Empower Women Pod - The Encore

We had a great conversation with Rebecca Moore for our June Empower Women Series event. The single most energizing force in our lives is to know and live out our unique purpose. Yet financial challenges and inequities remain for women who want to follow their calling and care for their families. The pandemic has amplified the need for women to redefine their purpose and the workforce. Every day, Rebecca meets ordinary yet extraordinary mid-century women who have taken stock of their lives and rediscovered their purpose through entrepreneurship. She outlined a framework for how you too can better understand your unique set of strengths, clarify your mission, and make a meaningful impact while earning an income. Rebecca Moore earned her BA in art history from Smith College. While working for the Smithsonian Institution, she earned an MBA from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business where she caught the entrepreneurial “bug.”  She was then hired by an environmental start-up and years later started her o

Tax planning can be overwhelming to navigate so Jennifer was here to talk about how to plan for both your personal and business taxes. She discussed topics such as how to take advantage of the tax laws, old and new to get the deepest reduction that you are entitled to, and how to make sure you’re taking advantage of your retirement plan. She also answered business tax questions, such as what’s your choice of entity for your business? How does the PPP Loan work? And what advantages can I take if I am just an employee and do not own my own business? Jennifer Chase-Williams, CPA, MBAA of McLaren and Associates, has over 30 years of experience with a profound understanding of tax issues—especially those concerning the ramifications of stock options and other employee incentive programs. Owning and managing five daycare centers in Central Massachusetts gave Jennifer firsthand experience in running a business, and she enthusiastically shares the lessons learned. Taking a hands-on approach to clients’ needs, she wo

We are very excited to have Quentara Costa, CFP® back for our conversation this month about "The Affordability of Elder Care". In her talk, we reviewed what to consider financially when assessing care options and how to increase your chances of retaining independence. Quentara Costa is a CFP® specializing in financial matters related to aging. In 2016 she created the Facebook group “Merrimack Valley Seniors and Caregivers” for local families and professionals to problem solve, share resources, and learn about upcoming events. Over the last few years, she’s been quoted numerous times by respected publications and locally featured by Boston Voyager Magazine. In 2019, she began serving on the North Andover Council on Aging and is actively involved to help the town make information and resources available to seniors virtually. To RSVP or see our future EWS events please visit our website at this link: Empower Women Events All EWS events are free to all the women and occur every second Tuesday of every month at

We are extremely excited to have Sarah Hinman for our March 9th Empower Women conversation, Investing with Purpose. It’s no secret that COVID-19 altered the world as we know it, including the investment universe. With ESG (environmental, social, governance) investing already trending upward pre-pandemic, this public health crisis and its subsequent economic impact seems to have accelerated this development with no signs of slowing. During this interview we focused on Mission-Aligned Investing™, we walked through the key areas that we believe are necessary to understanding the benefits, drawbacks, limits and opportunities with this type of investment. To RSVP or see our future EWS events please visit our website at this link: Empower Women Events All EWS events are free to all the women and occur every second Tuesday of every month at noon in our offices unless specified. Join us and spread the word. Let's continue empowering women.  Tax Disclaimer: HighTower Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Th

We were excited to have Robyn Vogel back to lead our February event, Come Back To Love During The Time of Covid. I think it’s safe to say we’d all like to forget that 2020 ever happened. Our work lives and home lives were flipped upside down literally overnight. With safety protocols and restrictions put in place we’ve been spending most of, if not all of our time with our significant others, which can put a strain on your relationship. Robyn talked about how to navigate a loving relationship with ease instead of conflict during a time when couples are now doing everything under one roof! Robyn Vogel, MA is a psychotherapist, certified relationship and sex coach and creator of Come back to Love® and the Come Back To Love® Affair Recovery program. Robyn integrates and shares traditional psychological principles with spiritual and tantric philosophy and practice. She teaches but also demonstrates how to master the skills of intimacy and the art of living a life filled with love no matter what. Robyn’s superpow

