News

Three Weeks of Government Shutdown 2025 – What’s Happening Now

Well, here we are 21 days into the shutdown, which ties this shutdown with the one that occurred in 1995-1996. Per the latest reports, there is no end in sight, which means that this is quickly becoming a possible contender for the longest shutdown in US history.

On my end, all has been well. I’m happy that my resources have sustained me thus far, and I”m just waiting patiently as things get sorted out with the federal government. Things may become direr for employees who weren’t able to prepare for the shutdown (thinking specifically of those newer employees, or those that have had recent or drastic changes in their financial circumstances). Please keep those folks uplifted in your thoughts: this may be an especially difficult time for them.

I’ve been employing a lot of selective information consumption at this time. However, some of my favorite sources for shutdown and general government information have been:

  • Federal News Network (enough general information on here to keep most people well informed)
  • NPR (great if I prefer to get my news via radio)
  • Heather Cox Richardson (government explained through a historian’s perspective: refreshing and informative)
  • LinkedIn News (though I often find myself conducting quite a bit of fact-checking to confirm the veracity of the statements I’m reading)

As soon as I have more details, I’ll be sure to share with you all. Until then, I’m standing by and waiting, just like the rest of the federal workforce.

In the meantime, I’ve been resting, traveling a little, and reading a lot. In previous furloughs, I learned that the most important thing I can do is occupy my time with things I enjoy and avoid obsessing about the things I cannot control. That has been instrumental in making sure that I don’t feel anxious or stressed, because worrying changes nothing. As a result, I always end up feeling pretty good about the uncertainty surrounding these closures. I use the time wisely and find ways to make the time off as fun as I can, too.

That’s it for this week in the Government Shutdown. Here’s hoping we’ll have some good news soon!

The Evolution: From Tax Strategy to Ritualized Living

For years, I’ve worked in the world of tax and had incredible experiences. I consulted with a wide variety of clients, mostly international, where I offered feedback on existing systems and proposed policies. I’ve had an amazing time as I mastered my craft, and helped my clients navigate the ever-changing terrain of tax developments.

Me, as a newly married International Tax Auditor

The work was interesting, meaningful, and satisfying. However, there was something in me that whispered gently, “There is MORE“. The only way to clearly hear that whisper – and all that came with it – was to retreat. I had to give myself space to uncover what my soul longed to create. So, that’s what I did. I posted here only when I was inspired, letting alignment dictate the content I shared. But I spent the rest of the time researching . . . experimenting . . . resting . . . meditating . . . and asking myself what the world needed most from me. And now that the vision is clear, I can finally share it with you all.

Wealth isn’t just about what’s in your account and what’s on your tax return. It’s about how you feel. The way you move, the way you build, how safe you feel within yourself, how safe you feel when money enters the equation: all of these factors are reflections of your wealth. When I got clear on the many ways that wealth shows up, I saw the gaps that exist with current financial advice, and I knew what was needed from me.

The Shift: From Function to Fulfillment

I still love taxes, and financial structures and systems will always have their place. But many of us don’t need any more advice on hustles, side gigs, and job hopping for raises, nor do we need more rules and restrictions to follow. We already know how to work well and follow the rules. What we actually need is more ritual, reverence, and room to receive the lives and outcomes we desire. We are starved for pleasure, deprived of comfort, and in desperate need of replenishment.

So I’m shifting the focus on this space, from mostly tax-specific discussions, to a more intuitive yet still structured approach to wealth building and management. As opposed to some of the rigid advice of the past, this space will explore the ways to incorporate soft structure, daily ritual and connection, and elegant execution into the financial frameworks we navigate. I’ve seen firsthand how blending these concepts creates space for wealth, ease, and peace to flourish in my own life.

The goal of this shift is to create and discuss financial patterns, practices, and systems that soften, heal, nurture and refine us while building our wealth.

Hanging out in the office before meeting up for lunch with friends

What You’ll Find Here Now

You will still find lots of substance, unique perspectives and interesting tax news here. But the energy has shifted to something more comprehensive, and more crucial for this time.

The themes that often pop up when talking about finance – urgency, overwhelm, shame, frustration and pressure – have no space here. We’ll be learning to work with money while incorporating the practices that allow us remain regulated, centered, clear minded, confident and magnetic to the outcomes we prefer. We’ll make the hard things easier than ever, and we’ll do it with grace, style and delight.

On this blog, and in some upcoming special events, we’ll explore:

  • Ritual based wealth tools and strategies
  • Sensory and seasonal approaches to financial planning
  • Wealth inspiration that taps into ancient and cultural wisdom
  • Quiet and impactful luxury
  • Soft power, strategic action and sustainable success

Who This Is For

If you’re interested in finance but also . . .

  • Want systems that feel beautiful, nourishing and full of ease, not burdensome and depleting
  • Feel called to step into more restorative approaches to financial management
  • Are ready to create wealth in a smart AND sacred way
  • Value clarity, elegance and rhythm in life and money

. . . Then you’ll love it here.

Welcome To This New Chapter

The framework I’ll be sharing over the upcoming weeks and months is built on a singular belief that has completely changed wealth for me (I hope it does the same for you, too!)

Wealth should feel like home. It should be a sanctuary, where you are welcomed, protected and restored.

I am honored to share this experience and walk the path with you.

We’ll still have lots of the practical gems discussed in this space. But now they’ll be paired with gentle philosophies, invigorating ritual, and restorative practices.

Welcome, or welcome back. I’m happy to have you join me on this journey.