27+ Years Helping Lawyers Build for Life After Law — Without Sacrificing Today | Clarity • Intention • Legacy | Founder, The Wealthy Lawyer

LET’S BE HONEST.
Law school likely didn’t teach you much about personal finance.

But then you’re thrust into a demanding career — often with a ton of student debt — and suddenly you have a second job:
👉 Managing your money.

Whether you're in your first year of practice or a senior partner, you’re busy building your practice and keeping clients happy.

That leaves little time (or energy) for the things you actually enjoy — time with family, travel, hobbies… let alone planning for your financial future.

And honestly?

Most of the lawyers I speak with have spent more time planning their next vacation than protecting the lifestyle they've worked so hard to build.


That’s where we come in.

Using our Wealthy Lawyer™ Program, we take the guesswork out of financial planning.

We help you:
✅ Protect your family and income from the unexpected
✅ Build wealth intentionally
✅ Prepare for Life After Law


Our clients typically reach out when they:

• Are worried about how their family would cope if they couldn’t work
• Don’t know whether to save or pay down debt
• Feel behind, despite earning well
• Know they need a plan — but don’t know where to start
• Realize they can’t do it all alone — and want trusted guidance


What they’re tired of:

• Being the sole/primary income earner without a backup plan
• Wondering if they’d need to change their lifestyle if a family member got sick
• Stressing about whether they’re saving enough for retirement
• Not knowing how to leave a legacy for their kids or grandkids


After just a few months in the Wealthy Lawyer process, our clients tell us they feel more:

✅ Confident about hitting their financial and lifestyle goals
✅ Prepared to face unexpected life events
✅ Assured that their spouse and family won’t be financially stressed
✅ Clear about the legacy they’re leaving behind


You’re in the business of law — not financial planning.
Let us take the worry off your plate so you can focus on what matters most…

Like that next vacation.

📩 Ready to take control of your financial future?
Let’s connect for a Virtual Coffee Chat —  no pressure, just a conversation

Jeffery M. Lamont

Life hack:

Build a life with a partner who, even if you were both exhausted and broke, you’d still want beside you on the couch eating takeout.


👉 What is the last movie you and your partner in crime watched on a night in?


────
I’m Jeffery, the advisor who helps lawyers build a financial life that supports the moments (and the people) that matter most.

Helping Lawyers Build for Life After Law — Without Sacrificing Today | Founder, The Wealthy Lawyer

Most people think they don’t need insurance…
until life proves them wrong.

That's what I thought at 23.

Six weeks in a hospital changed that.

I’d just come back from playing pro baseball in Europe.
Best shape of my life.

Nothing could touch me…
or so I thought.

Then I got seriously ill.
Six weeks hospitalized.
Three months off work.

It was a wake-up call I never expected.

And it taught me something I’ll never forget:

Life is unpredictable.
And when things flip, they flip fast.

So here’s the real question:

If something unexpected happened tomorrow, do you have a plan to protect yourself and the people who rely on you?

Here’s the blind spot most people never see until it’s too late:
insurance isn’t about fear...
it’s about keeping your life stable when everything else feels shaky.

Here are three ways it does that:

➡️ Life Insurance:
Gives your loved ones financial stability — mortgages, debts, daily expenses covered.

➡️ Disability Insurance:
Replaces your income so your lifestyle doesn’t have to change if you can’t work.

➡️ Critical Illness Insurance:
Provides a lump sum so you can cover medical costs and focus on recovery, not money.

The best time to get insurance?
It’s when you’re young and healthy.

It’s more affordable…
and it guarantees you’re protected no matter what life throws at you.

Don’t wait for a wake-up call like I did.
 
👉 What’s one thing you thought was unnecessary when you were younger that makes a lot more sense now?

Share below 👇
 
────
I’m Jeffery, the wealth advisor who helps lawyers build, protect, and transition their wealth.

☕ If you ever want to talk through your options, I’m always happy to grab a quick virtual coffee.

No pressure. No pitch. Just clarity.

Three years ago, I started on LinkedIn…

And three years ago, I was ready to quit…

I was posting Googleable facts.
Zero personality.
Generic advice.
Safe takes.

And it showed.

That was, until I met Holly Crawshaw Joyner
She called me out…
then helped me find MY voice.

That was a little over year ago.

Since then, things shifted in a way I never expected.
Here’s the difference: 2023 vs 2025 (to date).

📈 Impressions: 100K → 2.2 Million
📈 Engagement rate: 1.1% → 5.1%
📈 Comments: 125 → 16,600

This year I’ve had 6 posts get more impressions — individually — than all of 2023.

But the numbers aren’t the part I’m most proud of.

It’s this:

→ People messaging me saying “It felt like you were talking directly to me.”
→ Real conversations with lawyers and professionals who feel seen — not sold to.
→ And the part I never saw coming: actual friendships with people in parts of the world I never imagined I’d be connected to.

If you’d told me three years ago that LinkedIn would introduce me to people I genuinely care about — mentors, peers, friends — I probably would’ve laughed.

But it has.
And it’s one of the best parts of this whole thing.

This reality is, this stopped being “marketing” a long time ago.
Now, it’s turned into a mission.

A mission to help people build wealth with more clarity…
less noise…
less shame…
and a whole lot less stress.

If you’ve been reading, commenting, DM’ing, supporting, or even just quietly lurking…
thank you 🙏

You helped me turn something small and uncertain
into something meaningful.

And if you’re still in the early stages of your own thing?
Stay with it.

Most good things don’t look good at the beginning.
But they become good because you stayed.


 👉 what’s one surprise you’ve experienced as a result of being on LinkedIn?


────
I’m Jeffery. I help professionals build wealth intentionally so they can live with more freedom and peace.

If you want more clarity heading into 2026, let’s grab a Virtual Coffee ☕

Find the “Become a Wealthy Lawyer” link in my profile.

I write your LinkedIn™ posts + your books || Top 20 LinkedIn™ Expert [Favikon, 2025] || New York Times + USA Today Bestseller

The real flex isn’t making $1M a year.

It’s making $1M a year without:

→ Missing every family milestone
→ Sacrificing your health
→ Living life on autopilot

That’s the real flex.

