Every January starts the same way. We turn the page, take a deep breath, and declare: This is the year.
We vow to exercise more, save more, stress less, be better.

And then… life shows up.

There’s a reason New Year’s resolutions have such a short shelf life. Research consistently shows that most resolutions fade by February. Not because people lack motivation or discipline, but because resolutions are vague. “Lose weight” doesn’t survive carpool, deadlines, aging parents, and a calendar that fills itself.

Goals, on the other hand, can.

That’s why I love to use SMART goals . They aren’t about perfection or reinvention. They’re about clarity, intention, and momentum.

This past year brought so much to be grateful for. I’m deeply thankful for the growth of my business and, even more, for the people who trusted me with their stories, their worries, and their dreams. That kind of trust is never something I take lightly.

I’m grateful for the friendships that sustained me, the laughter around the table, and the steady love of family that reminds me who I am when things get busy or noisy. I’m grateful for the small, intentional steps I took to make my world better, the healthier routines, clearer boundaries, more presence. None of them were flashy, but together they mattered.

Your 2026 health insurance deserves a quick checkup.

This is the time to pause and ask:

• What is my health insurance actually going to look like in 2026?

• Are my doctors and hospitals still covered?

• Are my prescriptions still covered the way I expect?

Each year, insurers can change what they cover, what they charge, and which providers are in-network. A plan that worked well in 2025 may quietly become more expensive, more restrictive, or simply not a good fit for the year ahead.

Between talk about travel, new babies, or even recent Social Security changes for 2025, there’s room for one more conversation that really matters at the holiday table.

This isn’t about being morbid. It’s about love, clarity, and reducing chaos for the people you care about most. Whether you’re talking to your aging parents about their estate plan, or to your adult children about how you’d want to be cared for if you were incapacitated, these conversations are a gift.

Young men are being targeted with nonstop ads, “risk-free” promos, and apps that make betting feel like a normal part of watching the game. And for many of them, the line between a fun bet and a “money strategy” is getting blurry.

As a financial professional and a parent, I’m not anti-fun.

I am very pro-future.

There’s a huge difference between gambling and investing:

• Gambling is short-term, emotional, and designed so the house wins. 

• Investing is long-term, intentional, and designed to give your money a chance to grow.

For parents of young men ages 14–34, this isn’t a “someday” conversation.

It’s a right-now conversation.

Ever feel like your money should stretch further — but somehow it never does?

That was Susan & Mark. Two full-time jobs, supporting both their son and aging parent… yet every month felt tight.

When we looked closer, it wasn’t “bad spending” — it was invisible generosity.

Once they tracked their cash flow (not a budget, a flow), they finally saw where their money was really going — and made small, powerful shifts that brought relief and freedom.

Because when your money moves with intention, generosity becomes sustainable.

I spent the week at Schwab’s IMPACT 2025, and it reaffirmed everything I care about in this work. In this post I share a few ideas I’m bringing home from the speakers who stood out.

Here’s the heart of it: Abaya Wealth Management is built on the belief that wealth includes health—financial, social, mental, and physical. Money is the engine, not the destination. This week didn’t change that; it confirmed it and gave me even better tools to deliver on it.

For many women in their late 40s through early 60s, these years feel like walking a narrow path: supporting parents through health changes, guiding young adults toward independence, and somehow trying to hold on to their own goals. It’s a lot — and yet, most of the women I meet are doing it with extraordinary grace.

Here’s what I remind my clients: Security isn’t the finish line. It’s the foundation that lets you build a joyful next chapter.

Lately, I’ve been having the same kind of conversation with so many clients—and it always starts with this realization: retirement isn’t what it used to be.

It’s not about stepping back anymore; it’s about stepping into something new. A second act. A new chapter. A chance to do the things that light you up.

As a financial advisor, one of my favorite things is getting to step out of my day-to-day routine and dive headfirst into new learning experiences—especially those that help me serve my clients even better. That’s exactly what happened at the Certified Board Connections Conference 2025. I left the event more energized than ever to keep researching, learning, and implementing the best practices and investments I can find.

Did you know October is Financial Planning Month? It’s the perfect time to think ahead—especially with the holidays coming up fast! Instead of feeling overwhelmed or stressed, you can create a simple plan to make your season more joyful and less expensive. In this blog post I list my favorite steps to help you get started.

A guiding principle in my life, and in my work at Abaya Wealth Management, is the belief that investing in yourself is one of the best decisions you can make. When you do, you open doors—to choices, opportunities, and experiences that bring real joy.

I am living proof of that. Investing in myself over the years has given me the ability to provide for my children and myself, yes—but it has also given me the freedom to say “yes” when opportunities come my way.

Estimating healthcare expenses is not an exact science, but taking a thoughtful, realistic approach can give you clarity and peace of mind. It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself—and your loved ones—as you look forward to a secure, healthy retirement.

Most of us hope to age gracefully, staying healthy and independent.
But here’s the reality: nearly 70% of people turning 65 will need long-term care at some point. For women, the odds are even higher.

And yet—long-term care is one of the least planned-for parts of retirement.

Lately, I’ve had more and more conversations with friends, clients, and even my own family about parents who suddenly need more help than anyone expected. These talks are hard. They touch on independence, dignity, and finances—all at once.

But here’s the thing: waiting makes it harder. Starting the conversation now makes it easier.

On September 6th, my mom, Ann, turns 80 years old. It’s a milestone that has me reflecting not only on her incredible life, but also on the quiet ways women shape our world for the better—often without fanfare or spotlight.

An HSA is a personal savings account just for healthcare costs. You can only contribute if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), but the money is yours—even if you change jobs, retire, or switch insurance.

 Why are HSAs so powerful? They offer a triple tax advantage:

1. Contributions are tax-deductible.

2. Money grows tax-free.

3. Withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified medical expenses.

Even with Medicare, healthcare costs can catch many retirees by surprise. That’s why understanding Medigap—also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance—is so important.

Medigap is private insurance that helps pay for healthcare costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A & B), such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. It’s designed to “fill the gaps” in your Medicare coverage, so you’re not left footing big bills when you need care most.

Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement planning, and the rules are always evolving. The best way to avoid unwelcome surprises is to stay informed and revisit your claiming strategy regularly. Review your online statements, consider your work and income plans, and talk to a financial advisor if you want help weighing your options.

Risk Isn’t a Four-Letter Word

Taking smart risk, guided by a real plan, isn’t reckless. It’s a way to build your future with confidence. When you’re clear on your goals and supported by a trusted advisor, you don’t have to fear the unknown.

Many women are natural savers and budgeters, but when it comes to investing, it’s common to feel unsure or even intimidated. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be an expert to become a confident investor. This guide will break down the basics, tackle common fears, and give you simple steps to help you take control of your financial future.