Be The Hummingbird

Join Hummingbird Wealth Management Financial Advisors, Laura Johnson and Laura Beall, as they embark on a heartfelt journey through the challenges of caring for parents with Alzheimer's. These two incredible financial advisors are here to sprinkle some inspiration and motivation into a difficult topic! Laura and Laura have learned invaluable lessons along the way, from mastering communication skills to ensuring that your loved ones feel involved in decision-making. They emphasize the power of outsourcing caregiving—because let's face it, we all need a little help sometimes! One of the key takeaways? The importance of talking to someone who truly understands what you're going through. It's like having a secret weapon in your back pocket! And let's not forget the transformative power of therapy for caregivers; it's a game changer that helps you recharge and refocus. While they acknowledge that planning is essential—like long-term care insurance and estate planning—it's vital to remember that no amount of preparation can fully ready you for the emotional rollercoaster. But guess what? You are stronger than you think, and with the right tools and support systems, you can navigate this journey with grace and resilience. So let's rally together, support one another, and face this challenge as a community! Remember, every step you take is a testament to your love and dedication. Here's to embracing the journey ahead with hope and courage!

Join our host, Laura Johnson, as she shares inspiring insights during Women's History Month on why so many talented, educated, strong, and successful women still struggle with confidence in their finances. Drawing from her years of supporting women, Laura helps us see that financial confidence isn't about income, intelligence, or capability—it's more about breaking conditioning. Women who manage households, careers, families, and businesses are more than capable of mastering their finances. Believe in yourself: confidence grows with education and a positive mindset!

We understand that discussing funeral plans can feel morbid, but our host, Laura Johnson, invites us to see the hopeful side of pre-planning. As the owner of Hummingbird Wealth Management, Laura brings decades of wisdom from watching families navigate the difficult process of saying goodbye to loved ones. Through her experience, she emphasizes how pre-planning offers comfort and clarity, giving families a way to cherish their memories and grieve without added stress. Often, people believe their families will intuitively know what to do, but in truth, pre-planning lifts a great weight from their shoulders during a time when they need to focus on love and healing. It allows you to express your wishes—whether it's choosing a special song, flowers, or prayers—so your loved ones can honor your memory exactly as you envision. Your financial plan should support not only your life but also the peace of mind and love you wish to leave behind. Pre-planning a funeral is a meaningful act of care that ensures your legacy is one of love, hope, and compassion.

Join Laura Johnson, host and founder of Hummingbird Wealth Management, as she shares the importance of understanding your relationship with money. She emphasizes that money does not define your self-worth and that you can have a healthy relationship with it. Everyone has a money backstory that shapes whether they trust money, feel they're good enough to handle it, feel secure with it, or feel judged. Having more money does not equal more success. She shares that one of the worst things we can do, especially during this season, is to compare ourselves to others' "success." Healthy relationships don't happen by accident - not only with money, but with people as well! They happen through awareness, communication, boundaries, grace, and lots of hard work. She stresses that we should treat money like someone we care about, with honesty, curiosity, and consistency. She also says we should ask ourselves, "What is my money meant to do?" When we focus our money on purpose, our relationship with money feels more supportive. Be sure to ask, "Is your money supporting the life you love, or a life you feel pressured to live?"

Join Hummingbird Wealth Management founder, Laura Johnson, as she cheerfully highlights the joy of setting intentions for resolutions that truly inspire positive change in your future. Many of us gear up for New Year's resolutions, only to find ourselves feeling a bit defeated by February because we set lofty goals or lengthy lists that might be too ambitious. In this podcast, Laura kindly encourages us to reflect playfully, asking what brought us happiness over the past year, what gave us peace, and what caused a bit of financial or emotional stress. Resolutions are about becoming aware—seeing what lifted us up and what held us back—so we can happily adjust our goals as we go. Laura invites us to set meaningful goals by asking, "What feeling am I chasing?" and to think about how these goals make us feel emotionally. Join Laura on this warm, fun journey and start to feel more genuine and upbeat about your resolutions.

The holidays can be the most wonderful yet most stressful times of the year. Between gifts, gatherings, and travel, many of us experience emotional and financial stress. We are bombarded with images of what the holidays and good gift giving look like—perfectly wrapped presents, matching pajamas, and gifts that make their eyes light up! Our host, Laura, emphasizes that generosity is not reflected in the price tags of the gifts you give. She encourages us to ask, "What do we want our giving to say?" She shares three gift-giving guidelines: give gifts that are meaningful, useful, and joyful. These can be as simple as a note, a framed photo, or a homemade treat. For Laura, she just wants time with those she loves. And when the holidays are over, what do people remember the most? It's usually the moments spent together, not the things received. Laura encourages us to set boundaries and to remember that a good holiday budget is not about restriction, but about honoring your own goals. Being the hummingbird means doing what we can, with what we have and where we are. Let peace, not pressure, guide your spending this holiday season.