Jeffery M Lamont

I thought I understood gratitude… until one day changed everything.

As we head into American Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking about what gratitude actually is.

It’s not comfort.
It’s not ease.
It’s not the good years.

It’s perspective.

I didn’t understand that until 2019.

That was the year I lost my mom
and our house flooded
on the very same day.

One morning changed everything.
And it marked the start of one of the hardest chapters of my life.

But it’s incredible what living in a hotel with your wife, three kids, and a dog will teach you.

In the middle of the chaos, I found myself grateful
not for what was happening… but for what I still had.
My family.
Our safety.
And the lessons my mom left behind.

That’s when it finally clicked:

Gratitude isn’t a reaction to things going right.
It’s the anchor that gets you through what isn’t.

So today, I’m grateful for:

• Quiet mornings with Colleen and the kids (even if the house is a little quieter these days)
• Family, baseball, and the memories that outlast the seasons
• Clients who trust me to help them simplify and protect what they’ve built
• And this community — the conversations, connection, and support

Thanksgiving is a time to hit the pause button.
A moment to look around and realize that even in the mess…
there’s still so much to be thankful for.

From my family to all my American friends — Happy Thanksgiving.


🦃Who or what are you grateful for this week — even if life isn’t perfect right now?


📸 Our family’s tradition of writing what we’re grateful for on pumpkins. I’ve included a photo with one of my mom’s final inscriptions.

Simple. Honest. Lasting.

You earn $330,000 and still feel broke.  Here's why...


Meet a client of mine who faced this exact challenge.

→ 34
→ newly engaged
→ student debt finally paid off
→ $285k annual salary
→ $45k-ish annual bonus

Despite his earnings, he was struggling to plan for his future.

He had three main goals:

 1. Save for the wedding
 2. Buy their first home
 3. Retire early-ish

Here's the kicker:

His bonus isn't always guaranteed.

That uncertainty made long-term financial decisions more difficult to make and brought anxiety to him.

 When he came to us, he had:

 → $14,000 in his savings account
 → $27,000 in his TFSA
 → $42,000 in his RRSP

I'd call this a good start for where he's at, but he felt unsure how to manage his finances most effectively each year.

For further context…

He's finding practicing law to be a grind.

Despite being a high performer, the demanding nature of BigLaw has made early retirement a goal of his.


 Here’s what we did:

 → Covered him and his (soon to be) fiancée with the proper insurances in case something happens to him.

 → Created a financial plan to make his bonus work for him, treating it as the game-changer it is when/if it comes next Feb.

→ Implement a cash flow management system that will help ensure he lives comfortably on his salary alone.

→ While not expected to pay for it all, he and his fiancée want to contribute to the wedding, so we upped their short-term savings

→ We've set up FHSA accounts for his fiancée and him so they can take advantage of that opportunity.

The result?

→ As they prepare to start their new life together, both he and his fiancée have peace of mind with the various insurances (life and Critical Illness) we put in place.

→ He feels much more comfortable with his month-to-month cash flow

→ They will have enough saved for what they feel should be their share of the wedding annnnnnd a down-payment on a condo.

→ His retirement plan projects he can retire by 58 (provided he maintains his savings percentages)

We’re little more than a year into his journey with us.

He's told me he already feels more in control and less anxious about his financial future.

Hearing the relief in his voice when we chat is priceless.

It's incredible what a customized financial plan, and his taking action, can do.

No more sleepless nights worrying about where his money is going.

Instead, he now has a clear path to achieving the life he desires.



👉If your money could talk, what do you think it would say about you?👇


────
I'm Jeffery, the wealth advisor helping lawyers take control of their finances and achieve their biggest goals.

🔗 Let’s connect for a Virtual Coffee Chat ☕️ to create a clear path toward your financial future—no more sleepless nights, just a plan that works.

No pitch.  No pressure.  Just clarity

If you feel behind at 41, you’re in good company...

Your income rises quietly…
and then, your lifestyle outruns intention even faster.

On my way home from the F1 in Austin a few weeks ago, I ended up in one of those easy airport conversations that starts as small talk… 
then goes a little deeper than you expect.

I was in the lounge half-working when the guy next to me noticed my F1 bag and said he was there for the race too.

We did the usual recap:
the heat, the crowds, the traffic.

He said he was heading home to NYC.
I said I was making my way back to Toronto.

Then he asked what I did.

I gave him the short version:
I help lawyers simplify their financial lives so money feels less chaotic and more intentional.

He nodded and said:

“Well… I practice at [he named a Top100 firm.]”

That opened the door.

We talked about the pace of practice, the hours, the pressure…
and how hard it is to juggle time and money when both feel scarce.

Then he hit me with something I wasn't expecting:

“This is my first full year as an Equity Partner. Still not making a ton yet, but definitely more than I ever thought I’d be making at 41.”

He paused, then admitted:

“And the worst part is… I still can’t get ahead. I thought by now I would be. But I'm not.”

No blown-out budget.
No crisis.

Just the quiet lifestyle upgrades that sneak in when income rises:

• a nicer hotel
• a faster flight home
• Paddock tickets because “why not?”
• and a handful of conveniences that feel harmless in the moment…

But they add up fast.

Then he said the line most lawyers eventually reach:

“I don’t think mine is a money issue…"

And he’s probably right.

Most lawyers don’t run out of money.
They just let lifestyle outrun the planning that’s supposed to support it.

Which is why tomorrow’s 1% Shift is all about timing…
and the tiny change that helps you finally feel ahead before life expands — not after.

More tomorrow.

☕ If you’ve ever hit that “I’m earning more… so why doesn’t it feel like it?” moment, let’s grab a Virtual Coffee.

You’re not the only one — and clarity comes fast once you have a structure.

Most lawyers don’t run out of money…
They just let their lifestyle outrun their structure.

And a conversation I had recently brought it right back into focus.

The partner I met wasn’t being reckless.
No blown-out budget.
No splurges.
No crisis.

Just the same quiet drift I see every single week:

A nicer hotel.
A quicker flight home.
Paddock tickets because “we might as well.”
Conveniences that feel harmless in the moment… and heavy later.

