Month: July 2024

When it comes to money – how we think about it, how we spend it, etc. – each of us is unique. We call this money personality. Most of us don’t know our money personality, but knowing our spending patterns and thoughts can come in handy when we need to make important – or day-to-day – decisions.

Do you want to know:

• Who or what is pulling the strings on your money mindset?
• What is your money personality?
• What is your relationship to money?

As we embrace the wisdom of our years, understanding our relationship with money can be the key to unlocking true financial freedom.

It’s not just about earning or creating more. It’s about creating a resonance with wealth that feels authentic and empowering. Put another way, it’s about tapping into the emotional aspects of money, the ones that fuel our dreams and secure our futures.

Today I write about the money quiz I created, which is meant to reveal the powerful persona pulling the strings on your money mindset. Discover how to play to your strengths, sidestep your blind spots, and get a unique plan for magnetizing more money into your life.

Based on extensive research, I’ve identified eight distinct Money Personas. Each one reveals specific patterns in how we relate to money. Much like Jungian archetypes, DISC or the Enneagram, which define different personality types, the Money Personas offer a simple way to identify and assess our relationship with money and with this understanding, we can learn how to make conscious choices, and, as a result, the money dynamic at work in our daily life will improve.

Dig Out Your Money Magnetism Persona

This is where the fun starts – when we start to get a handle on ourselves and our money motivations. The real journey here is not about money. This journey is about you. This is an archeological dig to the centre of the truth of who you really are and what your path and purpose is.

Although we may be successful in most areas of our lives, when faced with money decisions, changes, or crises, many people revert to an ineffective, emotional approach to making decisions about money. By beginning to understand our underlying unconscious feelings and beliefs about money, we will become better prepared and more conscious of the patterns and issues as they surface in our lives.

Most of us carry unresolved feelings about money. These feelings often lead to self-limiting and self-defeating behaviours. We need to unearth these issues and break free.

We can use this type of diagnostic to:

• Gain clarity on subconscious beliefs affecting our financial decisions.
• Empower ourselves to make conscious, informed money choices.
• Improve our relationship with money, leading to better financial outcomes.
• Align our financial actions with our true self, creating a life of abundance.

Money Persona and Financial Decisions

The secret? Integrating the essence of your money magnetism persona into every financial decision. It’s about moving beyond the numbers and embracing the emotional heartbeat of wealth.

The Money Persona quiz has illuminated the financial paths for countless women. Blending deep psychological insights with practical financial strategies, it’s crafted to reveal the unique formula for your financial success.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed incredible transformations, as women from all walks of life have taken control of their finances and their futures. So, is it your turn to step into financial clarity?

The ultimate goal is to evolve into the Money Maven, the archetype that embodies a healthy, conscious relationship with money, leading to true prosperity.

So, What Are the 8 Money Personas?

Here’s a snapshot of the 8 Personas:

The Idealist

A hopeful spirit, always believing in the best outcomes, yet sometimes needing guidance to navigate the financial world.

The Phoenix

Has faced financial challenges but possesses an innate strength. With the right tools, she can rise above past setbacks.

The Dynamo

Fierce and determined, she’s a go-getter in finances but might sometimes benefit from a more balanced approach.

The Nurturer

Always putting others first, she’s generous and caring. With a shift in perspective, she can learn to prioritize her own financial well-being too.

The Free Spirit

Spontaneous and adventurous, she enjoys the present moment. With a touch of planning, she can ensure her financial future is just as bright.

The Visionary

Full of ideas and always innovating, she has the potential to turn dreams into financial realities with the right strategies.

The Empress

Commanding and sometimes controlling with money. With a touch of grace, she can lead her financial empire with both power and benevolence.

The Money Maven

The ideal archetype. She embodies a perfect blend of intuition, knowledge, and action in her financial decisions, leading to abundance and security.

And listed here is the content feedback report you will receive at the end of the quiz:

• Your Guiding Money Mantra
• Decode Your Money Mindset
• Your Money Magnetism Strengths
• The Narratives That Have Shaped You
• Your Spending and Earning Patterns
• Your #1 Money Block
• Abundance Affirmations Just For You
• Your Pathway to Wealth in 3 Steps
• Your Next Steps

If you are at least curious about your money persona, dive in to the FREE Money Persona Quiz and discover the wealth within you.  

