Financial Finesse

Did you know that on average, women are offered higher list prices for cars than men - to the tune of about $200 or more? When it comes to buying a new car, being prepared is key. In this episode, Cathy shares six pro tips to help you get the best deal on your next car purchase. 

[02:28] The importance of doing your homework. 
[04:21] What you can and can't negotiate when buying a new car. 
[06:21] How to find out what your trade-in is worth. 
[07:58] Understanding your financing costs. 
[09:46] How to avoid common negotiation pitfalls. 
[11:36] Why you should always be prepared to walk away when buying a new car on your own.

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode of Financial Finesse, host Cathy Curtis interviews Meg Connell, founder of The Organized One, a professional estate organizer focused on helping individuals navigate the challenging process of estate distribution. Meg's extensive experience and the comprehensive nature of her services provide a guidepost for anyone facing the prospect of estate organization, whether for themselves or a loved one.

[03:33] Meg's journey into estate organization.
[08:59] Practical strategies for estate distribution. 
[13:43] Exploring the human side of estate organization. 
[18:38] The role of estate planning in estate organization. 
[31:22] Meg’s team-based approach at The Organized One.   
[54:08] How single women can prepare their estates to streamline the process for their heirs.  

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Cathy interviews Danielle Roberts, founding partner at Boomer Benefits and author of the best-selling book 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make, about all things Medicare. Whether you’re new to Medicare or simply want to learn more about it so you can make an informed decision this open enrollment season, this episode is packed with useful information and unique insights. 

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Real estate investor Ruth Krumbhaar shares her real estate staging and interior design tips for elevating your home or investment properties. 

[00:04:00] Ruth shares her decorating philosophy and why she always starts with a blank canvas when designing a space.
[00:14:06] Why every room doesn’t necessarily need a showstopper when it comes to home decorating.
[00:20:09] How Ruth determines her decorating budget and where she shops to find cost-effective, quality items.
[00:27:51] Tips and tricks for decorating an Airbnb for functionality and style.
[00:38:12] Why flipping a property requires a slightly different design approach than decorating a rental property.
[00:50:20] Ruth’s advice for handling home renovation projects, such as updating a bathroom or kitchen, and why a good contractor can make a world of difference.
[01:01:32] Tips for updating a space where you’ve grown tired of the décor, and why hiring a style consultant can be a worthwhile investment.
[01:07:35] What Ruth believes are the most important items to invest in when decorating your home.
[01:15:59] Why practical designs can actually boost your return on investment with an Airbnb property.
[01:20:30] The importance of understanding local real estate laws when investing in a rental property.

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, host Cathy Curtis, CFP® interviews Ruth Krumbhaar, a successful therapist, coach, and part-time real estate investor who has built a reliable source of passive income through her investments. Ruth shares the wisdom she’s gained through her experience investing in real estate to help single women who are curious about real estate investing but don’t know where to start.

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

If you're charitably inclined and want to be a more savvy donor, this episode is for you. Cathy shares her tips for determining how much to give to charity, deciding which organizations to support with your donations, and giving strategically to maximize the potential tax benefits.

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Cathy shares her tips and strategies for getting your overspending habit under control once and for all this year.

[02:11] What do habits have to do with spending?
[03:23] Identifying your biggest spending weakness or weaknesses.
[06:05] What are your spending triggers?
[08:45] Setting your new budget for the year ahead.
[10:32] How to find ways to support yourself in reaching your goal.
[16:23] Determining your values and aligning your spending accordingly.
[17:33] Download our free e-book, How to Take Control of Your Spending This Year. 

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Cathy interviews Sara Ecklein, a private, professional fiduciary and the founder of Trust and Honor, a fiduciary agency. Trust and Honor serves as a partner and compassionate advocate in managing and protecting the personal affairs, property, and assets of clients in the San Francisco Bay area and beyond.

[03:45] Sara Ecklein describes the role of a private, professional fiduciary.
[09:28] Sara shares why and when someone may seek her services as a private fiduciary and what her intake process looks like.
[25:26] How working with a private, professional fiduciary can benefit clients when it comes their healthcare.
[39:20] Sara Ecklein and Cathy discuss special needs trusts and why it can be helpful to have a trustee who specializes in this area.

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes. 

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Cathy interviews Ruth Stroup, AKA "The Insurance Lady," about all things insurance, from what it covers and doesn't cover to choosing the right policies and the obstacles that can get in the way of that.

[04:02] Ruth Stroup explains what’s covered and what isn’t covered by homeowner’s insurance if your home is burglarized.
[07:03] How to insure different types of jewelry, whether it’s costume, gems and metals, or fine jewelry.
[12:31] What people can do to mitigate the damage if they get burgled or their home is destroyed by fire.
[16:22] What to do if your insurance policy goes into non-renewal because you live in a high-risk zone for wildfires.
[19:51] How reinsurance companies impact the insurance industry.
[22:29] Ruth Stroup shares the reasons besides wildfire danger that an insurance policy may be non-renewed.
[26:45] What Ruth can and can’t do as an insurance agent when helping her clients navigate claims.
[33:11] Cathy asks Ruth Stroup to give a mini tutorial on liability and umbrella insurance.
[38:54] Ruth Stroup shares what she believes is the best kept secret in the insurance business.
[42:02] Cathy and Ruth talk earthquake insurance.

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes. 

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Cathy interviews Susan Reynolds, co-founder of the nonprofit organization LookUp, about the harmful effects social media and digital technology can have on mental health and how she works with youths to help them take advantage of the positive aspects of tech and mitigate the harmful ones. 

[12:04] Why technology is so addictive and how it’s contributing to our mental health crisis
[20:04] How digital wellbeing relates to self-care.
[28:33] The pending legislation around digital wellbeing at the state and federal levels.
[41:38] Susan Reynolds describes some of the work her nonprofit LookUp.Live is involved with.
[47:29] The effect the pandemic has had on technology and social media habits.
[50:08] Susan Reynolds shares her vision for the next five years.
[57:30] How people can get in touch with Susan Reynolds and become more involved with the digital wellness movement.

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes. 

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.