Financial Finesse

Hosted by Cathy Curtis, CFP

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Oct 2024

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About the show

Welcome to the Financial Finesse podcast, where we'll be discussing tips on how to handle your money and life with skill and style. Your host, Cathy Curtis, CFP, has been helping make finance accessible and intriguing for women for almost 20 years! You'll get savvy, actionable ideas listening to her conversations with some of the coolest and smartest women on the planet.

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32 recent

October 10, 2024Episode 842 min

Leaving a Legacy of Love with Professional Fiduciary Sara Ecklein

Cathy interviews Sara Ecklein, a private professional fiduciary and the founder of Trust and Honor. Sara shares the intricacies of her role, from acting as a trustee, executor, or agent under various legal capacities, to the benefits of having a neutral party manage sensitive family and financial issues. They also discuss the importance of proactive estate planning, especially for solo agers and blended families, and the peace of mind it offers. [02:48] The role of a professional fiduciary.[08:22] Common estate planning challenges. [11:01] The importance of trust and neutrality in estate management. [16:02] How to hire a professional fiduciary. [23:09] The role of a trustee and power of attorney. [25:05] Healthcare decision-making and client relationships. [36:40] Introducing the Legacy of Love Podcast.For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

January 8, 2024Episode 713 min

6 Pro Tips for Women Buying Cars on Their Own

Did you know that on average, women are offered higher list prices for cars than men - to the tune of about $200 or more? When it comes to buying a new car, being prepared is key. In this episode, Cathy shares six pro tips to help you get the best deal on your next car purchase. [02:28] The importance of doing your homework. [04:21] What you can and can't negotiate when buying a new car. [06:21] How to find out what your trade-in is worth. [07:58] Understanding your financing costs. [09:46] How to avoid common negotiation pitfalls. [11:36] Why you should always be prepared to walk away when buying a new car on your own.For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

November 8, 2023Episode 61 hr 5 min

The Art of Equitable Estate Distribution with Estate Organizer Meg Connell

In this episode of Financial Finesse, host Cathy Curtis interviews Meg Connell, founder of The Organized One, a professional estate organizer focused on helping individuals navigate the challenging process of estate distribution. Meg's extensive experience and the comprehensive nature of her services provide a guidepost for anyone facing the prospect of estate organization, whether for themselves or a loved one.[03:33] Meg's journey into estate organization.[08:59] Practical strategies for estate distribution. [13:43] Exploring the human side of estate organization. [18:38] The role of estate planning in estate organization. [31:22] Meg’s team-based approach at The Organized One. [54:08] How single women can prepare their estates to streamline the process for their heirs. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

September 22, 2023Episode 51 hr 10 min

Mastering Medicare with Boomer Benefits Co-Founder Danielle Roberts

In this episode, Cathy interviews Danielle Roberts, founding partner at Boomer Benefits and author of the best-selling book 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make, about all things Medicare. Whether you’re new to Medicare or simply want to learn more about it so you can make an informed decision this open enrollment season, this episode is packed with useful information and unique insights. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

July 20, 2023Episode 41 hr 28 min

Mastering the Art of Real Estate Staging & Interior Design with Ruth Krumbhaar

Real estate investor Ruth Krumbhaar shares her real estate staging and interior design tips for elevating your home or investment properties. [00:04:00] Ruth shares her decorating philosophy and why she always starts with a blank canvas when designing a space.[00:14:06] Why every room doesn’t necessarily need a showstopper when it comes to home decorating.[00:20:09] How Ruth determines her decorating budget and where she shops to find cost-effective, quality items.[00:27:51] Tips and tricks for decorating an Airbnb for functionality and style.[00:38:12] Why flipping a property requires a slightly different design approach than decorating a rental property.[00:50:20] Ruth’s advice for handling home renovation projects, such as updating a bathroom or kitchen, and why a good contractor can make a world of difference.[01:01:32] Tips for updating a space where you’ve grown tired of the décor, and why hiring a style consultant can be a worthwhile investment.[01:07:35] What Ruth believes are the most important items to invest in when decorating your home.[01:15:59] Why practical designs can actually boost your return on investment with an Airbnb property.[01:20:30] The importance of understanding local real estate laws when investing in a rental property.For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

April 27, 2023Episode 31 hr 0 min

Real Estate Investing 101 With Property Powerhouse Ruth Krumbhaar

In this episode, host Cathy Curtis, CFP® interviews Ruth Krumbhaar, a successful therapist, coach, and part-time real estate investor who has built a reliable source of passive income through her investments. Ruth shares the wisdom she’s gained through her experience investing in real estate to help single women who are curious about real estate investing but don’t know where to start.For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

March 27, 2023Episode 219 min

Here's What Savvy Donors Need to Know About Strategic Charitable Giving

If you're charitably inclined and want to be a more savvy donor, this episode is for you. Cathy shares her tips for determining how much to give to charity, deciding which organizations to support with your donations, and giving strategically to maximize the potential tax benefits.For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

February 13, 2023Episode 118 min

Overspending? Here's How to Get Your Spending Habit Under Control This Year

In this episode, Cathy shares her tips and strategies for getting your overspending habit under control once and for all this year. [02:11] What do habits have to do with spending? [03:23] Identifying your biggest spending weakness or weaknesses. [06:05] What are your spending triggers?[08:45] Setting your new budget for the year ahead. [10:32] How to find ways to support yourself in reaching your goal. [16:23] Determining your values and aligning your spending accordingly. [17:33] Download our free e-book, How to Take Control of Your Spending This Year. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

November 16, 2022Episode 652 min

The Unexpected Benefits of Working with a Private, Professional Fiduciary with Sara Ecklein

Cathy interviews Sara Ecklein, a private, professional fiduciary and the founder of Trust and Honor, a fiduciary agency. Trust and Honor serves as a partner and compassionate advocate in managing and protecting the personal affairs, property, and assets of clients in the San Francisco Bay area and beyond.[03:45] Sara Ecklein describes the role of a private, professional fiduciary.[09:28] Sara shares why and when someone may seek her services as a private fiduciary and what her intake process looks like.[25:26] How working with a private, professional fiduciary can benefit clients when it comes their healthcare.[39:20] Sara Ecklein and Cathy discuss special needs trusts and why it can be helpful to have a trustee who specializes in this area.For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

September 15, 2022Episode 554 min

"The Insurance Lady" Ruth Stroup Answers Your Biggest Questions About Insurance

Cathy interviews Ruth Stroup, AKA "The Insurance Lady," about all things insurance, from what it covers and doesn't cover to choosing the right policies and the obstacles that can get in the way of that. [04:02] Ruth Stroup explains what’s covered and what isn’t covered by homeowner’s insurance if your home is burglarized.[07:03] How to insure different types of jewelry, whether it’s costume, gems and metals, or fine jewelry.[12:31] What people can do to mitigate the damage if they get burgled or their home is destroyed by fire.[16:22] What to do if your insurance policy goes into non-renewal because you live in a high-risk zone for wildfires.[19:51] How reinsurance companies impact the insurance industry.[22:29] Ruth Stroup shares the reasons besides wildfire danger that an insurance policy may be non-renewed.[26:45] What Ruth can and can’t do as an insurance agent when helping her clients navigate claims.[33:11] Cathy asks Ruth Stroup to give a mini tutorial on liability and umbrella insurance.[38:54] Ruth Stroup shares what she believes is the best kept secret in the insurance business.[42:02] Cathy and Ruth talk earthquake insurance.For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.