Betsy Rafter Madonna

As we get deeper into May, I think we all share a sense of accomplishment looking back. We made it through quarantines, getting the actual virus, the stock market taking a nosedive, watching our loved ones get admitted to the hospital, virtual learning, watching our kids in masks day in and day out, and the rollercoaster of good and bad habits created. In a sense, this past 18 months represents parenthood completely (as I am told). When we were in it, we thought the days would never end but looking back it went by so fast. Did I make the most of it? Did I play enough with my kids? Did we take advantage of the time home together? Were we productive enough? I think, yes. Yes, to everything and everyone. We did our best. And now, things seem to be getting normal just in time to watch Brody graduate from pre-K.

**Appreciation post** Keith Morris got me into this business when I was at a crossroad in this industry debating taking a huge risk or jumping out of Finance completely. He was trusted by so many members of my family and friends and was a pillar in our community in Philadelphia so it was a no brainer when he let me jump in the empty office in Conshohocken. The past 5 years has had some up and downs for both of us and I am so fortunate to have his constant support and guidance... along the way. He always said "It will take 5 years Bets, just keep doing what you're doing." And like most times, he was 100% right. Thank you for your leadership Keith and the many hours of pep talks. Thank you for the "family above all" mentality. Cheers to many more 5 years!

It might be ugly. It isn't fun and it may require some work. The thought of it makes you uncomfortable so you put it at the bottom of your to-do list and keep it there, for far too long. There is no better time than now and it is hard to find a more understanding and no-judgement kind of Advisor out there like myself. Our conversations are confidential and there is a very good chance you walk away relieved with a smile on your face. It might be ugly but we will come up with a plan to make it pretty. Put it at the top of your to-do list and reach out before it really is too late.

I have some new friends on here, so allow me to introduce myself! I am a Mom of two boys (Brody,5 & Cash, 3), wife, and Financial Advisor. I am from the Roxborough/Manayunk part of Philadelphia, and the youngest of four kids. I actually majored in Voice Performance at the University of Tampa but damaged my vocal chords midway through. I met my husband at the Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater in 2010 when he bought me a Bud Light at the Tiki Bar. In January of 2020 our fa...mily of four moved from "Delco" to our forever home in Plymouth Meeting. In my down time I love to play golf at WVCC, enjoy weekends in Wildwood Crest, hangout with family and friends, and raise awareness for a rare disease Brody has called PKU. I became an Advisor after years of traveling and wholesaling TO Financial Advisors throughout the country. I quickly found out that even with my experience in finance, starting a business from scratch (esp. without a parent handing me clients) was risky and quite frankly, scary at times. But you've got to get uncomfortable to be successful, am I right? Looking back, I wouldn't trade those sleepless nights for anything and I am beyond grateful to do what I do every day with new and old clients. Thank you for being here and supporting my family and business!

"I can't plan for 2021 because I don't know what it is going to look like." - says someone looking for an excuse to not plan for 2021 (insert me.) I did an exercise on a networking call last week and it dawned on me that I was using the pandemic to not fully prepare for the year ahead. Scenario #1 - Working From Home... Scenario #2 - Back in the Office The ONLY difference between Scenario #1 and #2 is that I have to get out of my dining room and into a designated office space inside my house if we stay remote. Everything else is the same: Zoom meetings, mass emails, trading, electronic paperwork, phone calls, all done the same whether remote or in the office. Oh and by the way, the way I stay on top of my plan throughout the year is by quarterly reminders on my calendar in my PHONE! Are you using the pandemic as an excuse to not formulate a real business plan for 2021? Consider this your push to get it done even if you have to create two of them.

I'll be able to sit back once my kids are in school full time. I'll be able to enjoy life once I lose weight. I'll be able to relax once I reach ____ in assets at work. This is how I used to think until a few years ago when I had an eye opening conversation with a friend. There will always be another goal, another need/want, but if you wait to enjoy life based on another achievement, life will pass you by. ... Enjoy the now.

BE. THE. GOOD. My girlfriend Michelle chose to live out her final years spreading this message of goodness. Believe there is good in the world, yes, but actually BE the good. And even on the worst days, FIND the good in the world. ... It is tough these days to get past the news and find the good stories and the goodness of people but they are out there. It could be your mailman taking an extra morning trip to drop off a birthday present in time (thanks Viola) or someone in the line at Michaels sharing their coupons with you. Some people every day are in professions who could take advantage of the system, cheat and steal, and put their own needs before others but instead, they choose to do the right thing. To be the good. Michelle's #26 in "Lessons Along the Way" includes, "Be The Good by Supporting the Good". I try and live this by uplifting small businesses and putting a good word in whenever I can. I look at these businesses as what they are; a risk taken to live their passion while providing for their family. Whether it is a restaurant, essential oils, wine, microblading, childrens boutiques, invitations, etc. Let's choose to lift each other up instead of bringing others down. Michelle would have been 34 year old this past July. Miss her <3

How much do I need to retire? How much should I invest every month to pay for college tuition? How much life insurance do I need to make my family comfortable? These are the questions that keep people up at night. But a Zoom with me can provide you with the answers that you need. The longer you put this off the worse you will feel!

Working from home with your kids on a modified schedule is the toughest thing about this pandemic. We make a conscious effort every day to make time to laugh and play but it is definitely balanced out with some tense times. My kids don't understand that the dining room is my office. They can't grasp that I have a full day of work, not just 20 minutes in the morning. If something isn't going my way with work there is no escape. If I have a bad day, I can't just cool off on my ride home, instead I bring it right into the living room with me. Does everyone feel me on this? This post is to let you know, you're not alone. It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new week. (Anyone just sing a little Michael Buble?) I am making the conscious effort to separate work and family as best I can and sending positive vibes to you and yours.