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you know your money personality? What governs your money decisions? How well do you navigate your finances?

Going from day to night with the same outfit can be both practical and stylish, especially for women over 50 who value elegance and versatility. Whether you’re running errands during the day or heading out for a dinner date in the evening, these tips and tricks will ensure you look fabulous around the clock.

How to Go from Day to Night

Start with a Versatile Base

Choose a classic piece that works for both day and night. A well-fitted dress, a chic jumpsuit, or a pair of tailored trousers with a sophisticated top can serve as your foundation. Neutral colors or simple patterns are ideal as they can be easily transformed with the right accessories.

Example: A black sheath dress is a perfect base piece. During the day, you can pair it with a light cardigan and ballet flats. For the evening, swap the cardigan for a blazer, add some statement jewelry, and switch to heels.

Layer Smartly

Layering is key to transitioning your outfit. During the day, a lightweight cardigan or a denim jacket can add a casual touch. For the evening, switch to a sleek blazer or a stylish shawl to dress up your look.

Example: A simple white blouse and jeans combo can be transformed by layering. In the daytime, a casual jacket keeps it simple. For the night, swap the denim jacket for a tailored blazer.

Accessorize Thoughtfully

Accessories can completely change the vibe of an outfit. Opt for subtle, understated jewelry for daytime wear. In the evening, swap them for bolder, statement pieces like a chunky necklace or sparkling earrings to add glamour.

Example: Wear small hoop earrings and a delicate chain necklace during the day. For the evening, switch to chandelier earrings and a statement necklace.

Read 10 MUST-HAVE SUMMER 2024 ACCESSORIES FOR WOMEN OVER 50.

Swap Your Shoes

Footwear makes a significant difference. Comfortable flats or sneakers are perfect for daytime activities. Keep a pair of elegant heels or dressy sandals handy to slip into for the night.

Example: A pair of loafers can be swapped for strappy sandals or classic pumps to instantly change the outfit’s vibe.

Adjust Your Makeup

A quick makeup touch-up can work wonders. During the day, a natural look with light foundation, mascara, and lip balm is ideal. For the evening, add a pop of color with a bold lipstick, smoky eyes, and a bit of highlighter for a radiant glow.

Example: Keep your daytime makeup minimal with neutral tones. In the evening, add a darker eyeliner, a touch of shimmer to your eyelids, and a bold lip color like red or deep plum.

Change Your Bag

Your handbag can also dictate the formality of your outfit. A roomy tote or crossbody bag is practical for the day. For the evening, switch to a chic clutch or a small, elegant handbag.

Example: A large tote for carrying all your essentials during the day can be swapped for a sleek evening clutch.

Add a Belt

A stylish belt can transform your look instantly. Cinch your waist with a fashionable belt to add structure and a touch of sophistication to your outfit, perfect for an evening out.

Example: A wide, decorative belt can be added to a day dress to give it a more formal, evening look.

Play with Scarves

Scarves are versatile accessories. During the day, a lightweight scarf can add a casual flair. In the evening, opt for a silk or embellished scarf to add a touch of luxury.

Example: A printed cotton scarf for daytime can be replaced with a luxurious silk scarf for the evening.

Hair Transformations

Your hairstyle can change your overall appearance. Wear your hair down or in a simple ponytail during the day. For the evening, consider an elegant updo, soft curls, or a sleek, straight look to add sophistication.

Example: A daytime ponytail can be transformed into an elegant chignon or loose waves for the evening.

Statement Outerwear

A statement coat or jacket can instantly change your outfit. A trench coat or a classic leather jacket can effortlessly transition from day to night, adding a polished look to your ensemble.

Example: A trench coat worn during the day can be swapped for a sleek, fitted leather jacket for a night out.

Layering Jewelry

Layering delicate jewelry pieces can add a subtle charm during the day. In the evening, layer on more dramatic pieces, such as multiple bracelets or a mix of necklaces, to create a more striking appearance.

Example: Wear a simple chain necklace during the day. In the evening, add a few more necklaces of varying lengths for a more dramatic look.

