P$yFi | Psychological Finance

We often assume older adults are the primary victims of fraud, scams, and financial manipulation. But the data tells a different story: nearly 84% of victims in relationship and confidence scams are middle-aged or younger. In this episode, Olivia breaks down the sociopathology behind financial predators—how they identify vulnerabilities, build trust, and ultimately exploit their prey. Drawing from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, and research published in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, she offers a second glance at who is at risk… and why. If this episode leaves you wanting more, join us at the 4th Annual Financial Symposium on April 7th. You’ll hear directly from Tom Manganello, Senior Counsel in the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission’s Office of Investor Education and Assistance. With a decade spent investigating cases for the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Tom will break down today’s most dangerous investment scams—imposter scams, Ponzi and pyramid schemes, military-targeted fraud, and the surge in relationship-based investment scams—and give you practical tools to build immunity using free resources from Investor.gov. You can attend in-person at Redstone Arsenal’s Bob Jones Auditorium or join virtually. Registration required: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=D9fm-kuVEUiStgUw1vhMQxiSj6kdb7VFuypvxD6aMJlUN… Alongside the SEC session, the symposium features a powerful lineup: Chronic Financial Pain: Managing Long-Term Financial Ailments Join Olivia Pierce, LPC and Accredited Financial Counselor®, host of the award-winning P$yFi podcast, as she explores hidden symptoms of long-term financial strain and provides evidence-informed strategies to strengthen your financial mobility. Estate Planning Rounds A rapid-fire series of consults led by distinguished estate planning attorneys: • Emily L. Baggett, Attorney Advisor, AMCOM • Christine S. K. West, Chief of Client Services, Redstone Arsenal OSJA Topics include: • Till Debt Do Us Part • Passing, Property, and Payouts—A Mortgage Post-Mortem • Grave Consequences Whether you’re easing chronic financial pain, preparing your estate, or protecting yourself from fraud, this symposium delivers practical, high-impact guidance you can use immediately.

This episode shifts the focus from financial deficits to personal strengths, using positive psychology to turn overwhelming pain into a manageable state of "halfway happy." A central analogy compares rebuilding your financial life to refinishing a porch swing, a process that requires psychological "grit" and perseverance. It begins with the most painful step—using abrasive, 80-grit sandpaper to confront the scary, "moldy" realities of your financial situation. The next phase uses a finer, 220-grit paper to represent the daily refinement of habits through small, productive goals. The ultimate aim is to move from merely surviving to truly flourishing, which can be achieved by finding a "psychological flow" where managing finances becomes an intrinsically rewarding activity. This focus releases feel-good neurochemicals that act as a "natural financial performance enhancer," boosting motivation and skill. The final step, applying a protective sealant, represents creating lasting security through concrete actions like estate planning and building a trusted support system.Join us for the 4th Annual Hybrid Financial Symposium, "Addressing Hazards to Your Wealth," on April 7 from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. A major highlight is a special briefing on fraud pathology from Tom Manganello, a senior counsel and former investigator with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He will teach you how to identify and build immunity against today's most dangerous investment scams, from Ponzi schemes to military/civilian-targeted fraud. The event also features expert sessions on managing chronic financial pain and navigating complex estate planning issues with an Accredited Financial Counselor® and award-winning attorneys. Register now to attend this event in-full or for individual sessions and safeguard your financial health: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=D9fm-kuVEUiStgUw1vhMQxiSj6kdb7VFuypvxD6aMJlUNUpGQ09IVTg1NzVVQ1dIR1BYT1NDNTFSVC4u

This episode explores the personal barriers that prevent us from following a financial plan, going beyond a simple lack of knowledge. It explains how forgetfulness, emotional factors like anxiety, and a lack of "financial health literacy" can create significant roadblocks to progress. Sometimes, the financial action plan itself can feel like a barrier due to its complexity, high costs, and the discouraging lack of immediate benefits. The episode also discusses "condition-related" barriers, such as asymptomatic financial problems where you don't feel the negative effects of overspending until it's too late. To overcome these obstacles, the discussion introduces motivational interviewing as a tool to understand the natural stages of change and address feelings of ambivalence. The key to success lies insimplifying the plan, using reminders, and embracing care coordination to stay on track. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that setbacks are normal learning opportunities on the path to financial well-being.

