Nancy Du, Ashford Advisors

10/22/2026

🌴 More Americans are deciding that enjoying life now matters just as much as making financial progress for later.

A recent SoFi survey found that 72% of Americans would be willing to make slower progress toward their financial goals so they can spend more time with family, travel more, and prioritize meaningful experiences.

That doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning long-term goals. In fact, 59% of respondents said enjoying life is how they define financial progress, compared with 27% who pointed to owning a home.

The challenge is finding a balance between what matters now and what matters later. ✈️ That can mean making room for a vacation, concert, or family event while still keeping an eye on retirement savings and debt.

But charge that trip to a credit card and carry a balance, and interest can turn a two-week memory into a much longer bill.

What does financial progress look like to you: reaching the next milestone, enjoying more of life now, or some mix of both?


Source:

SoFi found 72% of Americans are willing to make slower progress on financial goals to prioritize family, travel and meaningful experiences.

11/18/2025

✨ The holidays are full of joy… and, let’s be honest, a little stress too. One way to stay grounded? A checklist that brings you back to what matters. Try this:
🔥 Build a fire
🛷 Go sledding
🍪 Bake cookies
💙 Prioritize your financial goals
⛄ Make a snowman

These small, intentional steps—especially checking in on your financial priorities—may help you create a strategy for the holiday season and beyond. Here’s to a winter that feels cozy, connected, and just a little bit magical.

11/13/2025

Worried your retirement savings won’t last as long as you need it to? Consider trying these simple steps to help you enjoy the retirement you’ve been saving for and retire with financial confidence.

Retirement can be a source of stress but there are many things you can do to financially prepare for a long retirement

10/10/2025

More than half of Gen Xers say they’re not on track to save enough to maintain the lifestyle they want in retirement. Here are five things you can start doing today that may help you feel more on track with your retirement planning

Planning for retirement can be daunting, especially for Gen Xers. Starting with these five tips is a great first step

09/01/2025

Markets closed. BBQs open. But smart money never takes a day off.

What's your best "set it and forget it" financial strategy? Share below!

08/22/2025

Women who work with a financial professional report greater financial confidence, lower stress, and improved overall well-being. It’s not just about money — it’s about feeling empowered.

Read the full report on women’s well-being: https://www.guardianlife.com/reports/womens-well-being

08/19/2025

Pencils ✏️ Notebooks 📓 Backpacks 🎒 But what about your child's financial education?

A 2013 Cambridge University study found money habits formed by age seven! Add money smarts to your checklist this back-to-school season with these age-appropriate financial lessons. Turn everyday activities into learning experiences that will set them up for success. Which of these steps have you already taken with your kids?

08/13/2025

Should you max-out your 401(k)? Maybe. Maybe not. Depending on your financial picture, it may not be practical to put every dollar you can into your 401(k). A different approach could help you achieve your financial goals. Learn more https://wi.st/48G1arT

07/22/2025

Being a caregiver is rewarding, but it can also take a lot out of you. These five tips can help you take better care of yourself, which in turn can help you take better care of others.

If you’re a caregiver, try these self-care tips to give yourself a mental and physical boost

07/17/2025

Becoming a parent is exciting, but having kids is expensive and the costs continue to rise. Here’s how you can start by planning for your financial future now

Having kids is expensive. Here are 6 steps you can take to plan for your family’s financial future now