Confidence Is Key

No matter what you wear, confidence is the best accessory. Stand tall, feel fabulous, and own your look, whether it’s day or night.

Extra Tips for Effortless Day-to-Night Transitions

Bonus Tip 1: Pack Light Essentials

If you know you’ll be out all day and transitioning to an evening event, pack light essentials in your bag. This can include makeup for touch-ups, a change of shoes, and small accessories like a scarf or jewelry.

Bonus Tip 2: Opt for Multifunctional Clothing

Look for clothing items designed to be multifunctional. For instance, a dress with a reversible pattern or a skirt that can be worn as a dress offers more options without taking up extra space in your wardrobe.

Bonus Tip 3: Mind the Fabric

Choose fabrics that are versatile and comfortable for both day and night. Materials like jersey, silk, and high-quality cotton can look casual by day and chic by night. Avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily, as they can make your outfit look less polished.

Bonus Tip 4: Play with Textures

Mixing different textures can add depth and interest to your outfit. For example, pair a silk blouse with denim during the day and with a velvet skirt at night. The contrast in textures will make your outfit more dynamic and suitable for various settings.

By implementing these tips and tricks, you can easily transition your outfit from day to night, ensuring you look stylish and feel confident at any hour. 

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you like to dress up your day outfits by simply adding or switching some accessories? What are your favorite tips and tricks for achieving a day-to-night outfit? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Hello, Dear Readers! Allow me to introduce myself. I am a newbie to this blogging world, and I’m thrilled (and slightly terrified) to be here. As I approach my 60th birthday, I find myself feeling a bit clueless after retiring from teaching elementary school for more than 30 years.

I look at young people with a mix of fright and disdain, wondering how they can be so confident in their youth. Just when I thought I’d be older and wiser, I’m finding myself a bit irrelevant and treated to all kinds of hidden and not-so-hidden ageism. But hey, at least it’s giving me plenty to write about!

Just When I Thought I Knew Something

Ah, the joys of aging. The irony of feeling perpetually young inside our heads while the rest of the world seems hell-bent on reminding us of our “maturity.” In a youth-obsessed culture, it’s almost a rite of passage to hit those moments where you realize, “Well, I guess I’m officially old now.” My dear friend and I discussed this at length on our podcast, and I decided to share 11 of the most surprising and slightly horrifying indicators that we have, indeed, crossed over to the “elderly” side of life.

#1: Tiny Print and Reading Glasses: The Struggle Is Real

It all started innocuously enough with a trip to the eye doctor. The technician handed me a reading test card with microscopic print on it. “Well, this is new,” I thought. “What’s it for?” “Read it,” she stated simply. I squinted and tried to hold it at arm’s length. She kind of swatted at my arm, forcing me to read it closer to my face.

I finally admitted defeat. “Do I really need reading glasses?” I asked, the denial thick in my voice. She just smiled that knowing smile. That’s when it hit me: I had crossed a threshold based on my birthdate. Reading glasses are now my reality. Go away, tiny print.

#2: The Dreaded Colonoscopy Appointment

Speaking of thresholds, nothing says “welcome to the golden years” quite like scheduling your first colonoscopy. The indignity of it all! I remember when my doctor first suggested it. I nearly choked on my coffee. “A colonoscopy? Really?” It’s one of those moments that makes you want to shout, “Let me off this ride!”

But instead, you quietly schedule the appointment and hope for the best. (All kidding aside, get checked people! It’s important and almost as easy as getting your teeth cleaned. Well… except for the “pre-cleansing” part.)

#3: Other Health Invasions

Calling the nurse line for a random symptom is another adventure in aging. They asked me if my husband noticed that I was having any memory problems. My response? “Why would you ask him? He’s the one with the memory issues!” That got a good laugh, but still, it was a sobering moment. Dementia? Already?

The relentless pursuit of good health brings its own set of challenges. Shingles shots, COVID boosters, and the joy of getting your boobs smashed in a yearly mammogram. I am no longer surprised when doctors find something wrong with me. At least we have chair yoga and Tai Chi, right?

#4: The Perks and Perils of Senior Discounts

You know you’re getting old when you can walk up to certain restaurant counters and proudly claim your senior discount. I’m at an age where I’ll say, “I’m sure you can’t believe I’m old enough!” They just look nervous and smile, half shake and nod their head.