This episode tackles why sticking to a financial action plan is so challenging. It explores how initial motivation often fades over time, leading to non-adherence and feelings of failure. The goal is to validate this common struggle and help listeners understand their financial suffering in order to start healing. Several key behaviors that sabotage financial progress are identified, mirroring those seen in physical chronic pain management clinics. These include skipping appointments, inaccurate or non-existent tracking, and failing to follow up on referrals to specialists. These actions are often driven by avoidance and canlead to a destructive "restrict-and-binge" spending cycle. The episode argues that a major barrier to progress is a simple lack of knowledge, or financial illiteracy. The key to overcoming this is pursuing financial education to understand core concepts like debt and responsible borrowing. Building financial literacy empowers you to ask the right questions, gain confidence, and finally adhere to a plan that leads to long-term financial well-being.

Addressing Chronic Financial Pain, Part 3Continuing our series, this episode adapts powerful, evidence-based tools from chronic physical pain management to chronic financial pain management. First, we explore mindfulness-based stress reduction, teaching you how to observe your financial pain without judgment, distinguish it from self-inflicted suffering, and use techniques like "urge surfing" to master impulsive habits. To combat the paralyzing "boom-and-bust" cycle of financial fatigue, we introduce activity pacing, a method for breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps to prevent burnout. For those stuck in complete inaction, discover behavioral activation, a strategy that uses impossibly small, concrete actions—like transferring $1—to build momentum and break the cycle of avoidance. Tune in for a practical toolkit that will help you move from a state of being overwhelmed to one of empowered, gentle action on your path to financial wellness.Links to previous episodes:Financial Skill-Building: MindfulnessFinancial Skill-Building: Distress ToleranceFinancial Skill-Building: Emotion RegulationFinancial Skill-Building: Interpersonal Effectiveness

Welcome back to the Chronic Financial Pain Management Clinic, where Olivia introduces powerful psychological tools like cognitive restructuring and cognitive defusion to challenge the beliefs that intensify your suffering. Discover the surprising parallel between a physical therapy patient's fear that movement will cause more harm and the paralyzing financial thought that taking action will only make things worse. Olivia explores how deep-rooted mental "schemas" create distorted thoughts, such as "all-or-nothing thinking" and "personalization," which turn manageable financial pains into debilitating struggles. Olivia offers practical cognitive defusion techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to change your relationship with negative thoughts and unhook from toxic identities like "I am broke." Tune in for creative, actionable strategies that will help you create distance from your thoughts, reduce their emotional grip, and finally move toward your financial goals.Links to previous episodes:Are thinking errors holding you back? Financial Cognitive Distortions, Part 1Are thinking errors holding you back? Financial Cognitive Distortions, Part 2Are thinking errors holding you back? Financial Cognitive Distortions, Part 3Financial Skill-Building: Mindfulness

Is your financial situation causing you a persistent, nagging pain that impacts every corner of your life? In this episode, Olivia draws a powerful and validating parallel between chronic physical pain and chronic financial pain, revealing how they share shockingly similar symptoms of distress. Discover the three key financial behaviors that can lead to chronic financial pain and trap you in a vicious cycle of anxiety and avoidance. Olivia further explores how this financial distress manifests physically, emotionally, and socially, often leading to isolation and a diminished quality of life. Tune in to learn how to break free from suffering and take the first steps toward managing your financial pain, building a healthier financial future.Links to previous episodes:Are thinking errors holding you back? Financial Cognitive Distortions, Part 1Are thinking errors holding you back? Financial Cognitive Distortions, Part 2Are thinking errors holding you back? Financial Cognitive Distortions, Part 3

Money conversations aren’t easy, but they’re essential. In this 3‑part series, Olivia shares insights from two financial surveys on couples. The stats alone will spark dinner‑table conversations the kids won’t even want to miss. Learn how financial intimacy builds trust, deepens relationships, and lays the foundation for a healthier partnership.