Then he said the line almost every lawyer eventually reaches:

“I’m earning more than I ever imagined…
but I still can’t get ahead. I thought by now I would be. But I’m not.”

And he said it quietly...
the way people talk when they’re tired of carrying it.

Here’s where most people get it wrong:

It’s not a money issue.
It’s a timing issue.

He wasn’t saving too little.
He was saving what was left after living life the way he wanted.
And that will always feel like you’re chasing something that keeps moving.

Savings before lifestyle?
That’s when things finally flip in your favour.

THE 1% SHIFT FOR TODAY

Set up one automatic transfer (15–20% of your net pay) that leaves your account the same day you get paid.

Put it in a TFSA, your RRSP, or a non-registered account
It doesn’t really matter.
The magic is in the automation.

When your money has a job,
your stress drops,
your decisions get cleaner,
and your lifestyle stops silently stealing your progress.

Tiny shift.
HUGE difference.

If you’ve ever asked yourself why you’re not ahead yet…
you’re not alone.

If you want the exact setup I walk clients through,
DM SHIFT.

No pitch.  No pressure.  Just clarity — and the feeling of finally getting ahead again.

Some weeks don’t hit you until Sunday night...

Not because anything dramatic happened.

But because you spent a week managing work, family, pressure, expectations…
and all the little things no one notices unless they’re the ones carrying them.

By the time Sunday night rolls around, the weight finally shows up.

If that’s you tonight, you’re not alone.

Here’s what I remind myself before a new week starts:

Most of us underestimate how much we're carrying…
until we stop long enough to feel it.

Progress rarely feels fast.
Most of the time it’s quiet, steady… almost unremarkable.

And here’s the part we forget:
Those quiet days —
the ones where you just keep showing up —
they’re the ones that move you forward.

Take the quiet win.
You handled more than you realize…
and you’re still here.

Let tonight be the reset.
Not the end of a long week...
but the chance to set yourself up for an even stronger one.


How do I get myself ready?
I keep it simple:

Three “result priorities” — the three things that, if I do nothing else, will make it a great week.

Three “activity priorities” — the actions that help me hit those results and move me toward my year-end goals.

Six lines.
Ten minutes.
A calmer Monday.

Tomorrow’s yours to set the tone.

Walk into it with clarity, conviction,
and a refueled tank, ready to win the week.


👉 What is one thing you want to accomplish this week to make it a real winner?


If financial clarity is something you want more of as we head into 2026, grab a quick Virtual Coffee using the link in my profile.

Protect your income first…
Everything else depends on it

If you read my post from yesterday,
you saw how quickly life can flip…
and how painful it is to discover you’re underinsured at a time you need it most.

Every lawyer wants to build wealth…
but almost no one starts by protecting the thing all else depends on:

Your ability to earn an income.

If that stops, everything downstream gets shaky fast.

And the cracks usually show up in the same places:

• Group disability that barely covers half the lifestyle
• No critical illness plan
• Life insurance that was “temporary”… a decade ago
• Partners assuming success = invincibility

Here’s your 1% Shift for today:

→ Action: Review your insurance — or ask an advisor to run a quick Insurance Audit.

That’s it.

One audit.
One hour.
Massive clarity.

You’ll know what’s locked in…
and what needs attention before life forces your hand.


💭 When did you buy your first insurance policy?


If you want a quick check-up,
DM “Audit” and I’ll walk you through it.


No pitch.  No pressure.  Just clarity.

There’s a moment I see all the time with lawyers.

It usually happens right after we walk through the numbers...
the real ones.

They exhale.
Their voice softens.
Their shoulders drop.

And they say some version of:

“I didn’t realize how much this was weighing on me.”

Not the savings.
Not the insurance.
Not the tax structure.

The uncertainty.

I saw it again this summer.

A 41-year-old partner I first had a Coffee Chat with a couple years ago.
Back then, he was DIY’ing through a robo-advisor and felt he was “doing fine.”

Then July hit.
And suddenly “fine” wasn’t fine anymore.

Cash flow felt tighter.
Taxes were starting to mount.
And the gap between what he thought he had and what he actually had started to widen.

That’s usually when clarity becomes non-negotiable.

Because optimism works…
until it suddenly doesn’t.

And when you replace,
“I hope everything is fine”
with
“I know exactly where I stand,”
something shifts.

The noise quiets.
The pressure eases.
You make decisions faster.
Your family feels more stable.
You feel a lot more like yourself.

That’s the real benefit of clarity.
Not the spreadsheets.
Not the projections.
Not the policies.

It’s the calm that shows up once you stop relying on hope...
and start relying on structure.

────
I’m Jeffery, the advisor lawyers call when “doing fine” stops feeling fine.

If you want the same kind of calm and clarity...
find the Become a Wealthy Lawyer link in my profile and let's sit talk.

No pressure.  No pitch.  Just clarity.

Most lawyers don’t have a money problem...
they have a “things won’t happen to me” problem.

Most lawyers I meet aren’t careless.
They’re just, shall we say...
optimistic.

• Optimistic that income will stay steady.
• Optimistic that health will hold.
• Optimistic that nothing unexpected will knock them sideways.

Until something does.

And that’s the moment
“I’ll get to it later”
turns into
“I should’ve done this sooner.”

Because it only takes one thing...
• one phone call
• one appointment
• one test result...
for “later” to become “too late.”

And here’s the part no one likes admitting:

Most lawyers aren’t reckless.
They're busy.
They’re overloaded.

And optimism is what fills the gaps they don’t have time to think about.

You don’t need paranoia.
don’t need perfection.

You just need to replace optimism with clarity.

Because the lawyers who feel calm?

They aren’t the ones earning the most.

They’re the ones who stopped assuming things would always stay the same.


👉 Does this sound at all familiar?

Funny how the right people show up at exactly the right time...

I just got off a long call with a group that’s become one of the best parts of my Wednesdays this past year.

Beyond the Apex — led by Anthony Vicino — has pushed me in ways I didn’t even know I needed.

It’s helped me get clearer on how Lamont Wealth Strategies and The Wealthy Lawyer Podcast can support lawyers at every stage…
from the final stretch of law school to partnership, firm-building, retirement, and life after law.

