What's in store for you:

1. Photo From My Life
2. Life Thought: Community
3. Financial Thought: Facing the Unthinkable
4. Good Sh*t: Loom - The Meeting Killer

Photo From My Life:

Life Thought:

Community: A rare and special thing happened this past weekend—three of my closest friends from college came to visit. These are the guys who have been with me through the highs and lows, who know all the embarrassing stories, and who can make me laugh until my stomach hurts.

We spent the weekend doing what we do best: talking about life, reminiscing about old times, and, of course, throwing in a healthy dose of ridiculous jokes and debates that only make sense in the kind of friendships that span 10+ years. There’s something about being around people who just get you—no pretense, no posturing, just pure, unfiltered connection.

As I sat there, swapping stories and laughing over inside jokes that are somehow still funny after all these years, I was reminded of something important: community is everything.

Life gets busy. We move cities, build careers, start families, and suddenly, months (or years) go by without a real catch-up. But every time we actually make the effort to be together, it’s clear that friendships like these aren’t just worth maintaining—they’re necessary.

I often think of effort in terms of productivity, ambition, or self-improvement. But what about effort toward the people who matter? The ones who remind us of who we are, who keep us grounded, and who bring out the best parts of us?

Friendship takes work. But it’s the kind of work that always pays off.

Send a text. Make a call. Plan the trip. It’s always worth it.

Financial Thought:

Preparing Your Finances for Life's Uncertainties: Life has a way of reminding us of its fragility, often when we least expect it. Earlier this month, financial advisor Ben Carlson shared a poignant tribute to his brother, Jon, who passed away after complications from pancreatic cancer. In his blog post, "There Goes My Hero," Ben reflects on the suddenness of loss and the profound impact it has on those left behind.

Reading Ben's heartfelt words transported me back to a pivotal moment in my own life. At 15, I faced the devastating loss of my father to cancer. My father's illness afforded my parents a brief window to prepare. During those challenging months, my parents meticulously organized our family's affairs—updating wills, reviewing accounts with a new financial advisor, and ensuring access to essential documents. While I was too young to recognize it, this foresight provided a semblance of stability amidst the emotional turmoil, allowing us to focus on the more important task of grieving.

These personal experiences underscore a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of financial planning: preparing for the unexpected. It's a topic many shy away from—it's not glamorous, and confronting our mortality can be uncomfortable. However, taking proactive steps today can alleviate significant burdens for our loved ones tomorrow.

What Should You Think About?

1. Estate Planning: Ensure you have an up-to-date will or living trust that outlines your wishes clearly. This legal document serves as a roadmap for asset distribution and can prevent potential disputes among beneficiaries. Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to the laws in your state.
2. Financial Inventory: Compile a comprehensive list of your assets, including bank accounts, investments, retirement funds, and insurance policies. This inventory should also detail liabilities such as mortgages, loans, and credit card debts. Having this information in one accessible location ensures that your family can manage affairs without added stress.
3. Digital Assets: In our increasingly digital world, it's essential to maintain a record of online accounts, passwords, and digital assets. Consider using a secure password manager and ensure that trusted individuals know how to access it.
4. Insurance Policies: Review your life and health insurance coverage to confirm it aligns with your family's current and future needs. Adequate life insurance can provide financial support to your dependents, covering expenses like funeral costs, outstanding debts, and ongoing living expenses.
5. Advance Directives: Establish legal documents like a durable power of attorney and a living will to communicate your healthcare preferences if you're unable to do so. These directives guide your loved ones in making medical decisions on your behalf, ensuring your wishes are honored.

While financial advisors offer valuable guidance, not everyone chooses to work with one. Regardless, dedicating just a few hours to create a detailed guide of your financial landscape can make a world of difference. Sharing this with a trusted family member or friend ensures that, in the event of an emergency, your loved ones can manage your affairs with clarity and confidence.

Good Sh*t:

Loom - The Meeting Killer:

You know that feeling when you’re about to send a long-winded Slack message, and you just know it’s going to get misinterpreted? Or when you need to explain something with nuance but don’t want to schedule another meeting five days from now? Enter Loom.

Loom is a largely free tool that lets you record quick videos of yourself and your screen, making it ridiculously easy to communicate complex ideas without the back-and-forth. Instead of typing out a novel or waiting for an open slot on someone’s calendar, just fire up Loom, record your message, and send the link.

Your tone, your context, your screen—all captured. Bonus: People can watch at 1.5x speed, respond with comments, and actually retain the info you’re sharing. It’s the easiest way to avoid unnecessary meetings while making communication better.

Try it. Thank me later. You can visit their website here.

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