A weekly newsletter from Dr. Brenda, Money Coach​

📢 Announcement: Here's your Free Ticket to PlanetSmart Finance Fest

It's All About Priorities

I can hardly believe it! I'm approaching the fourth anniversary of that fateful day when I traded in my house in Virginia for the wild and wonderful life on the road. It feels like just yesterday I was filled with a mix of excitement and fear as I embarked on this journey into the unknown.

As I sit here this morning, sipping my tea and soaking in the breathtaking view of the mountains from my RV park in southern California, I can't help but reflect on how far I've come. The cats are lounging lazily by my side, and we're all enjoying the new addition of a screened-in gazebo. The birds are serenading us, and I just narrowly missed catching a glimpse of the local bobcat and its adorable kits.

Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about pivotal moments in your life? I vividly remember sitting at my dining room table back in Virginia, gazing out at the same mundane suburban street, and wondering whatever happened to my dreams of travel, adventure, and connecting with new souls. It was then that I realized the importance of priorities and the pursuit of joy. These two keys unlock the door to a life filled with adventure and purpose.

Last December, I found myself standing in awe at Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and orange. It was a moment of profound reflection, coming just after completing the California Climate Steward program. And as if by fate, later that month, I stumbled upon the Archaeology Technician program at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park—an opportunity I eagerly seized and completed just last month.

These experiences have ignited within me a newfound commitment to leverage my skills, talents, resources, and connections in service of a greater purpose: the healing and thriving of our planet. It's true; the challenge before us is monumental, far beyond the capacity of any one person or nation to solve alone. Yet, in the face of adversity, I've discovered the enduring values of resilience and hope. And I am resolutely determined to play my part, no matter how small, in the collective effort to nurture and restore our precious home.

📢 PlanetSmart Finance Fest Launches on April 22

With this newfound purpose comes a fresh perspective on my financial coaching programs. I'm bubbling over with excitement to introduce you to the inaugural virtual event: Planet Smart Finance Fest—a groundbreaking gathering where the realms of science and finances converge to illuminate the path toward sustainability.

In preparation for this momentous occasion, I've had the privilege of sitting down with an array of remarkable professionals, impassioned activists, and seasoned finance experts. The conversations we've shared have been nothing short of revelatory, offering insights that challenge and inspire. Here's a sneak peek into the wealth of wisdom I've gathered:
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🌎Climate anxiety and grief are undeniably real, but amidst the challenges, there's hope and action. A big thank you to Leslie Davenport for illuminating this vital aspect.
🌎 Our future is indeed in good hands, thanks to the incredible work of young activists like Emmy Scott and Joshua Wright. Their passion and dedication are truly inspiring.
🌎 Learning to live sustainably isn't just about saving the planet—it's also about securing our financial future. Hats off to Laura Lynch, CFP® ABFP™ AAMS® CDFA® and Laura Oldanie for sharing their invaluable insights on this dual journey.
🌎Exciting times lie ahead with the rise of sustainable investing options. Alex Wright-Gladstein and Janine Firpo are leading the charge, showing us how to invest wisely for both profit and purpose.
🌎 And to top it all off, I had the honor of chatting with the grand dame of the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement and host of the podcast, What Can Possibly Go Right?, Vicki Robin. Stay tuned for that gem!

Don't forget to mark your calendars for PlanetSmart Finance Fest, launching on Earth Day, April 22nd. It's going to be an amazing virtual event, and I can't wait to meet you all there! Let's make a difference together.