And with American Thanksgiving tomorrow, it felt right to pause and acknowledge how much this work — and the people in it — mean to me.

While I’m not sharing details yet, I can say this:

2026 will see me expand what I offer so more lawyers — in Canada, the U.S., and beyond — can get the clarity, structure, and support they deserve.

From protecting their families…
to building wealth intentionally…
to planning for retirement…
to creating legacies that outlive them.

I’m excited for what’s coming…
and grateful for everyone who’s been in my corner along the way.

So to my American friends…
Enjoy a meaningful holiday with friends and family, tomorrow, wherever you’re celebrating.


👉 What’s one thing you’re grateful for heading into tomorrow?


—
If you’re a lawyer wanting to simplify your financial world before the new year hits, let’s connect for a Virtual Coffee.

No pitch. No pressure. Just clarity.

Helping entrepreneurs build a business that maximizes their Return on Life. | ADHD is my superpower | Bestselling Author | Keynote Speaker | DM “COACH” if you’re ready to scale.

Lamont Wealth Strategies

The Wealthy Lawyer Podcast

Most lawyers don’t fear money…
They fear not doing it right.

I see it all the time.
That quiet moment when a lawyer stops mid-sentence, looks down for a second, and finally says:

“I make good money…
but I don’t actually know where it all goes.”

And here’s the part no one tells you:

• It’s rarely overspending.
• It’s rarely a discipline issue.
• It’s almost never “not caring.”

It’s the uncertainty.

The sense that you’re one step ahead in your career…
but half a step behind in saving and building.

The uncomfortable feeling that no one ever taught you how to manage money at this level…
and somehow you’re still expected to “just know.”

But here’s the truth:

Clarity doesn’t come from making more.
It comes from understanding the flow of what you already have.

Because almost every lawyer I work with has a similar pattern:

About 10% of their income goes unaccounted for.
Not stolen.
Not wasted.
Just… drifting.

A few quiet upgrades.
Some convenience purchases.
A busy month where “I’ll check it later” turns into later never happening…

And — POOF — and it’s gone!

So we walk through cash flow together.
We find the leaks.

Then we give that money a job going forward,
so it starts working as hard for you as you did for it.

And once that starts to click?

• Stress drops
• Confidence rises
• Life finally feels a little less chaotic

That’s when money finally feels like an ally…
not another pressure.


👉 Where does money feel the most unclear for you right now?
(I ask because your answer helps me shape posts that actually help.)

And if you’d rather sort this out with a guide, you can book a virtual coffee anytime through the“Become a Wealthy Lawyer” link in my profile.

You think everything is fine…
until life proves you wrong.

A few years ago, I sat across from a lawyer who’d been blindsided.

Brilliant woman.
Mother of two.
Partnership-track.
Income only going higher.

But her world changed overnight…
and what hit her hardest wasn’t the diagnosis.

It was the realization that nothing she had in place was actually built to fully protect her family.

Here’s what we found:
• Group disability that barely covered the mortgage
• Life insurance worth maybe two years of income
• No critical illness coverage
• A lifestyle built on today’s income… with no backup plan for tomorrow

And I’ll never forget when she looked up and said:

“I just assumed I’d get to it later.”

That sentence has stayed with me for years.

Because the truth is, most lawyers aren’t reckless…
they’re overwhelmed.

They’re building careers, raising kids, keeping the lights on…
and trusting that whatever they set up ten years ago is probably good enough.

Until it isn’t.

And when that day comes, the reaction is almost always the same:

A sigh.
A shake of the head.
And a quiet, painful…
“Why didn’t I look at this sooner?”

It wasn’t a massive mistake.
It was a 1% blind spot.
The kind that hides in plain sight until life forces it into focus.

Tomorrow’s first 1% Shift for Lawyers is exactly about this:

Why income protection comes first…
not tenth.
Why the foundation matters more than the shiny stuff.
Why one small adjustment can protect everything you’re working so hard to build.

More tomorrow.


💭 Do you know someone who’s had a heart attack, been diagnosed with cancer, or had something else pull them out of work unexpectedly?


☕ If you want to make sure your safety net is actually a net, let’s grab a Virtual Coffee.

What do you really get out of being on LinkedIn, anyway?

That was the question a friend threw at me recently.

Before I could even answer, they followed up with:
"Has it actually been good for business?"

I didn't realize the chat was turning into an interview.

Well… yes. I've met clients here. I've built partnerships here.

But truthfully? That's not the best part.

Connection. That's been the real win.

And I don't just mean clicking the "Connect" button.

I mean real conversations.
Shared experiences.
People I've never met in person who genuinely cheer me on...
and vice versa.

The best clients I work with?
They didn't come from a cold call or a sales pitch.
They came from conversations—real ones—where we connected first as people, then as professionals.

Recently, I had the chance to turn a couple of those online connections into real-life ones.

First was Patti Macdonald, founder of Fit Law LLP , who stopped in from Edmonton on her way to an east coast event.

Having spoken over Zoom and in the comments, sitting down in person felt like catching up with an old friend. We talked about life, LinkedIn, and building professional service businesses—great ideas, lots of laughs, and plenty of energy.

Then, during my trip to Austin for F1, I met Jess Sargus for coffee.

A lawyer turned MMA fighter turned business owner, Jess is a high-performance evangelist and keynote speaker who helps others unlock their inner badass. She also hosts The Legal Athlete  Podcast, where she bridges law, mindset, and performance.

We swapped stories about growth, balance, and how to get beyond your own self-doubt—with her sidekick, Paul Newman, joining us too.

Jess reminded me that high performance isn't about doing more—it's about getting clear on what matters. That hit different when you're building a business and trying to serve clients well.

Two incredible women I have the utmost respect for and am excited to call friends.

My only regret?
We forgot pictures.
But honestly, the best conversations don't need documentation…
they just need to happen again.

So as you scroll through here, remember...
behind every profile photo is a real person...
with a story worth hearing.

That's what makes LinkedIn special.

It's not just business. It's belonging.


💭 When was the last time you turned a LinkedIn connection into a real-world friendship? Tag them so we can all connect.


📸 here's Paul Newman… not quite as into the idea of LinkedIn coffee meetups... especially the ones that go long.