I think we can all agree that we would like to start 2021 fresh. 2020 was a challenging year for all of us and going into a new year with positive energy is just what we need. Nicole Kefalas is a health and wellness coach and owner of Empower Fitness. Nicole graduated with a BS in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Studies from Babson and has spent over 20 years in the fitness industry as a trainer, fitness manager, and most recently co-owner of Embody Fitness. She is now launching a new fitness business on her own, Empower Fitness, where she assists clients in finding healthy habits that will lead to a healthy lifestyle. Nicole has helped change the lives of her clients with healthy whole natural foods and a safe fitness program based on her own experience with MS and lupus. Last year, she completed a 50-mile ultra-marathon on the 8th anniversary of her MS diagnosis. She continues to compete in triathlons, marathons, and ultramarathons while being a mother of 3 and working full time.   To RSVP or see our futu

In this workshop, we discussed the process of mediation, the various methods used by professionals, and how you can use it in everyday life. Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution and is also used in Conflict Negotiation. Beth’s education and experience reflect her long-standing interest and commitment to helping families along multiple facets. After graduating with a BA in Psychology from Georgetown University, Beth obtained her JD from Boston College Law School and an MSW from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. To RSVP or see our future EWS events please visit our website at this link: Empower Women Events All EWS events are free to all the women and occur every second Tuesday of every month at noon in our offices unless specified. Join us and spread the word. Let's continue empowering women.  Tax Disclaimer: HighTower Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used or presented to any entity as tax advice or tax information.

Susan led lively and engaging program that broaden our imagination on what it means to create a legacy. Through active exercises and absorbing storytelling, we left with a renewed sense of your potential for positive influence in the lives of the people and institutions most important to you. “Wealth” gets a new definition, too, as you consider how to pass down the wealth of your values and blessings through the instrument of an ethical will, or personal legacy letter.     Susan Turnbull is the founder and Principal of Personal Legacy Advisors. A professional writer and speaker, her presentations, tools and services are known for a uniquely personal and practical focus on the qualitative aspects of estate, financial and philanthropic planning. She the author of The Wealth of Your Life: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Your Ethical Will, co-author of Across Generations: A Five Step Guide for Creating an Expression of Donor Intent, creator of Life Legacy Cards and the Life Legacy Conversations Tool, all desig

Our latest EWS event was hosted by Kerry Luria and Susie Borreti Panduku of Lexington Wealth Management. As financial advisors,they are often asked to talk to adult children of clients about budgeting, managing debt, saving and investing. In our discussion, we offered helpful tips and strategies for those who are starting their financial life or even coming up on milestones such as buying their first home or marriage. Kerry Luria, RLP ®, is a Managing Director and Senior Wealth Advisor at Lexington Wealth Management.  She embraces a holistic approach to working with clients and as a Registered Life Planner, is a careful, empathetic advisor.  In her role as Managing Director, Kerry ensures that Lexington’s team, vision and initiatives align with the company’s core values and culture.  She understands that wealth management is not a commodity, it is personal, and so is each client’s relationship with us. Susie Boretti Panduku, CPA, CFP®,  is a Wealth Advisor at Lexington Wealth Management. She is a graduate o

On September 8th we hosted  "My loved one has been diagnosed with Dementia.  Now what? " This event was led by Melissa McGee, Director of The Courtyard at Youville Place and Susan Snow, Director of Marketing at Youville Place. Finding out that a loved one has been diagnosed w/ any form of dementia including Alzheimer’s can be life-changing and bring about many questions and concerns for the family.  Currently, there is no cure, and often a family member becomes the primary caregiver.  While this is an act of love and can often make a difference in your loved one’s quality of life, it can also be a very stressful and emotionally overwhelming journey. But take heart, there are many resources available in the area to help you navigate this journey.  In the conversation we delved into those supports and discuss when and if it makes sense to seek the supports of an assisted living community. Contact info: Susan Snow - susansnow@youvilleplace.org Melissa McGee - MMcGee@youvilleplace.org   Tax Disclaimer: H

