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

I'VE BEEN PONDERING

Did you know that while the human brain is designed to reason, a recent book posits that we were actually built to reason not alone, but with one another? Meghaan Lurtz, PhD explored this in a fascinating article on Substack.

She says, "when we try to make decisions in a vacuum, we struggle. In solitary echo chambers, we do even worse." This totally fits with what I see among my single women clients and friends when they are faced with financial decisions. Since money is the last taboo, few women who are on their own feel comfortable discussing their money worries with... well, anyone. And that creates a real barrier to moving forward.

The solution? Talking about it. Quoting Meghaan again, "what truly drives decision-making isn’t logic alone—it’s connection, reflection, and conversation. ...Humans do better when they can talk through their ideas with others."

Eureka! This puts words -- and science -- behind what I've been feeling for years about the work we do. Yes we have fancy calculators and we study financial terminology and investing strategies. But the biggest value we provide might just be showing up to connect, reflect, and converse. "Financial advisors don’t just provide logic. They help clients articulate, justify, and emotionally integrate decisions in ways that feel right."

That's what we, the financial planners at Sofia Financial, are here for. To walk through this money life WITH you, to support your decision-making, so you can reduce your money stress and get on with living.

Have you ever found it helpful to talk through your money issues with another person? Please reply and share your story. As always, we'll keep it confidential!

TOPS FROM OPS

Which one of these have you gotten most recently? Because I think we've all received at least one of these scam texts:

• Fake package delivery problems - supposedly from the US Postal Service, directing you to a sight that actually looks like the real USPS site, but isn't. This was the most-reported text scam of 2024 according to the Federal Trade Commission.​
• Bogus texts about unpaid tolls - this is the one my son got recently, supposedly from the Department of Transportation.
• "Wrong number" texts that aren't - "let's meet for coffee" from a number you don't recognize. It's not so innocent! Do not engage!

Best practice is to block the number so they don't reach you again, BUT you can also report it to your wireless carrier by forwarding the message to 7726 ("SPAM"), to Apple iMessages or Google Messages, and to the FTC itself by using the form on their website (click the links in this sentence for instructions on how!).

And if you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, here are the AARP's tips on what to do.

RECENT SIGHTINGS

• ​On the podcast we had a great chat with Jill and Sean Maher, authors of the new book The Greatest Gift, on the keys to leaving your "wealth" to family when you pass away -- whether that's money, or tangible property or, most importantly, a legacy of values and caring.
• Last year I had the pleasure of having a great chat with my friend Dan Haylett on his Humans vs Retirement podcast. I love Dan's approach to these conversations -- talk about "human-first!"

PERSONAL

I arrived a full 24 hours before the conference content was going to start. It was such a treat to have extra time in a lovely place. The plan was to attend water aerobics in the adult pool at 9am, and then go stand-up paddleboarding at the beach. I showed up in my bathing suit and flip flops a few minutes early.... and then the lighting siren sounded. All water activities cancelled.

Was I disappointed? Only momentarily. I got to watch the storm roll in over the ocean. (A fellow water bug offered to snap this pic.) Then I retreated to my very comfortable room to journal and read. Which felt very nearly as decadent as my original plan! Sometimes just being in a different setting gives me permission to unwind. Even if the sun's not out.

LET'S CONNECT!

How about you? Have you had vacation plans foiled by bad weather? How did you react? Reply and let me know. Bonus points for pictures! We love your pictures (and promise not to share them!).

Be careful out there,

Stephanie

Whenever you're ready, there are three ways we can help:

1. Download our free Roadmap for Financial Clarity.
2. Schedule a no-strings-attached meeting with us to see if we're a good fit by scheduling an appointment here: link to calendar.
3. Feel free to reply to this email with any questions you might have, and we'll do our best to provide a helpful response.

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