In the early 90s, I was an avid snowboarder. As one of the few female snowboarders at the time, I used to ride with my brother and his friends. I was pretty fearless and rather good. However, I had not been snowboarding in the last 14 years. So, I was excited when we decided to go snowboarding. … Read more about Courage
Investing?
Does investing seem complicated to you? You are not alone. One of the biggest reasons people don’t like to invest is that it appears to be complicated. When I first started investing over 20 years ago, I felt the same way. However, I find it is best to build knowledge on a simplified … Read more about Investing?
Feeling Success
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word success? I immediately think of vast amounts of wealth – Bill Gates level of wealth. It might be because I work in the finance industry, but I think that definition is embedded in American culture. However, the question “What does … Read more about Feeling Success
Worrying Less
Do you worry about money? You are not alone. Studies show that 72% of people are moderately to extremely stressed about money. It is a theme that comes up frequently when I talk with people. And making more money is not necessarily the solution. Some of the people who tell me they are stressed … Read more about Worrying Less
Is Your Money Working for You?
Are you working for your money, or is your money working for you? It’s a simple question with a profound impact. When you get your money working for you, it can support your dreams and goals. Once you prioritize your goals and vision in order of financial success, it is easier to live in … Read more about Is Your Money Working for You?
Not Waiting
Have you ever put off the important things in life, the things closest to your heart, because of money? You needed to save for it before even taking the first step, or you wanted to plan your money first, then plan your life? I know I have. And not waiting to take the first step has been one of the … Read more about Not Waiting
Celebrating
More than 15 years ago, a dear friend said to me: "Steph, life is worth stopping to smell the roses more often." This was in response to me being a goal-driven person and not taking time to celebrate what I had. As a competitive athlete, I learned to identify priorities, set and accomplish goals, … Read more about Celebrating
Taxes as a Privilege
It’s year-end tax planning time. And when it comes to paying taxes, I am like most folks – not smiling when writing that check. However, it is a lot easier to pay taxes when you have some perspective. Approximately 8% of the world’s population lives in a developed country with clean drinking … Read more about Taxes as a Privilege
Setting Limits
While I prefer to exercise outside, I do go to the gym to build strength. My warmup is 18 minutes on the treadmill. The other day, I started thinking about why I run for only 18 minutes. What if I went to 20 minutes? Is that much harder? Or, is that the amount of running time I am used to? After … Read more about Setting Limits
How You Use It
Building wealth is not always about how much money you make, it is about how you choose to use it. For example, one of my clients has a good job and makes $150k per year. He is unmarried, but cares for a number of family members. He manages to save about $50k per year and spends the other $100k. … Read more about How You Use It
Taking that First Step
This week, we are taking the first step to building our social media presence. If you are a social media user, please visit and follow Clear Sky Wealth’s Facebook and Instagram pages. We plan to share fun and inspiring information on these pages. While developing a social media presence for Clear … Read more about Taking that First Step
Five Tips For Moms Doing Back To School Shopping
Last week, I got a phone call inviting me to be on News 8 to talk about back-to-school finances. I was grateful for the opportunity! The challenge was that they contacted me on Tuesday afternoon to be on the show on Wednesday at 8:45am. With that short of notice, I almost said “No.” However, I … Read more about Five Tips For Moms Doing Back To School Shopping