I joined Oliver Kotelnikov on the Next Venture Alliance Show to discuss financial planning, entrepreneurship, and the human side of money. We explore why many people delay financial planning and how thoughtful decisions about money can support the life you want to live.

When the lottery jackpot hit $1.787 billion, our family did something unusual for us: we bought a lottery ticket. Now, as a financial planner, I’ll be the first to admit that purchasing a lottery ticket is not a sound investment strategy. The odds are stacked against you, and the expected return is effectively zero. But that $2 purchase gave us something else entirely, something you can’t measure in dollars.

Learn more about your Microsoft 401(k)—investment options, employer match, Roth vs. Traditional, and strategies for long-term financial planning.

Compare Traditional (pre-tax) vs. Roth (post-tax) contributions. Learn which option may fit your tax strategy and retirement goals.

Explore the “Soft Living, Soft Saving” trend—how to balance a modern financial mindset with mindful saving, budgeting, and planning for both today and tomorrow. #softlife

Unpack NQSOs vs. ISOs: their tax treatment, AMT implications, holding rules, and how to align options with your financial planning goals.

Are you supporting both children and aging parents? Sandwich generation families are under financial pressure. Learn about some ideas to ease the pressure.

Learn what a financial planner does, how they differ from financial advisors, and the importance of credentials, fee structures, and fiduciary duty.

Understand Washington’s WA Cares Fund, long-term care benefits, payroll deductions, eligibility, and things to consider.