Money conversations aren’t easy, but they’re essential. In this 3‑part series, Olivia shares insights from 2 financial surveys on couples. The stats alone will spark dinner‑table conversations the kids won’t even want to miss. Learn how financial intimacy builds trust, deepens relationships, and lays the foundation for a healthier partnership.

Money conversations aren’t easy, but they’re essential. In this 3‑part series, Olivia shares insights from 2 financial surveys on couples. The stats alone will spark dinner‑table conversations the kids won’t even want to miss. Learn how financial intimacy builds trust, deepens relationships, and lays the foundation for a healthier partnership.

Olivia delivers essential financial wisdom designed to withstand any crisis…coincidentally recorded during a real-time upheaval (Government Shutdown). This episode explores what to avoid, what to pursue, and how to stay grounded when everything feels uncertain. But this conversation goes beyond dollars and cents. We’re joined by a very special guest—Army Chaplain LTC Kirby Vidrine—who offers profound insight into the emotional toll of waiting during a crisis. From spiritual resilience to the challenge of holding hope in the unknown, his perspective brings depth and comfort to those navigating uncertainty. Military Branch Charities (for Active Duty, Title 10 Reserve/Guard, AGR, Military Retirees, and Family Members): ArmyEmergencyRelief.org, Air Force Aid (www.afas.org ), Navy/Marine Corps Relief (www.nmcrs.org ), Coastguard Mutual Assistance (www.mycgma.org ). Federal civilians can review programs at feea.org. Articles: https://www.theredstonerocket.com/news/article_e963156c-d90a-48da-871b-044c469cfe18.html https://www.theredstonerocket.com/news/article_c759fef9-10f8-481c-9098-de655cf0169e.html

Olivia is joined by Breanna Burgess, Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate, to explore how financial sabotage erodes opportunity. The episode also sheds light on elder abuse, including how financial harm uniquely affects individuals aged 60 and older. Plus, we’ll tackle the concept of financial self-harm: the ways we may unknowingly sabotage our own financial well-being. As always, we’ll share tools and resources to help you move toward a healthier mindset and future.National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 or go online to www.thehotline.org If you are in immediate danger, please dial 911.

Olivia and Timothy Rolfe return to continue the conversation on economic abuse, diving deeper into its subtypes and the complex dynamics of divorce-related financial harm. This episode pulls back the curtain on how abuse can persist during and after separation, often unnoticed. You'll also hear about practical buffers and resources that can support healing and empowerment.National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 or go online to www.thehotline.org If you are in immediate danger, please dial 911.

Olivia and Timothy Rolfe, a Family Advocacy and Domestic Violence expert, unpack the often invisible form of domestic violence: financial abuse. This episode explores the three subtypes — economic control, financial exploitation, and employment sabotage — and reveals how the damage goes far beyond unpaid bills. Learn how financial manipulation operates in relationships and how recognizing the signs can protect you, your loved ones, and your future. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 or go online to www.thehotline.org If you are in immediate danger, please dial 911.

Olivia continues the vital conversation on the hidden cost of financial distress. In this episode, she expounds on the suicide statistics from both military and civilian populations, highlighting how financial instability can fuel suicidal ideation and deepen mental health struggles. While the topic is heavy, it’s approached with compassion and clarity, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the link between money and mental health. But this isn’t just about awareness, it’s about action. Olivia also introduces practical buffers to reduce risk and foster resilience, from financial education and community support to mental health resources and early intervention strategies. Whether you're personally affected or want to support someone who is, this episode offers insight, hope, and tools for prevention.National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: dial 988

Olivia explores the emotional toll of financial stress and what happens when it escalates into full-blown financial distress. From depression and anxiety to isolation, the consequences run deep. With rising credit card debt, car loans, and student loans, young adults are facing mounting pressure. And without adequate financial education, mental health concerns are steadily on the rise. This episode sheds light on the connection between money and mental well-being…and why financial literacy is more urgent than ever. In the end, Olivia confronts one of its most devastating outcomes: suicideNational Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: dial 988

