282 Atwood Road, Thomaston, CT 06787 (203) 217-6899 larry.duffanyjr@gmail.com By Appointment

Author: Larry Duffany

I am a career educator having taught at many levels of education from grammar school through to grad school. With all that education, the one thing I never learned about was how to manage my money wisely. As a result I ended up in a very tough spot. Hope was not in sight. But, one day, I was shown a way to climb out of the hole. Wise people came my way and lit my path. They taught me what I didn't know. First, I learned how easy it is to make good choices with my money. Second, I put those lessons into action. Now, I am in a position to help others and inject hope into their lives.

You’re More Than Your Paycheck

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Not that long ago, I was half-joking when I said to a friend of mine,

“My kids spell dad, A-T-M!”

But as I said, I was only half-joking….

It often felt as if they either needed or wanted something, and if I couldn’t provide it, I felt like a failure.

And the two times I was out of work, unemployed, I felt that all the more keenly.

In this season of many people being literally locked out of work, unable to earn their regular income and stressed, that joke I told has become a nightmarish reality unfolding before me in the lives of many people I know… the slip comes out of the ATM “Insufficient Funds.”

And so I offer this for you –  You are much more than an ATM or a walking paycheck. Continue reading “You’re More Than Your Paycheck”

Effective Communications During a Financial Crisis

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Good News!

The state opened up over a year ago. Some people are headed back to work, but the pay doesn’t seem to go nearly as far as it used to go. Food, energy, and housing prices are up. People are falling behind… Continue reading “Effective Communications During a Financial Crisis”

Fiances and Finances!

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Fiances and Finances!

Did you notice that there’s only one letter difference? Me, neither, til I typed it!

And perhaps we can use that “n” to our advantage…

Let’s have that “n”mean – never let money come between you! Continue reading “Fiances and Finances!”

Begin As You Intend To Continue!

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“Begin as you intend to continue.”

My younger sister, Becky, gave me this advice 26 years ago as my (now) wife and I were preparing to get married. But… who listens to a younger sister?

Smart people do… I wasn’t smart.

But, today, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom of her statement…and now as I work with engaged couples and those who are married, I echo that advice, especially when it comes to finances. Continue reading “Begin As You Intend To Continue!”

Overcoming Fear in a Financial Crisis

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I’ve spoken to several people during this current crisis: clients and non-clients… and there is one thing many of them have in common…

Fear!

Fear is our natural response to a perceived threat and triggers our body to go into what is commonly referred to as the “fight of flight” response. Fear itself is not a bad thing. Quite the contrary, it is an indicator, not unlike pain, that tells us something is wrong. The question we need to ask ourselves is what do we do with it? Continue reading “Overcoming Fear in a Financial Crisis”

Diagnosing Financial Emergencies: An EMT’s Approach to Finding The Real Money Problem

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Sirens blare as the ambulance races down the street, rushing to care for a man having chest pain. With screeching tires, the ambulance shudders to a halt, and two EMTs hop out of the rig, hustling out of the “rig” and into the house.

We watch as with fervor and urgency the medics check a pulse and blood pressure, glancing grimly at each other.

Quickly they put the patient on high flow oxygen, ask him to chew some baby aspirin, help him with his nitro, and start an IV.

Continue reading “Diagnosing Financial Emergencies: An EMT’s Approach to Finding The Real Money Problem”

Your Financial Health During the Pandemic

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If there is one thing I am REALLY worried about right now with COVID 19 it’s people’s financial health. Continue reading “Your Financial Health During the Pandemic”

Don’t Hate the Mailman

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It was 2:30 as I peered out my living room window, through closed curtains. My stomach knotted as I heard the familiar, faint squeal of brakes. Turning my head to the right, I could see it coming. Continue reading “Don’t Hate the Mailman”