Some people are born planners—they've got color-coded calendars, vision boards, goal lists, and more. Planning is powerful; it helps you live a purposeful and peaceful life by giving you control over your life. But remember, happiness and connections can't always be scheduled. Like a hummingbird, pause, hover, rest—don't rush. Move with intention. Laura Johnson, our inspiring host, shares tips to keep you balanced, not just busy—like leaving open space in your schedule for some 'me-time' or quiet moments. These times are your secret weapons for creativity, clarity, and peace. Balance doesn't mean doing everything; it means doing what matters most. Her advice for planners? Start your week with purpose, sprinkle in some joy, and end your day with a moment to reflect. For the free spirits, set 1 or 2 gentle guideposts for your future. And always remember: don't live to plan—plan to live. Stay fabulous, stay balanced, and make every moment count!

Join host Laura Johnson of Hummingbird Wealth Management and her inspiring guest, Felicia Martin, owner of Whistle Stop Coffee, as they share powerful journeys from Employee to Entrepreneur. Felicia reveals how her 'why' transformed into a deep sense of authenticity and staying true to herself throughout her journey. She emphasizes the incredible strength found in a supportive community of women and men who stand beside her every step of the way. Laura highlights the "hard' aspects of owning a business, but together they remind us that it's precisely those challenges that shape, mold, and define who we are and what our businesses can become. Both women express heartfelt gratitude for their spouses, friends, and family, whose unwavering support fuels their success. Owning a company, like life itself, is challenging—yet within that challenge lies the opportunity to grow, to persevere, and to thrive. Remember, we get to choose our hard, and in doing so, unlock our greatest potential.

Join host, Laura Johnson, and the inspiring guest, Alex Edwards of Marie Rose Photography & Videography, as they celebrate the joy of being an entrepreneur! In this lively chat, they explore the importance of mentors, supporters, and critics—because growth happens when you embrace all voices. They share heartfelt thoughts on caring for clients and yourself—because self-love fuels success! Plus, they dive into how family stories and money experiences shape us and our entrepreneurial journeys. Facing roadblocks? No worries—learn how to overcome them with resilience and grit! And discover why defining your "why' is vital—sometimes it evolves, and that's okay! Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and a reminder that your dreams are worth chasing!

Join host Laura Johnson and guest Laura Beall for a lively and inspiring discussion on the art of balancing saving and spending! They'll share funny stories about how many of us get so caught up in saving for the future that we forget to enjoy the here and now. It's a reminder to live boldly, celebrate your own journey, and aim for your dreams—because life's a adventure, not just a bank account! Let's laugh, learn, and get motivated to make the most of every moment.

Join host Laura Johnson of Hummingbird Wealth Management for an energizing dive into the power of planning! Laura shares that she kick-started her planning journey at the incredible age of 3, helping her family, proving that starting young can set you up for greatness. She emphasizes that planning is not just a task—it's a superpower, a way to take control of your destiny. Remember, no one's perfect, so cut yourself some slack when things go awry; every "mess-up" is just a step closer to your masterpiece. Think of planning as your safety net—covering emergency funds, insurance, estate planning, and debt management—allowing you to live boldly and confidently. On a personal note, Laura reminds us all that life is a precious gift, and we should celebrate it every day—chasing dreams and creating unforgettable memories. So, get inspired, stay motivated, and let's make every moment count. Grab some popcorn, soak in the passion, and get ready to plan your way to an extraordinary life!

Join your host, Laura Johnson, as she inspires you to review your taxes in August—not waiting until April! Discover how checking your financial path early can help you make smart money moves instead of giving it all to the IRS. Laura shares powerful tools, including some from the IRS, to empower your planning. She takes you on the journey to retirement, reminding you that the first couple of years can be tough, but with the right mindset and planning, you can conquer them! Plus, she dives into the exciting world of tax-efficient investing—think capital gains, losses, and strategic retirement plans—that can boost your financial freedom. Most importantly, Laura encourages you to schedule time with yourself, stay on track, and avoid surprises in April. Remember, your financial future is in your hands—start now and turn your dreams into reality!

Join host Laura Johnson of Hummingbird Wealth Management as she teams up with guest speaker William Warren from ETC Maryland for an exciting and eye-opening discussion! They're diving into the often intimidating world of cybersecurity, scams, and how to stay ahead of the bad guys. Laura shares some heartfelt stories about her own family, especially her elderly loved ones, and how easily bright, shiny things can lure us into trouble. However, don't worry—she also reveals simple and effective ways to protect yourself. Sure, technology like two-factor authentication and strong passwords helps, but scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated every day. Remember, the biggest shield is staying alert and not getting emotional when someone tries to sell you something or manipulate you. William adds some jaw-dropping stories about scammers targeting social media, obituaries, and more—real stories about real people caught off guard. The key takeaway? Be cautious before clicking links or responding to messages. Pausing before acting can save you lots of trouble, and trusting your gut is always a good move. For families, especially elders, staying connected and monitoring activity can be lifesavers. Consider using apps to keep an eye on devices, simplifying technology, and putting legal safeguards in place. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and keep those cyber scammers at bay—because knowledge is power, and together we can outsmart the bad guys!