Olivia speaks with attorney Emily Baggett regarding digital assets and estate planning. Olivia and Emily help you sort through your digital affairs by identifying what digital assets include: monetary accounts, points accounts, creative content, monetized social media accounts, and store accounts. Digital estate planning helps you decide if you want to transfer, distribute, preserve, destruct, or neglect the asset. The digital consumer should also consider what to do with their overall ‘online presence’ once deceased, including non-monetized social media accounts, email accounts, gaming accounts/profiles, professional electronic files, memberships, subscriptions. And what about your cellphone? Resource alert: Take a peak at the Digital Legacy Clinic offered by the University of Colorado Boulder, where pro-bono tech support services are provided for the dead, dying and their family members - https://www.colorado.edu/center/digital-legacy/For general estate planning, check out a previous episode with Emily at https://rss.com/podcasts/psyfi/601664/

Olivia speaks with attorney Emily Baggett regarding digital assets and estate planning. Olivia and Emily help you sort through your digital affairs by identifying what digital assets include: monetary accounts, points accounts, creative content, monetized social media accounts, and store accounts. Digital estate planning helps you decide if you want to transfer, distribute, preserve, destruct, or neglect the asset. The digital consumer should also consider what to do with their overall ‘online presence’ once deceased, including non-monetized social media accounts, email accounts, gaming accounts/profiles, professional electronic files, memberships, subscriptions. And what about your cellphone? Resource alert: Take a peak at the Digital Legacy Clinic offered by the University of Colorado Boulder, where pro-bono tech support services are provided for the dead, dying and their family members - https://www.colorado.edu/center/digital-legacy/For general estate planning, check out a previous episode with Emily at https://rss.com/podcasts/psyfi/601664/

Olivia speaks with attorney Emily Baggett regarding digital assets and estate planning. Olivia and Emily help you sort through your digital affairs by identifying what digital assets include: monetary accounts, points accounts, creative content, monetized social media accounts, and store accounts. Digital estate planning helps you decide if you want to transfer, distribute, preserve, destruct, or neglect the asset. The digital consumer should also consider what to do with their overall ‘online presence’ once deceased, including non-monetized social media accounts, email accounts, gaming accounts/profiles, professional electronic files, memberships, subscriptions. And what about your cellphone? Resource alert: Take a peak at the Digital Legacy Clinic offered by the University of Colorado Boulder, where pro-bono tech support services are provided for the dead, dying and their family members - https://www.colorado.edu/center/digital-legacy/For general estate planning, check out a previous episode with Emily athttps://rss.com/podcasts/psyfi/601664/

Olivia takes you on a metaphorical nautical journey to navigate through turbulent financial waters by 1) mapping out your financial destination; 2) using your financial navigational tools; 3) understanding financial dangers; 4) regaining financial control; 5) identifying allies; and 6) recalculating.Links:www.annualcreditreport.comhttps://extension.usu.edu/powerpay/

Many give up on financial planning before they start, and it’s no wonder! There are so many things to know! Olivia validates and empathizes with the listener but helps focus your attention on 6 areas to explore to create some sense of direction and movement: spend-planning, tax-planning, debt management, saving/investing, retirement planning, and estate planning. FINANCIAL WELL-BEING: Civilian, MilitarySTARTER SPEND PLANNet Worth SpreadsheetIRS TAX WITHHOLDING ESTIMATORFSA HEALTH CARE AND DEPENDENT CAREIRS TAX WITHHOLDING ESTIMATORCHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORTS ANNUALLYPOWERPAYTSP WEBINARSCOMPOUND INTEREST (& OTHER CALCULATORS)RISK TOLERANCE QUIZFINRA BROKER CHECK & BARRED BROKERSFINRA INVESTMENT COURSESFINDING A FIDUCIARY CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERGRB CIV PLATFORMFERS & CSRS PRE-RETIREMENT WEBINARSSOCIAL SECURITY

