Neela Hummel, CFP®’s Post

Prenups. Postnups. Do you need one? What even are they? And really, should I be mad if my partner suggests we get one? Navigating the financial aspects of marriage can be complex and emotionally challenging. Transparent discussions about finances, especially before marriage, can shed light on critical issues and foster a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP® and I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Terry Steen, an experienced family law attorney and mediator, on our podcast If Money Were Easy. Terri shared invaluable insights about the phases of prenuptial agreements, the significance of open communication, and the legal considerations to keep in mind. One topic we delved into was how prenuptial discussions can reveal each partner’s communication and empathy skills, setting the tone for a robust marital foundation. Tune in to this episode wherever you get your podcasts or listen here: https://lnkd.in/gYPniUjQ Have you ever considered a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement? What are your thoughts on discussing finances openly before tying the knot? Join the conversation in the comments below. Your perspective could help others on their journeys too! #IfMoneyWereEasy #FinancialPlanning #MarriageAndMoney #Prenup #Podcasts Disclosure: Abacus Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of Abacus Wealth Partners, LLC by the SEC nor does it indicate that Abacus Wealth Partners, LLC has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

I loved talking with Abacus’ Director of Impact, Kate Barron-Alicante about how owning a stock means having a say in how companies do their business. Listen to this episode of If Money Were Easy and learn how to start using your voice to change company behavior for the better. https://lnkd.in/dWAvMj2T

Clients often want to know the ways they can reduce their carbon footprint. Good news - it’s easier than you think and it can be part of their monthly budget. Here’s my colleague Lindsey Woodward on how to make that happen. https://lnkd.in/dremseDk

I meet so many people in their 30's and 40's who feel like they are doing all the right things but are having a hard time feeling like they are on track financially. And if they make good money, they feel like there isn't a safe space to share that. We all feel shame over something financial: that we aren't further along, that we didn't get started in our career early enough, that we took too much time away from paid work to raise our families, that we inherited wealth, etc. EVERYONE has a sore spot. These are both high growth income years but also super expensive years of raising a family (if that happens to be your path!) Some people are also supporting parents (#sandwichgeneration) or other loved ones, while others are still paying off #studentloans. Many people are either taking a break from savings or their only savings is through a retirement account. It's so easy to focus on #income instead of #wealth. While income is a top driver of wealth, a high income does not in and of itself make you wealthy. And for many people who live in high cost of living areas who also have kids, those six digit income numbers don't go as far as they used to. This article highlights a different kind of wealth shame that happens in our culture - the shame of having an impressive income but not being "further along". While I think there are a lot of choices that we have in how we spend our money, I think it is important for many #millennials and #GenZ to know that some things cost a lot more than they used to (#housing, #cars, and #education), even adjusting for inflation. And it's okay if you are doing well but don't feel like it all the time. Keep socking that money away. Keep investing in your career. Control what you can control and keep working to make a better future... And know that you are probably doing a lot better than you think you are. You got this. #highincome #financialplanning #HENRY https://lnkd.in/gHtDDdw8

When I learned what my financial archetype was, it really helped put my financial choices in perspective. On this episode of If Money Were Easy, Brent Kessel joins us to discuss the 8 financial archetypes, and how knowing yours can help you be clearer about why you make the money choices you do. https://lnkd.in/gsGHFMWC

When I set out to remodel my home, I wanted to make it as eco-friendly as possible. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how many options there are today in lowering my family’s carbon footprint, so I’m sharing with everyone about what I’ve learned from the experience. https://lnkd.in/gUSTZ8xd

Preparing for the death of a loved one is never easy, but starting early can make all the difference. In our latest episode of If Money Were Easy, Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP® and I had the pleasure of speaking with Jana Davis, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Abacus Wealth Partners advisor who specializes in working with clients in their later chapters of life. Jana shared invaluable insights on when it’s time to begin thinking about end-of-life planning, the importance of ongoing financial and care strategies, outlining priorities, organizing assets, and the necessity of having early and empathetic conversations about these sensitive topics. She also emphasized the need for respect and patience when addressing the fears and concerns of our elderly loved ones. Listen here for more: https://lnkd.in/gQQsWNvn #IfMoneyWereEasy #EstatePlanning #FinancialPlanning Disclosure: Abacus Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of Abacus Wealth Partners, LLC by the SEC nor does it indicate that Abacus Wealth Partners, LLC has attained a particular level of skill or ability. This material is not intended to serve as personalized tax, legal, and/or investment advice since the availability and effectiveness of any strategy is dependent upon your individual facts and circumstances. Abacus Wealth Partners is not an accounting or legal firm. Please consult with your tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific tax and/or legal situation when determining if any of the mentioned strategies are right for you.

It’s always interesting when you’re a professional in finance but then you still struggle in certain areas with your own finances. Join Mary Beth Storjohann and I for this episode of If Money Were Easy where we talk about handling our personal finances, what our strengths and weaknesses are, and how we manage our mutual spreadsheet obsessions. https://lnkd.in/g3ugfWFH

Do you know your value and worth at your job? Do you know the process of how to approach your boss to talk about what you earn? Here are some practical ways to negotiate your salary like a pro. https://lnkd.in/ecaRZ7RU

Abacus Co-Founder Spencer Sherman has been such a mentor to me. I was incredibly happy he joined us on the If Money Were Easy podcast to share the benefits of being more mindful and intentional around money – and how easy it can be to break old patterns and create new ones. Listen in on our conversation to see how it can potentially transform your money life. https://lnkd.in/eQpzDdxe