Then you go shopping on Senior Citizen Day, and the cashier gives you the discount without even asking. At first, it stings a little, like, “What a rude move!” But then you realize, “At least I’m saving money.”

#5: I Have a “Grandma” Name

One day, I had a startling realization about names. It seems like all the “Sue’s” of my generation have officially become old ladies. The friends I went to school with – Lisa, Monica, Nancy, and Kim – have names that young mothers today wouldn’t dream of giving their babies.

But my grandmas’ names? Oh, those are back in style. Names like Evelyn, Edith, and Agatha are being recycled. What fresh madness is this? When did my friends and I become relics of a bygone era while names that used to belong to women in orthopedic shoes and floral dresses are now considered chic and trendy for newborns? Ickers.

#6: Shower Strategy and Foot Neglect

Even simple daily routines take on a new level of complexity. Planning out a shower to avoid falling and potentially breaking something? Check. Giving up on doing your toenails yourself because bending over is just too much effort, and, honestly, who’s looking at your feet anyway? Check. These are the moments when you realize your body has become a high-maintenance machine that you’re not entirely sure how to operate anymore.

#7: I Don’t Understand Young People

Nothing highlights the generational gap like watching preteen girls on TikTok and Instagram share their skincare routines. This is a whole new level of absurdity. When did children start worrying about wrinkles?

A few months ago, I was walking around a Target Store, and I overheard a girl who was maybe 11. She was frantically begging her mom to buy her this Regenerating Collagen Peptide Face Moisturizer. That cream was behind a locked glass door. The price: $149.

After that life altering experience, I posted a snarky and apparently unwatchable parody of a makeup tutorial on YouTube as part of my podcast. It is about using Crayola Markers to help aging women on a budget to apply makeup in a whole new way. I was a teacher and have lots of leftover markers. I thought it was funny, okay? It got seven views. SEVEN!

Here it is, if you want to see it: Marker Make-up.

Meanwhile, a tweenager named Daya with luminescent perfect skin, is nearing 2 million subscribers sharing her beauty tips. I’m not jealous of her; I am just confused.

#8: Fashion Faux Pas

Remember when you cared about fashion? Yeah, me neither. These days, it’s all about comfort. High heels and tight clothes are a distant memory, replaced by elastic pants and slip-on tennis shoes. And when you’re at the age where you just don’t care about societal norms, you rock that look with pride. “Hey millennials, don’t tell me to put my crew socks back on. I’ll wear whatever stinking socks I want!”

But when my sons got married, I wanted to dress like a queen, but I faced one of the biggest indignities of all. As I shopped for dresses online, I noticed that all the models for these classy garments were 20-year-old girls. Sigh.

While I am on this topic of fashion blunders, I need to say something: cutting bangs is not a mistake for everyone. Bangs are cheap cosmetic surgery for your forehead. Hire a professional to cut them, and your life will be better for it.

#9: Nightly Bathroom Trips

A good night’s sleep is a thing of the past. If I only get up twice to use the bathroom, it’s a small victory. My doctor says I’m supposed to drink water all day long, and lots of it because kidney stones aren’t funny. I’ve had them twice, and the main advice you get is, “drink more water!”

I think I will write an article for you about those little suckers. I will find the humor somehow. But for now, I will keep making my nightly trips to the bathroom.

#10: Pap Smears and Birth Control: The Silver Lining

One surprising perk of aging for women is no longer needing to worry about pap smears or birth control. There’s a certain freedom that comes with knowing your childbearing days are firmly in the past. No more monthly “fun” toiletries or the panic of a missed period.

Getting pregnant at this age would be nothing short of a miracle – or a plot twist in a daytime soap opera. Pap smears? The doctors are like, “No thanks, we don’t need to check anymore.” It’s a strange, almost liberating feeling to be told you can retire from those health checks.

#11: The Final Straw: Peanut Butter Jar Injuries

The ultimate indignity? Hurting yourself doing mundane tasks like… sleeping. A comic strip my brother sent me perfectly captured this: a young guy broke his arm from a fall off his house, a middle-aged guy got the same injury by slipping on grass, and an older man by trying to open a peanut butter jar. It’s funny because it’s true.

