make financial planning so much simpler.

Embarrassment

Give Your Graduates the Gift of Financial Know-how

Michael F. Kay on May 16, 2019

Have we taught our children to be ready for the next chapter in their lives? As parents, we reflect on how well we’ve contributed to their readiness to embrace challenges to come.

Have we taught our children to be ready for the next chapter in their lives? As parents, we reflect on how well we’ve contributed to their readiness to embrace challenges to come.

Motivation

What Yoga Taught Me About Financial Serenity

Michael F. Kay on May 2, 2019

My yoga teacher says that each student’s skill level and goals are unique. The same goes for personal finance: Everyone’s goals, desires, dreams, and challenges are their own.

My yoga teacher says that each student’s skill level and goals are unique. The same goes for personal finance: Everyone’s goals, desires, dreams, and challenges are their own.

Aging

5 Simple Steps to Resolve Money Problems

Michael F. Kay on April 23, 2019

Whether you're swamped with debt, struggling to save or pay for college for your kids, or worried about outliving your resources in retirement, these steps can help.

Whether you're swamped with debt, struggling to save or pay for college for your kids, or worried about outliving your resources in retirement, these steps can help.

Happiness

When It Comes To Financial Happiness, Ask Good Questions

Michael F. Kay on April 16, 2019

When it comes to money, there are areas in which you have comfort and areas which cause stress or anxiety.

When it comes to money, there are areas in which you have comfort and areas which cause stress or anxiety.

Confidence

Driving Great Money Habits

Michael F. Kay on March 28, 2019

Become more aware of your finances and learn to make the best decisions possible in each situation.

Become more aware of your finances and learn to make the best decisions possible in each situation.