#KindnessAndDecency | Fit Law LLP | Founder | Changemaker | Leader | Innovator | Lawyer & Agent - Commercial Lending and Real Estate

Fit Law LLP

Self-Leadership & High-Performance Evangelist | Keynote Speaker | Certified Mental Performance Mastery Coach | Author of Fierce Agency™ (2026) | Ivy League-trained Lawyer, Undefeated MMA Fighter & Neuroscience Ninja

The Legal Athlete

Black Friday isn’t the danger…
Starting 2026 already behind — that’s the danger.

Every year, I see the same pattern:

Smart, thoughtful people walk into the holidays feeling excited and organized…
and walk into January shocked and already behind.

You worked all year to get ahead.
Don’t let one month quietly set you back.

Not because you’re reckless.
Not because you’re careless.

But because December is the one month where overspending feels “special,” “exceptional,” or “worth it.”

Until Blue Monday hits…
and that credit card bill shows up.

Don’t let the excitement of December’s gift-buying become January’s headache when you open that statement.

Because here’s what holiday overspending silently sabotages:

For most lawyers:
• Savings targets
• Debt repayment rhythm
• Investment contributions

For partners, it derails all of that plus:
• Corporate withdrawal strategy...
and with it, tax planning windows

So today, I encourage every client to do the same thing:

Before you buy anything, decide the number you won’t go past.
That top-line budget is the guardrail that protects next year’s goals.

A few simple rules help:

1. Set the ceiling first.
If you don’t pick the number, December will.

2. Use a spending calendar.
We overspend when all the decisions pile up at once — spread them out.

3. Stick to the list.
If it wasn’t on the list yesterday, it’s not suddenly a “deal.”

4. Decide what you’re not doing this year.
Impulse buys.
“Just in case” gifts.
Last-minute panic shopping.

The holidays feel better when the money part is calm.

You get to enjoy your people…
without waking up from this holiday shopping season with a full-blown January spending hangover.


Quick holiday question:
👉 Re-gifting — yes or no?
(Honesty encouraged. Judgement-free zone.)


────
I’m Jeffery, the advisor who wants to help you stay generous… and financially sane.

If you want help making sure 2025’s holiday spending doesn’t blow up your 2026 plan, let’s have a Virtual Coffee Chat.

📩 Send me a message or grab a spot through the link on my profile.

What’s old is new again.

For years, I had the print Globe & Mail delivered to the house.

Then someone convinced me to “go digital — it’s easier.”

Sure…
Great to have it on my iPad when I'm traveling and don't want to deal with carrying the paper...
but there was one problem:

No puzzles.

And as silly as it might sound, I missed my morning Sudoku and KenKen...
the quiet ritual that gets my brain firing before the day gets loud.

Sure, I was doing them on my iPad... sometimes, bit it just wasn't the same.

I prefer doing them pen in hand.

So this weekend, I went old school and restarted my print subscription.

Today was my first day back.

So, at 5:37am, I went downstairs...
got the paper off the porch...
made an iced coffee (still pretending it’s warm out)...
read through the Business section…
then hit my two favourite puzzles.
(Don’t @ me — crosswords and I have never gotten along.)

Why bring back something so simple?

Because it sharpens me.
It grounds me.
And it eases me into the morning just enough to think clearly before I jump into LinkedIn, and the client calls and problem-solving of the day.

I was a little rusty with them, but it felt good.
It felt familiar...
in a good way...
and as a reminder that sometimes the smallest rituals are all we need to get the day going right.


👉 What’s the thing you do every morning that gets you going?

It’s become almost cliché to talk about ‘1% improvements'...
but what the f*ck does that even mean?

Sure, “Get 1% better” sounds great…
but without direction?
It’s just another Instagram quote that disappears by Monday morning.

So for the next 5 weeks, I’m going to give you:

Small, clear, lawyer-focused shifts you can use immediately.

Shifts that will...
• Create clarity
• Lower financial stress
• Make decisions easier

One new shift every Tuesday.
One tiny action you can take that same day.

Nothing technical.
Nothing overwhelming.
Just the next right move.

See you Tuesday.
Let’s get after it.


💭 It’s Sunday night... how do you get ready for a killer week?


────
I’m Jeffery, the advisor who helps lawyers build financial clarity one small shift at a time.

☕ Want a head start?  Find the "Become a Wealthy Lawyer" link in my profile and let's talk.

Spend 30 minutes a week setting goals with your partner...
and you'll never argue about money surprises.

Talk. Plan. Align.

Next year?
Grow together.

Impactful Change, LLC

Create a high-performance culture where powerful leaders lead cohesive and efficient teams committed to the growth of your organization. Let me show you how through cutting-edge, data-proven strategies and customized solutions.

OD Consultant, Leadership Development Facilitator and Coach

Under the social media platform, "Lemonade Stand Mama," Jennifer started a movement as she advocated for kids lemonade stands and helped to get laws changed in 17 states. 
-Wall Street Journal Front Page,  the New York Times, Washington Post Magazine, CBS This Morning, Fox and Friends. 
-Consulted with Kraft Heinz Countrytime Lemonade to advocate policy change
-Author of the children's book,  "Awesome Adventures of the Lemonade Boys" available on Amazon.

LemonadeStandMama

Business Insider

I am pleased to share that I have recently taken on the role of Contributing Freelance Writer with Business Insider, a prominent global business and lifestyle publication boasting over 100 million monthly visitors and 198 million social media followers. 

I look forward to contributing insightful content that resonates with our diverse audience. 

Grateful for this opportunity, I am excited to embark on this writing journey with Business Insider.

Check out my first article, the #2 MOST READ article on Business Insider the week of February 19!
https://www.businessinsider.com/child-free-vacation-traveling-without-kids-better-parents-marriage-2024-2

Contributing Writer

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Develop and teach courses to Graduate Business School Students which include:
-Leading Transformation & Change
-Organizational Performance & Change
-Research
-Social Entrepreneurship
-Talent Management and Development
Current research focus is Women in the Workplace & Purpose/Fulfillment

Assistant Professor

Colorado State University

Teaches Graduate Level Courses in Organizational Learning, Performance & Change, and Research.

