There’s a lot we learned the hard way this past, difficult year. But just reviewing the tough stuff wouldn’t provide an uplifting start to 2021. As a financial organizer / daily money manager, part of what I do is bring hope and positivity. Inspired by a colleague who does this each year, I put together a list of some of the things I… [ for MORE, click on the Title ]
Hear Personal Money Manager™ on the Taxgirl® Podcast
As 2020 draws to a close (do I hear a cheer?), here’s something for those who, when it comes to paperwork organizing, would rather listen than read. I had the pleasure of appearing as a guest on the Taxgirl® podcast here. (Shout out to a colleague and loyal newsletter reader who recommended me to Kelly Phillips Erb, aka Taxgirl® .) …
Full Faith & Confidence
I lost my mom in 2013, though the Alzheimer’s that gradually took her away makes it seem like several years before that. Remembering Mom Spending time with my grown daughters recently, I asked them if they had any “lessons learned” from their grandmother, my Mom. Stories emerged, from her amazing matzoh ball soup to her zany ways of seeing things …
Here’s the Scoop: Becoming a Financial Organizer
From reporter to financial organizer / daily money manager Before starting Personal Money Manager™ I learned two important lessons from an earlier career as a writer and reporter. First, shut up and listen! If I didn’t have the “who, what, when, where, and why” plus a few good quotes by interview’s end, I was sunk. No story, no scoop. Second lesson: …
6 Signs That You’re a Daily Money Manager
I’m Karen R. Caccavo, and I’m a Daily Money Manager (also called a financial organizer). I woke up recently with an earworm that I couldn’t shake. What was the tune stuck in my head? Aha! It was the music on hold for E*Trade! After all, the day before, it was my soundtrack for 45 minutes while waiting for a live …
Document Vital Information
I’m a financial organizer / daily money manager. I help clients manage their financial paperwork. In my previous career as an insurance broker, I learned the importance of documenting client needs and information, and I use that experience in my work with senior clients. Now more than ever my senior clients need the support of another set of eyes or …
Tax Time Lessons Learned
In the middle of tax time in 2020 — my 13th tax season as a financial organizer / daily money manager — I find that working with a client to organize their tax documents and information can provide a great learning experience for both of us.* “Tax time?” you ask. “Hasn’t that been put on hold?” Yes, but while July …
I Participated in Alzheimer’s Research: This is What it Was Like
On a hot and sticky August afternoon, I arrived for my appointment as a volunteer Alzheimer’s research participant at the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (NKI) in Orangeburg, NY. I was going to participate in NKI’s Memory Education and Research Initiative (MERI) Program, a study begun in 2003 to provide both evaluations to members of the community and …
Twenty Ideas for 2020
Whether or not you make New Year’s Resolutions, here is a list of fresh ideas (not resolutions!) to inspire you as we enter a new year and new decade. Feel free to pick and choose the ones that appeal to you and edit them to better fit where you are right now. Please let Personal Money ManagerSM know if you …
The Big Picture and the Details
As a financial organizer / daily money manager, I keep both the big picture and the details in focus at all times. It’s a balancing act that’s essential to doing the job well. In a typical month-end client visit, I and my client open and review the bank statement. Using this as a jumping-off point, here’s how I zoom in …