Fall 2025 Newsletter
Hi Friends,
Happy October! I’ve been fully embracing fall lately. For me, that looks like lots of rainy walks among the sunset colored trees and drinking my favorite rooibos tea that my mom generously shipped me from Rhode Island.
There’s something about the way the natural world transitions from summer to winter that gently invites me to do the same. To slow down, let go, and make a little more space to rest and reflect. Admittedly, this is something I usually resist. Those that know me, know that I love doing, planning, and taking action.
Thankfully, launching Cents of Joy this summer was non-stop action. It's been an incredible journey so far and I’ve had many conversations that leave me feeling full of awe for my clients, energy for the work, and gratitude that I get to do it.
This fall, I’m intentionally (and perhaps a bit begrudgingly?) making a little more space in my calendar to reflect on my first few months in business and imagine what 2026 could look like. This means I’m only onboarding two more financial blueprint clients through the end of 2026. (If you or someone you know would like to be one of them, feel free to schedule an introduction call with me here!)
I can’t wait to share what I have planned for 2026 (mostly because that means I will have actually figured out what I have planned…) but for now, my goal with this newsletter is to create some space to talk about money in a way that feels human, hopeful, and connected to the lives we actually want to live. Onwards!
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From the Blog: A Year-End Financial Reflection
When we think about a "year-end review," our minds usually jump straight to spreadsheets and account balances. We ask, "How did my investments do?" or "Did I stick to my budget?"
Those questions have their place, but they miss the most important part of the story: your life.
This year, I invite you to try a different kind of review. Grab a cup of tea, a notebook, and ask yourself these three questions:
When and where did my money bring me the most joy this year?
What spending felt out of alignment with my values?
What feeling or experience do I want to fund more of next year?
This kind of reflection is the foundation of human-focused financial planning. It ensures your money is working not just to build wealth, but to build a life you truly love.
In the spirit of transparency, feel free to read my personal reflection on Substack!
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What I'm Pondering
Reading: Supernuclear Substack - This newsletter positions itself as “a guide to co-living.” I’ve been really into the idea of physically living near friends and dream of a tiny co-housing community in the PNW. This post offers a lovely story of an accessible way to connect with your neighbors and community around you.
Listening To: On Purpose: Emma Watson Interview - I really enjoyed this conversation between Jay Shetty and Emma Watson (and not just because I’m rewatching all the Harry Potter movies). It’s a long one, but there are some beautiful insights throughout the episode that struck a chord with me.
️Following: Peter Cavanagh Birds - I had the pleasure of going to Peter’s lecture at my local bookstore about his new book “How Birds Fly” and it was fascinating. He also takes insanely cool pictures of birds.
Thinking About: The power of subtraction. There’s so much joy that comes from getting rid of sh*t: donating clothes, unsubscribing from emails, or saying "no" to an obligation to free up precious time and energy. What is something you want to subtract from your life?
Quoting: “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald
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A Timely Tip: It's Open Enrollment Season
For many, late fall is Open Enrollment season. This is one of the few times you can make changes to critical benefits like health insurance.
Don't just let your old choices roll over! Your life may have changed in the last year. Take some time to actively review your options and ensure your coverage still fits your needs. It's one of the most impactful financial decisions you'll make all year. If you’d like some more support - snag time on my calendar here!
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Cents of Joy News
I travelled to Austin in September for the annual XYPN Live Conference and got to meet up with one of my mastermind groups in person - it was so awesome!
I was also quoted in two articles this month! First, I had a lovely conversation with reporter Charlie Wells about protecting your physical property in lieu of the Louvre heist and was quoted in Bloomberg. Then I spoke with with MarketWatch to give my thoughts on a podcast that outlines an aggressive plan to FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) by age 30 starting with a moderate income out of college.
Thank you for being part of the Cents of Joy community. If this email sparked any questions, ideas, musings, please reply and let me know! I’d love to hear from you.
Wishing you a joyful and intentional fall,
Audrey