It’s graduation season, so why not gift your graduate with the gift that keeps on giving: financial knowledge! Author Freddie Grant provides a succinct, easy-to-read book for teens to understand Personal Finance. The subtitle of the book captures its essence: The Ultimate Guide to Budget, Save, and Invest for Early Financial Independence. Set up coffee dates, a book club, or mentoring sessions with your teen, learning how to create and share each other’s financial vision. (If you have a college graduate, scroll below into episodes 14 and 15 of Season 2 for the book review on The Talk: About Money.) Army Endorsement not implied. There are several financial books for teens and young adults to choose from. Olivia simply wants to help you get a jump-start on your research.

It’s graduation season, so why not gift your graduate with the gift that keeps on giving: financial knowledge! Author Freddie Grant provides a succinct, easy-to-read book for teens to understand Personal Finance. The subtitle of the book captures its essence: The Ultimate Guide to Budget, Save, and Invest for Early Financial Independence. Set up coffee dates, a book club, or mentoring sessions with your teen to hold each other’s “money-making mind” accountable. (If you have a college graduate, scroll below into episodes 14 and 15 of Season 2 for the book review on The Talk: About Money.) Army Endorsement not implied. There are several financial books for teens and young adults to choose from. Olivia simply wants to help you get a jump-start on your research.

Written by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, Happy Money address that you may be spending your money wrong if it’s not bringing you joy. Olivia flips the script and applies the pay now, consume later to retirement, where the act of saving becomes an investment in our future well-being. The benefits of delayed gratification, the joy of anticipation, and making a future experience taste free are also explained.

Written by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, Happy Money doesn’t discourage spending in and of itself but rather encourages incorporating new spending behaviors. Olivia continues where she left off, introducing the concept of buying time and paying now/consuming later.

Written by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, Happy Money encourages the consumer to experiment with various spending habits that truly cultivate a sense of overall well-being, such as buying experiences, buying time, making purchases a treat, and practicing delayed consumption (aka Happy Money principles). Notably, these spending methodologies will not require an increase in income, but rather a strategic reallocation of existing assets to make your money happy again.

You may not consider your finances a likely vulnerability when pondering everyday threats. Whether perpetuated intentionally or unintentionally, insider threats can manifest in the form of personal financial mismanagement or significant emotional events, such as death, divorce, job loss, or illness. Outsider threats also compromise your financial security, such as predatory lenders, identity thieves, scammers, and even family members! To mitigate these risks, Olivia provides you with the safeguards necessary to remove or counter the impact of potential financial threats, equipping you with the knowledge and resources necessary to create a healthier relationship with money. Register for the 3rd HYBRID Financial Symposium! Use the link below.https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=D9fm-kuVEUiStgUw1vhMQxiSj6kdb7VFuypvxD6aMJlUNUpGQ09IVTg1NzVVQ1dIR1BYT1NDNTFSVC4uIf you found this information helpful, don’t forget to rate and review wherever you listen to the pod.

Financial Literacy Training: Meeting Financial Developmental MilestonesOlivia and the Army Headquarters Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9’s Financial Education Program Manager, Robyn Mroszczyk, discuss what’s in it for leaders to promote financial literacy and address financial developmental milestones. We take our children in for well-child checkups to ensure physical developmental milestones are met. But what professional will see you or your loved ones to ensure financial milestones are met? Who’s teaching us how to develop our financial muscle to move towards financial independence? (Although the DoD has military-specific milestones, Olivia has outlined Civilian-equivalent milestones below to consider as you or your loved ones are financially developing.) Olivia can be reached at 256-876-6299. Vantage Tracker for Leadership: https://www.financialfrontline.org/soldier/leadership/ Financial Literacy TrainingArmy: https://olms.armyfamilywebportal.com/Air Force: https://myvector.us.af.mil/myvector/PublicHome/NoticeAndConsentNavy: https://learning.nel.navy.mil/ELIAASv2p/ MILITARY Financial MilestonesFuture Service Member TrainingInitial EntryArrival at First Duty StationTSP VestingPromotionPermanent Change of StationMarriageBirth and AdoptionLeadershipLife ChallengesDeploymentContinuation PayTransitionCIVILIAN Financial MilestonesFuture Consumer TrainingPreparing for First JobFirst PaycheckInvestingPromotionMovingMarriageBirth and AdoptionDeveloping OthersSignificant Emotional Events (illness, divorce, death)Civilian DeploymentBonuses and ContractsCareer ChangeHelpful Financial Siteshttps://finred.usalearning.gov/https://www.financialfrontline.org/https://www.milspousemoneymission.org/https://www.finra.org/https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

