Sharing my latest thoughts on money and life, with an eye to empowering more women to financial confidence.

I'VE BEEN PONDERING

I'd like to call your attention to the footnote at the very bottom of this message! There's a note, in small type, with links for ongoing clients to schedule an appointment with us. (If you're not a current client, you could book a paid session - or talk to us about coming on board!) Two things to note here:

#1 We have different lengths of appointments. You can pick 60 minutes if you have a lot to discuss, or 30 minutes if that works better for you (schedule-wise or to manage potential overwhelm from talking about this stuff).

You can also schedule a 15-minute "working session" with Janice. These are great for quick questions or if you want to get something done. Frequently clients share their screens and have Janice help them navigate things like retirement plan websites, finding statements or tax forms, or the like.

#2 We want you to be reaching out to us! We are here to walk with you through the financial parts of this thing called life. If you're feeling stressed or uncertain or..... we want to know! I can't guarantee we'll have a solution, but I can tell you we'll be here for you.

We believe that our mission can only be achieved by having MORE money conversations - more of them, more often, more broadly touching on all the things that affect and are affected by money. Which is, in my opinion, everything.

We’re here for it. And for you.

TOPS FROM OPS

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but did you know that tax season actually starts.... now? Maybe you've already received some of those envelopes in the mail that say, "Important tax documents enclosed!" That used to be the way we got all our tax forms. The tricky part now, since we increasingly live in an online world, is that many of the important documents don't land on our kitchen tables in physical form. We have to go seek them out on our own.

And, more and more, tax preparers want us to send them the forms electronically. No more showing up at their office with a folder (or shoebox!) stuffed with stuff. They often have their own secure portals we must log into and upload everything. Ugh.

This is where it can be helpful to consult a list of your accounts and assets that might produce tax forms, so that you don't miss any.

(One year I totally forgot to download my 1099s from Vanguard and ended up having to file an amended return! Not fun.) Here are just some to watch for (more comprehensive list here):

• Income: W2 and/or 1099 from your job or side gigs
• Retirement payouts: 1099-R from pension plan, 401(k) or companies where you keep your IRA
• Social Security: SSA-1099
• Interest and Dividends: 1099-INT and/or -DIV
• Mortgage Interest: 1098

Start gathering now for a less stressful April.🌷

RECENT SIGHTINGS

Over on the pod we got to speak with two amazing authors about their new money-related books.

• ​Carl Richards talked about his new book “Your Money” and why it’s designed to be a conversation grenade (and what the heck that even means).
• ​Erika Wasserman gave us an insider look at her first book, “Conversations with Your Financial Therapist” which has a unique structure and includes incredibly helpful actual conversation scripts.

PERSONAL

I like the post going around that say something like, “these first 10 years of January have been rough!” It’s a lot to navigate, and in the darkest depths of winter. (Yes, I know, the days are actually getting longer, but without the holiday lights it feels darker to me.) I think January is my least favorite month of all. It just seems to last forever. We need strategies to get through it.

Wellness influencers tell me that I should be getting outside for fresh air and daylight. I’m sure that would be good. But you’re more likely to find me (when not at work) on my couch with a streaming service on my iPad and a yummy beverage and snack. Lately I've been enjoying the very last (sniff!) season of Queer Eye and the ridiculous she The Traitors.

LET'S CONNECT!

What keeps you going through the dark depths of January?

Be careful out there,

Stephanie

A couple of extra notes:

1. If you'd like to schedule an appointment, please grab a time that works for you using these links:
   • ​Full length appointment (30 or 60 minutes),
   • ​15-minute working session with Janice, great for quick questions or assistance with getting things done.
2. Lastly, we are planning to take on up to 8 new planning relationships in the coming year. I'm letting you know this because, based on our experience, we work best and can have the most positive impact with clients just like you. There's certainly no pressure, but if you have somebody who you think might benefit from working with us, we'd love to have a conversation with you.