As we age, we adapt. We find humor in the absurdities and embrace the inevitable changes with as much grace as we can muster. So, here’s to the senior discounts, the orthotics, and the daily reminders that aging is both a challenge and a privilege. And to those young whippersnappers on YouTube, just wait. Your time will come.

Go ahead, call me “ma’am.” I’ve earned it.

Please Join the Conversation:

What are you happy to be rid of now that you’re past 60? What new challenges are you facing? Are you trying to find the humor in most life situations? Can you share the last time something age-related happened that you later found funny?

Photo: @melissagorga / Info: @therealmargaretjosephs

Originally posted at: Margaret Josephs’ Mint Ruffle Dress

I’ve been thinking about angels lately. I’ve observed and heard about a consistent few who are always first in line to provide transportation, meals, and other heavenly concoctions to injured and ailing friends. Beyond cosmic cherubs, I’m also referring to those real live people who step forward to take on emotional responsibility for others. These angels don’t sprout wings or have halos. They aren’t showy and don’t need to be the focus of attention. 

Angels Are Often Found in the Helping Professions

More than likely, they’ve been drawn to one of the helping professions – therapist, minister, social worker, non-profit volunteer, or health care professional. A defining angel attribute is their ability to listen – with undivided attention and seemingly without judgment.

These angels often offer good advice for addressing anxiety-invoking issues, so it’s easy for the beneficiaries of this attention to come down with angel addiction. Even the self-sufficient among us, if given half an opportunity, will readily dive into the angel’s amniotic fluid, languishing in their warm, nurturing, healing presence.

A Conversation with a Dear Friend Prompted Me to Contemplate the Topic of Angel Addiction

What prompted this contemplation of angels is a conversation I had recently with a longtime friend. Once a year, Andrea and I make a date to talk. In the early ‘80s our talk fests took place on landlines. AT&T had a monopoly back then, charging around $20 a month for local calls, and between $1.50–$5.00 a month for the telephone rental.

And those telephones! Attached to a wall allowing no mobility for the user. A telephone call and a distracted mother provided the perfect opportunity for my toddler to crawl into the freezer. 

“Sometimes I Feel Like a Trash Can for Other People’s Emotional Refuse”

Our 2024 call occurred this month on the eve of the summer solstice. “I think I’m taking on the emotional baggage of too many people,” she wailed during our conversation. Andrea has a divinity degree and is a retired counselor at a northeast college (the name of which escapes me.) “Is it my age? I’m beginning to wonder if I have the strength to be there for others like I used to.”

Ah, I thought. She is becoming a reluctant angel.

Angels must beware. Supporting others and offering shoulders as crying platforms can lead to torn rotator cuffs and stress fractures. Just because angels appear to be adept at shouldering burdens does not mean they escape the emotional impact of these encounters.

There is a pattern to these encounters: The recipient (1) pushes the panic button, (2) offloads their worries and anxieties onto the angel, (3) feels better, and (4) leaves the angel to clean up the emotional mess and to absorb the anxiety.

Strategies for Setting Boundaries

Do you think you fall into this category? It can feel good to be needed. It feels like an honor to be privy to the intimate details of someone’s life. Until it dawns on you that the honor has morphed into an imposition. It’s at this point that sainthood flirts with martyrdom.

The world needs the angels among us. So, before you reach the point of saturation and burnout try these survival techniques:

(1) Be selective about the people in your life for whom you are willing to shoulder these emotional burdens.

(2) Impose a weight limit on the quantity of debris deposits you are willing to accept.

(3) Going forward, try to invest in relationships that are two-sided. It’s not worth the calorie burn to exist in a one-sided relationship.

I’m skirting around the “B”word – boundaries. Establishing boundaries is tough. It’s like trying to train a dog; hard to be consistent but worth the effort to have a non-barking, non-jumping canine.

Of course, do what I say, not what I do. I’ve been the proud owner of four jumping, biting, barking dogs. But the theory is good. Take care of those shoulders, Angels.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What about you? Do you consider yourself a reluctant angel shouldering the emotional burdens of others? Let me know by commenting here.