Olivia and special guest Gretchen Bentler (LPC/AFC®) illuminate how Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques can assist you in being more mindful in your spending and financial practice. Now that you’ve learned and practiced the first three modules of DBT that required “internal” practice (go back and listen), you are now ready to apply this practice “externally” with other people. Olivia and Gretchen walk you through assertiveness skills to help you set and maintain financial boundaries. If you are a Redstone Arsenal employee, please call Olivia at 256-876-6299. If you are a Tobyhanna Army Depot or Picatinny Arsenal employee, please call Gretchen at 570-615-6682. For more information on Army Financial Literacy Training, visit HTTPS://www.financialfrontline.org/soldiers/

Olivia and special guest Gretchen Bentler (LPC/AFC®) illuminate how Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques can assist you in being more mindful in your spending and financial practice. Be sure to listen to episodes 17 and 18 in Season 3 prior, as each skill builds on the next. Emotion dysregulation can lead to overspending and other financial addictive behaviors. Regulating emotions not only curbs spending urges but also assists in decluttering the mind. Reducing painful emotions enables you to access your wise mind for optimal financial decision-making. If you are a Redstone Arsenal employee, please call Olivia at 256-876-6299. If you are a Tobyhanna Army Depot or Picatinny Arsenal employee, please call Gretchen at 570-615-6682. For more information on Army Financial Literacy Training, visit https://www.financialfrontline.org/soldiers/

Olivia and special guest Gretchen Bentler (LPC/AFC®) illuminate how Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques can assist you in tolerating financial distress and surviving financial crises. If you are a Redstone Arsenal employee, please call Olivia at 256-876-6299. If you are a Tobyhanna Army Depot or Picatinny Arsenal employee, please call Gretchen at 570-615-6682.For more information on Army Financial Literacy Training, visit https://www.financialfrontline.org/soldiers/

Olivia and special guest Gretchen Bentler (LPC/AFC®) illuminate how Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques can assist you in being more mindful in your spending and financial practice. If you are a Redstone Arsenal employee, please call Olivia at 256-876-6299. If you are a Tobyhanna Army Depot or Picatinny Arsenal employee, please call Gretchen at 570-615-6682.For more information on Army Financial Literacy Training, visit https://www.financialfrontline.org/soldiers/

Although not classified by the American Psychiatric Association as a disorder, there is clear evidence we engage in disordered spending. Olivia and guest, Matt (AFC® Candidate), discuss how shopping addiction receives honorable mention as a behavioral addiction, providing a lens in which to view this as a pattern of expectant behavior where we create and accept risk that will lead to greater reward. Cost Per Use Calculator & Formula Online Calculator Ultra

We all need a financial realignment from time to time. But are you aligning your goals to your values or someone else’s? Olivia and guest, Matt (AFC® Candidate), present four simple yet power-packed habits will be the swift kick in the budget you need to discover where your money’s really going, what (or who) needs to change, and how to maintain. Assessment Tools: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/financial-well-being/Alignment Tools:Personal Finance for Teens 101, Grant (for teens)The Talk: About Money, Alexander (for young adults)The New Retirementality, Anthony (for adults)Smart Couples Finish Rich, Bach (for couples)

Olivia addresses the 5 elephants in the room when it comes to couples and money. Olivia incorporates the writings of David Bach, author of Smart Couples Finish Rich. “It doesn’t matter if you love your spouse or partner more than anything in the world. If the two of you have conflicting values about money and make financial decisions that fail to accommodate each other’s feelings about the subject, you are going to have serious relationship problems.” Funny YouTube video re: inflation: https://youtu.be/5IP2Go7LHQA?si=cZ9lNjX2IJkW5tx7 Time Value Calculators:Future Value CalculatorPresent Value Calculator