Join host Laura Johnson, the owner of Hummingbird Wealth Management, as she shares tips on safeguarding your hard-earned wealth! She defines wealth as what you have now and what you're dreaming of for the future. Remember, just one unexpected event—like a health scare, scam, or market rollercoaster—can shake everything up. But don't worry! Laura urges you to build a solid emergency fund of 3-6 months, and to craft an insurance strategy that's as dynamic as your life—covering everything from life and disability to long-term care and liability. She highlights the power of legal docs like wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, ensuring your wishes are crystal clear. Plus, your digital footprint is a treasure trove—so secure your accounts with two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and check your credit yearly. Planning for taxes isn't just for April—spread it out and stay ahead! And here's the best part: communication is your secret weapon! Share your plans and wishes with family; it's like passing on a life-saving treasure map. Remember, a little laughter and a lot of planning can turn worries into wins—so go ahead, protect, prepare, and thrive!

Get ready to join Laura Johnson from Hummingbird Wealth Management as she takes us on an exhilarating journey through the vibrant month of June—a time teeming with weddings, graduations, and family vacations! Are you excited to celebrate love? Laura is thrilled to share her expert insights on navigating the wedding scene! Whether you're a plus-one searching for that perfect gift or a couple planning the day of your dreams, she reminds us that thoughtful gifts can be both meaningful and budget-friendly. After all, a wedding may last a day, but a marriage is a beautiful journey for a lifetime. Laura strongly advocates for open conversations about finances and future aspirations before saying "I do." You want your love story to thrive without the worry of financial burdens! And let's not forget about graduation season—a wonderful opportunity to show your love and support! Laura inspires us to think creatively when it comes to gifts, whether you're honoring a preschool milestone or celebrating a college graduate. Unique gifts often carry the most heartfelt sentiments! For all the graduates, she encourages you to empower yourselves with knowledge—consider adopting the 50/30/20 budgeting rule and setting up an emergency fund. It's time to celebrate your accomplishments and embrace the bright future that awaits you! Finally, Laura takes us on a nostalgic stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about the magical family vacations of her childhood. She cherishes those unforgettable moments and shares how her mom instilled essential budgeting skills before each adventure. With a sprinkle of creativity and determination, she learned how to earn extra funds for those exciting trips. Let Laura's inspiring stories motivate you to create amazing memories with your loved ones this summer! Embrace the joy, plan wisely, and get ready for all the fun adventures ahead!

Join the fabulous host, Laura Johnson, on an exciting journey to revitalize your financial plan! Mid-year is the perfect time to check in and refresh your goals, so let's dust off those shiny New Year's resolutions and embrace a fun "reset" for the next 90 days and beyond! Laura dives into the fascinating world of taxes, showing you how they can actually help you reach your goals. Your CPA will be thrilled, and trust us, your future self will thank you for taking action now! Get ready to uncover some creative ways to enhance your tax situation. Why not make it a game? And let's talk investments! It's time for a lively review to ensure your portfolio has just the right mix of spice and stability. With her fun 'START, STOP, and CONTINUE' framework, Laura gamifies your financial planning: What exciting new actions will you start that you haven't tried yet? What habits should you leave behind to soar toward your goals? And of course, let's celebrate those amazing things you're already doing well—keep that momentum going! So gather your financial flair, and let's jump into this adventure together! 🚀💰

Join Laura Johnson, founder of Hummingbird Wealth Management and host of Be The Hummingbird, as she engages with her inspiring guest, Beth Gentile of Soldier Fit Frederick. Together, they share their powerful personal health journeys, highlighting the vital importance of trusting your instincts, doing thorough research, and seeking guidance from qualified experts. In their heartfelt conversation, Laura and Beth tackle the challenges of aging and the frustrations that arise when medical professionals don't listen or offer solutions that don't resonate. They bravely dive into topics like brain fog, mental health, insomnia, and that lingering feeling of malaise that so many experience. Their journey leads them to discover Hormone Replacement Therapy and the transformative benefits it can bring to one's life. This discussion is not just about health; it's a rallying cry for self-advocacy and empowerment. Laura and Beth remind us that by prioritizing our well-being and standing up for ourselves, we can create the vibrant life we deserve. Let this be a reminder to nurture your health, embrace your journey, and be fully present for all the wonderful moments life has to offer. You are your greatest advocate—take charge of your well-being and inspire others along the way!