Life Planning

Getting in Financial Shape

Getting in financial shape is tough. The problem with getting in financial shape is that most people don’t really give it a go until the pain is bad enough. Here’s a news flash…this is not good!
 
About the Podcast 🎙
Angela discusses the challenges of achieving financial stability and compares it to physical fitness. The episode focuses on the importance of discipline, prioritization, and long-term planning to improve financial health. Angela shares insights, real-life examples, and actionable tips to motivate listeners to take control of their financial future.
Key Takeaways 💡
Angela highlights the common struggle with New Year's resolutions, particularly in fitness and financial goals, noting that many people fail to follow through as the year progresses.
Financial fitness, like physical fitness, requires effort, discipline, and a focus on various areas such as budgeting, estate planning, retirement readiness, and asset protection.
Achieving financial goals is a long-term process that often requires individuals to reach a point where the pain of not changing outweighs the pain of making changes.
Many people only take financial action during significant life events or crises, which is not ideal for long-term stability.
Angela emphasizes that financial stability requires prioritization and commitment, and excuses for inaction are not valid.
Listeners are encouraged to identify what they need to do to prioritize financial stability, such as using reminders of loved ones or seeking accountability from others.
Listeners are encouraged to find motivation to improve their financial situation and are directed to the organization's website for additional resources.

Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days (Rebroadcast)

More than just lyrics to a song, these words really hit home. The only way our country and our world will get better is by each of us starting in our own homes and own communities. It starts with us. There are people and things that you hold very dear to your heart. Take some time this week to write them down and share them with your family. This week we revisit our most downloaded podcast of all time.
 
About the Podcast 🎙
This episode explores the concept of addressing life's 'messes' to live purposefully. The discussion covers themes like personal fulfillment, managing priorities, and finding one's destiny, with practical advice for achieving balance and internal happiness.
Key Takeaways 💡
Life's 'messes,' like a cluttered garage, can cause stress and overwhelm, and addressing them is essential for moving forward and living purposefully. Many people fail to achieve New Year's resolutions due to a lack of planning and accountability.
Angela uses a metaphor of driving with a visor down to illustrate how people often avoid focusing on the big picture and instead get caught up in daily clutter, preventing them from achieving larger life goals.
The song 'Grandpa, Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days' reflects nostalgia for simpler times and societal changes. Angela connects its themes to modern issues, such as the loss of clear moral boundaries, and encourages listeners to focus on making positive changes in the present.
Living in one's calling leads to internal joy, and being present is crucial for happiness. Addressing past messes and future uncertainties allows individuals to fully engage in the present and live intentionally.
True happiness stems from internal fulfillment rather than material possessions. Listeners are encouraged to visualize their ideal life and build it around internal joy, following John Maxwell's advice to 'begin with the end in mind.'
The concept of 'unacceptable regrets' is introduced, emphasizing the importance of addressing them to avoid future disappointment. Progress, rather than perfection, is key to feeling successful.
A practical tool for maintaining balance is focusing on three key areas of life each day. This approach helps avoid overwhelm and ensures attention to priorities like work, family, and personal growth.
The episode concludes with a reflective poem about perseverance and striving for goals, along with a blessing from Romans 15:13.

Are We There Yet? (Rebroadcast)

What is it about our minds that make us more impatient the closer we get to our goal? We all want to get where we are going “yesterday.” The problem sometimes develops that we become so focused on “getting there,” that we forget to be a human being in the midst of it. We become a human doing instead.
 
 
About the Podcast 🎙
This episode explores the importance of living intentionally and enjoying the journey of life rather than rushing toward goals. Angela reflects on themes like impatience, the overwhelming nature of to-do lists, and the need to prioritize meaningful experiences over tasks.
Key Takeaways 💡
Impatience is a universal experience, whether in children eagerly awaiting a destination or adults anticipating significant life events like retirement. This impatience often detracts from enjoying the present moment.
People often become so focused on achieving their goals that they forget to enjoy the journey, turning into 'human doings' rather than 'human beings.' This mindset can lead to stress and a lack of fulfillment.
The overwhelming nature of to-do lists and societal pressure to accomplish tasks can prevent individuals from appreciating life. Proactive life planning, such as budgeting and estate planning, can help alleviate this stress.
Life humbles individuals as they age, prompting a reevaluation of priorities. True fulfillment comes from embracing meaningful moments and relationships rather than merely completing tasks.
The fast pace of modern life, driven by technology and multitasking, often detracts from quality time with loved ones. Reflecting on screen time and being more intentional with technology can help reclaim meaningful experiences.
Slowing down to appreciate the present moment is essential.
Angela introduces a new approach to life planning, focusing on tools and challenges to help listeners live purposefully rather than adding more resolutions to their to-do lists.
Visualizing one's last day on earth and considering potential regrets can provide clarity on what truly matters. Reflecting on life goals and aligning actions with values is crucial for living intentionally.
Creating a daily habit to identify and embrace priorities can help individuals stay aligned with their values. Simple reminders or rituals can reinforce intentional living.
The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to ask themselves daily how they will embrace their priorities, emphasizing the importance of living with purpose and intention.

What is Your Money For?

Your money should help you pursue your objective. That purpose may be different for everyone, but how your money relates to it should be the same. Your plan should include well-defined core values, a written statement of financial purpose, and a purposeful financial plan.

How Do You Live Your Best Life?

Your core values should serve as the foundation for your entire life. Instead of just living on a whim, or going through the motions, or doing things simply because the world tells you that’s what you should be doing, your core values should sit firmly in the driver’s seat of your life.

If You Only Knew...(Rebroadcast)

As our wisdom grows so does our passionate desire to impart this wisdom on our loved ones. After all, I think most of our wisdom was gained by some hard knocks with good stories behind them. If we are sitting here one year from today, reflecting on the last twelve months, what did you do different over that time period? What were the outcomes? Can you say you lived Life on purpose?

Family Support Checklist (Rebroadcast)

As a life planning firm, it is our mission to help you take the essential steps needed to face each of life’s stages with confidence and clarity. We were asked if we could compile a list of the things that need to be addressed on every level when you find it necessary to assume physical, emotional, and financial responsibility for your parents.

Your Will is Not Enough (Rebroadcast)

While it may sound like the title of a James Bond movie, you need to ask yourself: Is your will alone enough to keep your estate from going through probate when you die? We’re talking legacy planning on this week’s episode. We give you 3 questions you need to ask yourself when setting up your estate.

What Do You Want Your Story to Be?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought- whoa, that can’t be right? Who is this old person staring back at me? As funny or not so funny as this may be, the fact is that life is short and it seems to hurry along faster the older we get.

Are Your Assets Protected?

Are your assets protected? What good is all the hard work it took to build your success if you don’t take the time to protect it? We’re talking asset protection on this week’s episode. Here are some of the most common issues we see.

Have You Outgrown Your Advisor?

I believe one of the hardest things to do is find the “right fit” advisor for you and your family. Because of this, I thought I might take a minute to educate you a little about our industry.

Life After Graduation (Rebroadcast)

Graduation is a major step for those important young adults in our life. A parent’s goal is always to see their kids launch successfully and stay successfully launched. How do you do that? Well, we have few ideas for you.
You can read the corresponding article on our website at: https://www.kennedy-financial.com/blog/life-after-graduation-what-should-your-kids-know.