On August 11th , we hosted Medicare 101 – What Every Woman Needs to Know before Retirement, with Elaine Miller, the Minuteman Senior Services’ Regional SHINE Program Director. Elaine discussed what every woman needs to know before and after retirement with respect to Medicare and the health care market.  Elaine Miller serves as an internal Medicare/health insurance resource to staff and leads a core of 45 state certified SHINE counselors. The MSS SHINE program serves Medicare beneficiaries of all ages in eighteen communities in Middlesex County. Before joining MSS in 2019, Elaine worked at North Shore Elder Services as the Area Agency on Aging Planner and is a state trained Nursing Home Ombudsman. Elaine’s career spans 25 years in nonprofit management including serving as national director of legislative affairs for a health-based charitable organization.  Tax Disclaimer: HighTower Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used or presented to any entity a

“College Admissions”, Hosted by Pamela Vardaro, the Founder and Owner of Best Choice College Consulting. Pamela is an Independent College Consultant advising high school students in every phase of the college application process. She previously served as the Assistant Director of College Advising at a private, competitive, independent college preparatory school with a 100% matriculation rate. She places dozens of students every year at top tier colleges. Pamela discussed the factors affecting the college and financial aid process. She also discussed the steps she takes when working with students. Students who work with Pam find their best choice colleges. They learn about themselves through assessments and research, becoming more confident about who they are, what they want, and what colleges will serve them best. Tax Disclaimer: HighTower Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used or presented to any entity as tax advice or tax information. Tax laws v

In today's conversation we chatted with Rochelle Seltzer, Creative Core Coach and Author of LIVE BIG: A MANIFESTO FOR A CREATIVE LIFE. Rochelle talked to us about what it means to Live Big. Through her discussion, she demystified “creativity” and taught about how to be a true creator in your life, so you can live all of your greatness. She shared the fundamentals that will help you to get unstuck, stop letting fear be a driver and stop living small.  She will also shared a powerful tool, that her clients swear by, any time you feel stuck or need to generate new ideas. Rochelle Seltzer began her career in design and marketing and after over thirty years in the industry, she decided to embark on a new chapter in her life studying creativity. She wanted to understand how to unlock her own creativity,  as well as help others to un-block theirs.  In her coaching, she helps women tackle mindset limits of all kinds, and pinpoint the big desire in their hearts — as they relate to their careers, their businesses, t

We hosted a conversation with Jennifer Sullo on Sustainable Investing. Investors are more aware than ever before of how large corporations are impacting the world we live in. It is difficult to ignore headlines and social media about how climate change or poor corporate governance are negatively affecting communities.  Sustainable investing is the practice of investing to achieve market-rate financial returns while pursuing positive environmental, social and/or governance (ESG) factors and their impact.  Over the past few years, sustainable investing has evolved from a niche investment idea to attracting enough capital to start having an impact on global challenges at a meaningful scale. Jennifer Sullo is a Principal at Rocaton Investment Advisors where she works directly with institutional investors on a wide range of issues, including asset allocation, investment structure design and investment manager selection. She’s predominately focused on corporate retirement plans (DB / DC), insurance portfolios, and

On April 14th for we hosted, Estate Planning Across the Spectrum- How Young Adults and Senior Citizens Benefit from Estate Planning, with by Pam Pardoe.  Estate planning has little to do with age or assets; it is not only for families with children or the wealthy. Once an individual reaches the age of majority, 18 in most states, including Massachusetts, their parents will no longer be able to access medical information or make healthcare decisions for their child and will no longer be able to act on the child’s behalf in financial transactions.  At the opposite end of the spectrum, elderly folks may benefit or require help with healthcare needs and financial decisions; if the proper documents are not in place, the result could have a dramatic and costly result.  There are a few simple estate planning documents that a young adult or senior citizen can complete which can direct health care providers and medical professionals as well as banks and financial institutions to communicate with those people identifi