Olivia continues discussion on investing beyond your 401(k), applying FINRA’s four key principles of investing: 1) be informed; 2) be prudent; 3) be diversified; 4) be consistent. Olivia and Matt help you assess whether you’re ready to invest beyond the 401(k) and take a second glance at what nontraditional investments can increase your net worth and overall wellbeing. Guest contributor, Matt Zayd, is an Accredited Financial Counselor® candidate. If you are a Redstone Arsenal military member, retiree, DoD civilian, veteran with base access, or family member, consider setting up a financial appointment with Olivia at 256-876-6299. Reserve and Guard members in the Huntsville, AL commutable area can utilize the Personal Financial Counselor at 571-361-2260. Referenced Material:FINRAFINRA Barred BrokerFINRA Broker CheckFINRA Fund AnalyzerFINRA Smart Investing CoursesInvestment Philosophy Quiz

Olivia encourages you to think about investing beyond your 401(k), using FINRA’s educational platform as a rubric. Olivia and Matt help you understand the differences in saving vs. investing, active vs. passive investing, generational differences, risk tolerance, and whether you’re ready to invest beyond the 401(k). Guest contributor, Matt Zayd, is an Accredited Financial Counselor® candidate. If you are a Redstone Arsenal military member, retiree, DoD civilian, veteran with base access, or family member, consider setting up a financial appointment with Olivia at 256-876-6299. Reserve and Guard members in the Huntsville, AL commutable area can utilize the Personal Financial Counselor at 571-361-2260. Referenced Material:FINRAFINRA Barred BrokerFINRA Broker CheckFINRA Fund AnalyzerFINRA Smart Investing CoursesInvestment Philosophy Quiz

A disabling sickness or condition in the family (or extended family) can create financial and psychological distress. Olivia validates those fears, offering tools and buffers to prevent or mitigate caregiver burnout. Guest contributor, Matt Zayd, is an Accredited Financial Counselor® candidate. If you are a Redstone Arsenal military member, retiree, DoD civilian, veteran with base access, or family member, consider setting up a financial appointment with Olivia at 256-876-6299. Reserve and Guard members in the Huntsville, AL commutable area can utilize the Personal Financial Counselor at 571-361-2260.Referenced Material:Money Geek Article (offers several clickable links to several non-military financial resources)Caregiver Support GroupsMilitary and family members have access to the Exceptional Family Member Program and Tricare, providing additional resources for a disabling sickness or condition.Common Military Training (aka Financial Touchpoints) can be accessed with the below links. Better yet, set up a 1:1 in-person session with your local Financial Readiness Program.Air Force TouchpointsArmy Touchpoints

Two therapists help you examine how you THINK with money, which impacts how you feel and ultimately behave with money. The top 10 cognitive distortions that plague our everyday thinking are generalized to money. In this episode, you will be given the tools to challenge the distorted financial thoughts with several evidence-based techniques. If it works in the clinical session, it can work in the financial session.Consider joining us for the Compulsive Spending class on 4 SEP at 11CT. Link coming soon.

Two therapists help you examine how you THINK with money, which impacts how you feel and ultimately behave with money. The top 10 cognitive distortions that plague our everyday thinking are generalized to money. In this episode, you’ll be challenged to assess your most common distortion. “I’m always broke.” “I’ll never be good with money.” “I should be saving 30%.” “Paying down debt feels hopeless, so it must be true.”Consider joining us for the Compulsive Spending class on 4 SEP at 11CT. Link coming soon.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. In part 1 of this 3-part series, 2 therapists help you examine how you THINK with money, which impacts how you feel and ultimately behave with money. The top 10 cognitive distortions that plague our everyday thinking are generalized to money. Learn how to map your cognitive constellation and hear how it can impact the view of your financial self, world, and future. Consider joining us for the Compulsive Spending class on 4 SEP at 11CT. Link coming soon.