Adjunct Professor

DFS Group Limited

Talent Development Manager

UCSF, University of Michigan, & Mervyns (Target Corp)

Training & Development

Hi! I'm Jennifer Knowles, Growth and Change Expert for Leaders and Teams

► Who I Help
I work with:
-Leaders who feel stuck and need clarity
-Teams facing change and struggling with communication overload
-Organizations seeking leadership development and talent management support
-High achievers desiring coaching to unlock growth, well-being and career advancement

If you've ever asked:
"How do I engage and retain top talent?"
"What's the best way to prepare my team for organizational change?"
"How can I improve leadership skills across my company?"
      - this is where I can help.

My Mission:
►Amplify the talents of your leaders and teams, unleashing human potential for exponential growth

What I Deliver:

► I create custom coaching, training and keynotes that align with organizational goals, blending research-backed insights with practical application. 

Together, we can:
1.  Increase leadership potential
2. Transform corporate culture
3.  Elevate careers to new heights
4.  Transform change into opportunity
5.  Build productive teams
6.  Create happy workplace environments

► Challenges Organizations Face Today
-Rising stress and burnout among employees
-Constant change and uncertainty in business environments
-Retention struggles with top talent
-Engagement gaps leading to lost productivity
-Leaders needing new skills for future-ready workplaces

► Benefits of Working with Dr. Jennifer

Organizations that partner with me see measurable improvements in:
1. Talent Attraction & Retention- Reduce turnover and retain top performers
2. Positive Work Environments- Foster collaboration and well-being
3. Change Readiness- Equip teams to embrace transitions with confidence
4. Stronger Teamwork- Increase trust, clarity and efficiency
5. Strategic Clarity- Provide a clear roadmap for success
6. Productivity & Engagement- Unlock more energy, focus, and results

► Client Outcomes
 "Dr. Jennifer Knowles is a beacon of inspiration in leadership and talent development. Her ability to seamlessly blend research-backed insights with practical applications has consistently led to positive transformations, empowered teams, and elevated leadership capabilities.”

 "We love Dr. Jennifer. She leads with a big heart and has lots of passion for her work. She cares about us and has the gift to take complex ideas and break them down into simple steps."

► Services
1. Leadership coaching (1:1 and group)
2. Change management programs
3. Talent development workshops
4. Keynote speaking on growth, change, and leadership
5. Research-informed organizational development solutions



Jennifer Knowles, Ph.D

I recently finished teaching an innovative leadership class, and here's what I discovered: 


We can't stay comfortable and expect to thrive.

Look at these patterns:
➜ Blockbuster refused streaming
➜ Kodak ignored digital
➜ Apple embraced change

Here's what separates winners from losers:

1. Risk tolerance
➜ "That's too risky"
➜ "We've always done it this way"
➜ "Our customers won't like change"

2. Opportunity spotting
➜ "That's just a trend"
➜ "Our market is stable"
➜ "We're too big to fail"

3. Leadership mindset
➜ "Let others test it first"
➜ "We'll wait and see"
➜ "Innovation costs too much"

The reality:
➜ Innovation isn't optional
➜ Comfort kills companies
➜ Change drives growth

We must:
➜ Take calculated risks
➜ Spot emerging trends
➜ Lead through uncertainty
➜ Question everything

Stop waiting.
Start innovating.
Lead the change.

The market won't wait.
Neither should you.

📌 What innovation are you avoiding in your business or life?

Hey, no one said it's easy, but there are great things on the other side of fear 🙂

I help develop effective leaders + high-performing teams | Harvard Executive Leadership Coach | Best-Selling Author | Professor of Business | Tedx Speaker

From my family to yours, wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Enjoy those small moments, they are what matter the most!

📌 What is your favorite food you eat on Thanksgiving? 

(I love warm apple pie with ice cream!)

Flying somewhere for Thanksgiving? Use the silence at 35,000 ft to ask: Are you leading your life or just steering it?”

I have learned to love the undistracted time on airplane flights.

Somewhere between takeoff and landing, the noise finally stops.

Plane flights provide a time for a quiet time to evaluate and just be present with myself.

No meetings.
No notifications.
No urgent requests.
No driving kids around.
No taking the dog out. 

 Just altitude and truth. And me. 

At 35,000 ft, you get perspective.
 You see your life from above—literally—and things look different from that elevation.

You start asking:
 ✔ “Is this the life I’m intentionally leading?”
 ✔ “Or did I just end up here because I never stopped to question the pace?”
 
I think about whether I am the driver of my own car or am I in the passenger seat, moving through life and career on auto pilot. 

And I do enjoy a good movie on planes too! 

If you're traveling somewhere this Thanksgiving, I ask you - are you in the driver seat or passenger seat? 
 
📌  Are you traveling or staying home this Thanksgiving?

Safe travels!

Friday Gratitude: Want higher performance? Try appreciation first.


I watch my good friend, and countless other leaders, struggle with people at work. 

Instead of, "great job,"
he gets, "why didn't you do this."

Instead of, "let's collaborate,"
he gets, "I'm doing it my way."

And I could go on.

But what leaders need to remember is that by showing appreciation and recognition to our peers and teams, gratitude carries its weight in improved employee satisfaction and retention.

Want a good team member to stick around?

Say thank you.
Acknowledge the good.
And collaborate.

Today I'm grateful for the amazing connections I've been making on LI.

📌 What are you grateful for? 





 

📌

Friday Gratitude- This week I'm grateful for the people who make me uncomfortable.


Earlier this year, I was on a stage for "hot seat coaching." I asked a question that I needed help with in front of a stage of hundreds of people watching from the audience.

[It took me years to get enough courage to be vulnerable in front of an audience like that].

The answer surprised me. The mentor told me, "I don't think you're afraid of failing, I think you're afraid of success."

What?

I hadn't thought about that. But the more I sat with that idea, the more I realized he was right.

We focus so much on what we don't want to happen, but what if we actually got what we really wanted?

That mentor got to my core, pushing me to care enough to challenge me. 

The people who make us better. The leader, the team, the co-worker... Our kids, our spouse, our friends, or sometimes even our loyal pet. 