On March 10th we hosted the EWS event Become a “Dementia Friend”- One-Hour Training,  presented by Carla Koehl, CDP. In this session, attendees learned how to increase awareness of dementia, reduce the stigma of it, and demonstrate strategies for successful interactions with those you encounter who live with dementia. We also learned the five key messages about dementia and a bit about what it’s like to live with it. We articipated in activities and discussions that cover the five key messages everyone should know about dementia. Everyone who attended was asked to commit to a dementia-friendly action as part of becoming a Dementia Friend. Attendees received a Dementia Friend button, and were encouraged to apply, and share with others, what they learn in this session. Carla Koehl, CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) is a trained Dementia Friends Champion. Carla is currently the Director of Community Relations for Artis Senior Living of Lexington. Before taking on her role with Artis Senior living, Carla was

On February 11th Devorah Steinberg, LICSW, CYT, hosted Intentional Communication.  Devorah brought her expertise as a Spiritual Coach, Licensed Mind/Body Therapist, Yoga Teacher and Healer to her discussion. Devorah explored the answers to these question:  What IS communication, really? What do you intend to communicate and what is actually received? She also touched on topics such as typical gender differences of communication styles and also explain how to hone your verbal skills and body language to boost your communication to better meet your intentions. In a world where we are surrounded by technology and so much of our communication is through text and email, it is easy for messages to get misinterpreted.  This is a topic that we can all benefit from.  Thanks to all that attended the session. To RSVP or see our future EWS events please visit our website at this link: Empower Women Events All EWS events are free to all the women and occur every second Tuesday of every month at noon in our offices un

What if every day could be healthier & more fulfilling?  What if you could unlock greater harmony and alignment in your home, your health, & your heart?  Simplicity consciousness holds infinite possibilities! In this conversation our hosts, Pixie Mahtani and Susan Stone explored what it means to embark on a Simplicity Journey, the impact of simplicity on mental, physical and emotional wellness as well as easy ideas to embracing simplicity as a daily practice. We discussed insights on: Drivers of Stress & how Simplicity helps What Simplicity is & what it is not & it’s benefits Simple strategies on how to simplify Home — (from Simplicity Vampires & Simplicity Ninja Attitudes & Gratitudes) Pixie Mahtani, MBA, GRI, CPT, REALTOR® at Leading Edge RE serves various buyer & seller clients who desire to redefine home, as well as Pilates clients to help them access optimal physical alignment.  In both areas, the overall purpose she believes is to simplify their process, enhance thei

Have you ever found it challenging to have discussions about money with your children, grandchildren or other young people? You are not alone. Studies have shown most families avoid these conversations until necessary. However, talking with children about money at an early age can help them be more financially responsible adults. At this Empower Women event, Elizabeth Lavoie discussed ways to teach good financial habits and aligning them with values, as well as provide resources and tools to help you better prepare the next generation to deal with money. Betsy, as her friends call her,  has been working closely with wealthy individuals and families for over 16 years.  Prior to joining Lexington Wealth Management,  she was an Investment Officer at PNC for over nine years where she managed a portfolio of investment assets and worked with a team of advisors to build customized wealth management solutions.  She also served high net worth investors at Eaton Vance Investment Counsel and Scudder Private Investment

From Life Preservers to Swim Instructors: How to Support our Teens as They Navigate the Transition to College, was hosted by Pamela Willsey LICSW, PCC, and Vanessa Calagna, certified Wisdom Kids Coach. This event focused on how to support our teens as they transition to college. Pamela and Vanessa discussed how we, as parents, can shift our perspective from protecting our teens to raising resilient young adults who know how to swim in turbulent waters.  Pamela Willsey is the founder of Willsey Connections (WC). She practices as a therapist and life coach for teenaged girls as they become young adult women. Her approach centers around the deeply held belief that success in life requires us to understand ourselves and others. She emphasizes the need to learn the skills necessary to manage our feelings and relationships. WC helps teenage girls develop the tools they need to meet the challenges they will face as they transition from adolescence to independent, self-assured confident women. A former higher educa