Whether you’re 30 years or 30 days from retirement, this 3-part book-review series will prepare you what Olivia calls a F.A.B. Retirement. She wants you to have the Financial, Affective, and Behavioral skills to prepare. Most employees are aimlessly wandering toward retirement. Without true direction, you’ll likely end up somewhere you didn’t want to go. Following the book by Mitch Anthony, The New Retirementality, Olivia will challenge your personal I.R.A. (Individual Retirement Attitude) and assess whether it is consistent with your retirement values and goals, facilitating a truer sense of direction. Army endorsement is not implied. Several books on retirement exist, and you are encouraged to find the best book that resonates with your values. If you are a Redstone Arsenal service, civilian, or family member, please call Olivia for financial readiness services at 256-876-6299.

Whether you’re 30 years or 30 days from retirement, this 3-part book-review series will prepare you what Olivia calls a F.A.B. Retirement. She wants you to have the Financial, Affective, and Behavioral skills to prepare. Most employees are aimlessly wandering toward retirement. Without true direction, you’ll likely end up somewhere you didn’t want to go. Following the book by Mitch Anthony, The New Retirementality, Olivia will challenge your personal I.R.A. (Individual Retirement Attitude) and assess whether it is consistent with your retirement values and goals, facilitating a truer sense of direction. Army endorsement is not implied. Several books on retirement exist, and you are encouraged to find the best book that resonates with your values. If you are a Redstone Arsenal service, civilian, or family member, please call Olivia for financial readiness services at 256-876-6299.

Whether you’re 30 years or 30 days from retirement, this 3-part book-review series will prepare you what Olivia calls a F.A.B. Retirement. She wants you to have the Financial, Affective, and Behavioral skills to prepare. Most employees are aimlessly wandering toward retirement. Without true direction, you’ll likely end up somewhere you didn’t want to go. Following the book by Mitch Anthony, The New Retirementality, Olivia will challenge your personal I.R.A. (Individual Retirement Attitude) and assess whether it is consistent with your retirement values and goals, facilitating a truer sense of direction. Army endorsement is not implied. Several books on retirement exist, and you are encouraged to find the best book that resonates with your values. If you are a Redstone Arsenal service, civilian, or family member, please call Olivia for financial readiness services at 256-876-6299.

Olivia has made the point that money can’t buy happiness, but another therapist reframes the discussion in how money can be used as a “tool” to move you towards a stronger sense of financial wellbeing. Just as we engage in financial planning, CarolynWhite, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Redstone Arsenal’s Employee Assistance Program, shares how we can actually “plan” or “map out” our happiness.We don’t normally “look” for happiness. We usually stumble upon it and enjoy it while it lasts. We get so excited looking forward to our goals (like retirement), but often feel let down once we reach them. Mismatched values, unexpected challenges, and rigid storylines cause us to feel disconnected and dull our achievements. In this episode, Carolyn helps you understand what is truly important to you and how to enjoy life’s journey. When you get into the habit of noticing happiness, you can plan more of it. If you are a Redstone Arsenal Employee, feel free to call the Employee Assistance Program to discover if you are eligible for free, confidential counseling services at 256-316-6098.

Olivia walks you through the practical steps of planning and preparing for a divorce financially, from protecting your credit to updating your designations of beneficiary.2nd Annual Financial Symposium Information and RegistrationARMY Common Military Training (Financial Touchpoints)NAVY Financial TouchpointsUSAF Financial Touchpoints

Olivia sits down with an Accredited Financial Counselor® candidate to review and challenge participants’ stated barriers in the class, Cover Your 6: Six Things to Know about Debt, Credit, Consolidation, and Settlement.  Army Teams members can view the recorded class at P$yFi: Cover Your 6.

Olivia takes you back to positive childhood (and still adulthood) memories of thrifting, reminding you that you’re giving much more than your business. Olivia also provides tips of the thrifting scene, whether you’re looking to donate, host a yard sale, or patron a thrift shop.