📌 Who are people you are grateful for who make you better?

Showing up authentically, and not just on a mug! 



When I bought this mug, my kids groaned. But then they all wanted to use it too! 

Too often, we hesitate to highlight our achievements or showcase our unique skills. 

Thoughtfully demonstrating your value isn't bragging—it's essential for both personal development and team success.

Three ways I've learned to shine authentically:

-Document your wins, both big and small
-Volunteer for projects that leverage your unique strengths
-Mentor others in your areas of expertise

When you bring your "best self" energy to work, you create new opportunities 

And buy yourself a fun mug, while you're at it. You won't regret it! 

📌What are ways you give yourself a boost at work and in life?

How I Helped Change Laws — and What It Taught Me About Leading Change Anywhere.


A few years ago, my children's lemonade got shut down by police due to a complaint and lack of permits.

This was silly. Turns out lemonade stands were technically illegal in my city and they were in cities and states across the USA.

So I rallied people together, and we got lemonade stand laws changed in Denver, kid business laws changed in Colorado, and I partnered with CountryTime Lemonade/Kraft Heinz, and we got laws changed in 17 states across the country.

All from a lemonade stand.

Here's the steps I took that can rally change anywhere- in your organization or your community:

1. Start small. Our change began with a simple question: “Why can’t kids sell lemonade legally?”

2. Gather your people. Parents, kids, community members — small voices become powerful when united.

3. Find the data. Research your case, collect stories, and back it with facts.

4. Get visible. Share your mission publicly. Change accelerates when people care.

5. Stay kind but persistent. Real change takes resilience — and a lot of follow-up and persistent.

The whole experience was a lot of fun. I couldn't have dreamed it up if I tried. 

📌 What is a time that you recognized a need for change, and rallied around the change initiative?

How was your Thanksgiving? It’s hard to believe it’s December already, which is so often a crazy busy month. 


What was your Thanksgiving about?

Mine was:
Family 
Family 
More family 
And getting some fresh air along the way!

If your extended family is anything like mine, there may have been some tensions along the way. 

Some triggers. Do I speak up? Or walk away. Which result in waking up at 3am processing countless discussions and events.

But at the end of the day, family is family. And I’m grateful for mine. 

But here we are in December. 

A scramble to the end. A whirl of busyness and finishing those goals that we set for ourselves.

I am finishing my book (yay!), wrapping up some consulting projects, mentoring some graduate students and am coaching some amazing high achieving ladies. And all the holiday stuff galore. 

(I’m married to a Clark Griswald wannabe - we take the holidays seriously!🎅🏻)

Wishing you a great week. 

📌 How was your Thanksgiving? What are you looking forward to this December?

No alternative text description for this image

Tuesday Teach: Want to become a better storyteller? Start with the stories you tell every day


Conduct a story audit.

Leaders and high achievers can conduct a simple audit:

 1. What story am I telling about my team?

-Are they disengaged?
-Or overwhelmed and needing support?
 
Those are two very different stories — and two very different leadership responses.

2. What story am I telling about myself as a leader?

-“I’m not ready.”
-“I’m not qualified.”
-“I should have figured this out by now.”
 
These aren’t truths — they’re unexamined stories.

3. What story am I telling about the work we’re doing?
 
-Is it “just a project”?
 -Or is it meaningful, high-impact work that changes lives?
 Your story becomes their story.

4. What story am I telling about what’s possible?

-If your internal narrative is small, your leadership will be too.

 This becomes a powerful tool for culture and performance.

We don’t just tell stories.
We become the stories our teams believe.

 
📌What is a story that you realized you told, that had a big impact on people at work?

Tuesday Teach: Lewin's Change Model. 

Here's a simple model that is easy to remember and easy to use:

Kurt Lewin's Change Model

Unfreeze - Change - Refreeze


Unfreeze: Prepare for a desired change. Identify the need for transformation and foster readiness.

Change: Implement the transformation. It’s where new processes, systems or behaviors are introduced, and teams begin adapting to the shift. 

Refreeze: Reinforce and stabilize the change.

What I like about this model is it's simplicity. Easy to remember, relatively easy to implement. 


I've been teaching my entire professional career, from teaching leadership development in organizations, to teaching graduate students about organizational performance and change, and even teaching kids how to start a business. I love teaching. 

📌 What is a consistent thing that you've done your entire career?

Most people chase more.
More money. More status. More stuff.


I'm working on my next book, More Money by Friday, so I've been reading lots and lots of books on financial literacy.

As I'm reading and researching, I'm finding patterns come up over and over.

One of those patterns is that when our time, values, and work all point in the same direction, then life is better, happier, more fulfilling. 

We no longer need to fill that need of buying more stuff to satisfy that feeling of being unsatisfied.

We start living more on purpose.

The more aligned we are, the more we can take steps towards fulfillment.

Here's 4 questions to ask yourself:

1. Does the way I spend my time reflect what I say matters most?
2. Am I chasing what I want — or what others expect?
3. Where do I feel constant resistance, and what is that trying to tell me?
4. If my calendar were a mirror, would I like the reflection?

For me, this is a daily action, taking small intentional steps, to close that gap.

And suddenly, those things material things I thought I wanted don't matter as much. 

📌 When was a time when you felt fulfilled with what you have, just as things are now?

(this picture is when my family and I traveled to Istanbul earlier this year- at that moment, I didn't feel the need to chase anything- family, adventure, and fresh air and was the perfect day)

7 Small Things You Can Let Go Of (Now That the Penny Is Officially Retired)


Yesterday marked a big day in US History- the US minted their last pennies, to ever be made at the Philadelphia mint.

Last year I had a chance to tour the Philadelphia mint with my kids and see how many was actually made. Pictures weren't allowed, otherwise I would have included one! 

Did you know: 
-1 cent coins had been minted for 232 years, since 1793. Wow! 
-There are still 250 billion pennies still in circulation. 

I have lots of questions how pricing will work going forward. 

Will anything change?
Will prices change?
Will things still end in .99?
What if I own $4.97? Will the new price by $4.95 of $5.00?


This served to me as a reminder how we as change makers, organizational leaders, and professionals can let go of the old to make space for forward movement: 

Here are 7 small things we can let go of.

1. Old expectations
The ones you outgrew but still feel obligated to honor.

2. Perfection as a standard
It’s not excellence—it’s self-punishment.

3. Doing everything yourself
High-performers often carry invisible loads. Delegation is not weakness.

4. Guilt for wanting “more”
More time, more money, more rest, more joy…it’s allowed.

5. Outdated identities
You don’t have to be who you were last year, last month, or last job.

6. Saying yes to protect others from being uncomfortable
You’re not responsible for managing everyone else’s emotions.

7. The belief that change must be big to matter
Small shifts — are the ones that compound.

A penny for your thoughts: (pun intended!)
📌 Which one (#1 -7) most resonates with you?  

For me, as a professional who's always busy doing so much, #4 resonates the most- guilt for wanting more, including an often needed nap!

6 things working moms excel at like no one else- 
[As we've entered the extra busy season for us moms, I salute you!]

When I envisioned my life, I never thought I'd become a mom of 3 boys! As a result, I've pivoted my career multiple times and reshaped my working identity numerous times. 

Here's 6 things that make working moms pretty darn awesome! 

1. Time Management Goddesses

➜ We optimize every minute of their day
➜ We can complete 3-hour tasks in 1 hour
➜ We know exactly when to tackle each responsibility

2. Professional-Personal Balance

➜ We excel at separating work mode from mom mode
➜ We create clear boundaries between office and home
➜ We maximize quality time with their children

3. Crisis Management

➜ We handle workplace deadlines and sick children simultaneously
➜ We always have a backup plan ready
➜ We remain calm under multiple pressures

4. Efficiency Champions

➜ We master the art of multitasking
➜ We develop innovative solutions to everyday challenges
➜ We streamline processes at work and home

5. Emotional Intelligence

➜ We navigate different personalities at work and home
➜ We understand and address various emotional needs
➜ We excel at conflict resolution

6. Resilience

➜ We bounce back from setbacks quickly
➜ We adapt to changing situations effortlessly
➜ We maintain their composure in challenging times

So today I salute all the working moms (and working dads too!). 

📌 Who is a working mom who inspires you? 

ps- this picture was taken after we drove 9 hours to see the USA team play. Oh, the things we do as parents!

Today is a humble share for my 14 year old son, Ben (proud Mama, here!). He wrote a book! If you or a family member likes sports, please consider checking it out and writing a review. It's free today on kindle! 


My son started writing this book earlier this year, and it became a labor of love. He loves sports and in honor of celebrating his 100th episode of his podcast, Footballing with Kids, he wanted to release it today. And it's free! 

The direct link to write a review in the comments. 

Or if you enjoy sports or know someone who does, this book is lots of fun and covers soccer, football, basketball and baseball! 

It takes about 5 amazon reviews to get a book started for credibility and visibility.  And the more people who get the book (it’s free today!) on the same day, the more it also helps with Amazon rankings! 

For anyone who gets his book (it's free today!) and reviews it, I'd be happy to show you what I know for writing books and will invite you to a book writing session - just message me! (the kids and I have been on a roll lately writing books!)

Wishing you a great day before Thanksgiving. I hope it’s not too hectic for you!

https://lnkd.in/gPZn66Hy

Open article: Would You Rather? Kids Sports Edition: The Ultimate Game for Kids Who Love Soccer, Football, Baseball and Basketball (Would You Rather: Kids Edition) by amazon.com

Would You Rather? Kids Sports Edition: The Ultimate Game for Kids Who Love Soccer, Football, Baseball and Basketball (Would You Rather: Kids Edition)

Ever feel like a fraud? Good news, it means you're growing.


I've worked with people from all levels- MD's, CEO's, mid-managers, and new moms, and one thing that everyone has in common?

Everyone questions themselves sometimes.

The only group I don't see this as much in?
Kids.

Why is that kids go for what they want, and we encourage it?
I want to be a baseball player- great!
I want to be an astronaut- amazing!
I want to be a movie star- go for it!

But when we become adults, we question what we want, who we are, and what we're doing in our career.

Here's what I'm discovering:

You can have doubt and still deliver.
You can have fear and still lead.
You can have imposter syndrome — and still make an impact.

📌 When was a time when you doubted yourself, and you did it anyway?

Tuesday Teach: The Kaleidoscope Career Model shows us how our careers change and shift over time due to alternating priorities in authenticity, balance, and challenge.  


Like a kaleidoscope shifts patterns, so does our priorities in our career.

I devoted my dissertation research to applying the kaleidoscope career model to examining high achieving women's careers. 

What I found interesting is that for most men and women, we start our careers out with similar priorities- focusing primarily on challenge. 

But as time progresses, the difference in priorities change between men and women. Women tend to focus on balance, and then authenticity later in their career. 

Men's patterns stay in challenge longer, and then focus on authenticity and the balance. 

Makes sense- in a traditional work environment, often a women's career gets put in the back burner as she sacrifices bits of her career to focus on family and other priority.

Life and career becomes a balancing act.

📌 Knowing that we are a bit of all three, what is your main focus now?  authenticity, balance, or challenge?

(I'm so happy to share this with you! I have been teaching my entire life- from teaching in corporations to teaching in universities, to teaching children how to create their own businesses. It's fun!)

Did you know today is 11-11 and Veterans Day? 

I went to the post office, and it took me a few minutes to figure out why the post office wasn't open.

And then somebody told me it was 11-11. And then she told me that 11-11 is a spiritual number and is often viewed as an "angel number," and a sign of a day to make a wish or set an intention. 

And I woke up today just thinking it was another day. 

So I started to wonder who these two events today are connected.

Veterans align action to mission (thank you veterans!)
11:11 represents alignment of self to higher purpose.  

Strong leadership happens when your outer service reflects your inner values. And when the external is aligned with the internal, then are aligned at work, and in life.

So Happy Veterans Day to all the veterans, and thank you for protecting our country. And on 11-11, may all your wishes come true!

📌 What is something you're aligning to on 11-11?
📌 📌 Do you have a veteran in your life you can thank today? 

ps- I took this last summer in Washington DC, near Arlington Cemetery, which was humbling and beautiful

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