Building Your Business with Sara Troy and her guest Todd Mitchell, on air from November 26th
Most entrepreneurs and micro small businesses like me have 0-5 employees and cannot afford and do not need that solution. So, I made the decision to open my business and provide very relevant affordable solutions to a very real problem in today’s world! I work ONLY with solopreneurs and micro businesses to help them become cybersecurity compliant.
It is now my “mission” and my passion to be the little guy helping the little guy!
Todd Mitchell is the owner of Cybersecurity4biz LLC, a Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Todd understands the value of protecting data. He is retired from the US Navy and has worked for the US Marine Corps, with over 30 years of experience in government protecting confidential and secret information using cybersecurity best practices. Todd received his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Information Assurance with a concentration in ethical hacking. He also has an MBA and a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security Policy. Todd has decided to make it his mission to help all small businesses and families become cybersecurity compliant and protect their information.
While in college Todd was invited to be part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800 series working group. While working for the Marine Corps, Todd helped shape the cybersecurity controls used for the Department of Defense, other Government agencies, Contractors, Healthcare and Financial Industries. Currently as part of the NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Community of Interest (COI), Todd has been working to share business insights, expertise, challenges, and perspectives to guide our work and assist NIST in addressing the cybersecurity needs of the small business community.
Like many of you, Todd runs his business out of the house and has had to use his own cybersecurity plan to protect his home router and encrypt a separate hard drive space for confidential client data, while also protecting his business from the rest of the family’s internet of things.
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Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Monica Kaufman, on air from November 26th
Monica is supporting individuals with special needs requires thoughtful planning to ensure their long-term well-being and independence. Families of individuals with special needs can take several key steps to help ensure a stable future, including:
1. Financial Planning: Setting up a special needs trust or utilizing government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid can protect assets while maintaining eligibility for assistance programs. Families should consult with financial planners experienced in special needs planning to maximize resources.
2. Legal Considerations: Legal tools such as guardianship or power of attorney can ensure that someone trusted makes decisions for the individual if they are unable to do so themselves. It’s crucial to designate legal guardians or advocates and review documents periodically.
3. Educational and Vocational Support: Planning should also include identifying the best educational opportunities and vocational training for the individual, from early intervention to adult services, in order to promote development, independence, and employment.
4. Health Care Needs: Establishing a comprehensive health care plan, including access to specialists and therapies, is essential to address both current and future medical needs.
5. Community Resources: Many communities offer programs and support networks for families and individuals with special needs. Connecting with local support groups, services, and advocacy organizations can provide invaluable resources. Early and ongoing planning ensures that special needs individuals are supported, and their families have peace of mind regarding their future care and well-being.
In Canada, families of individuals with special needs can access a variety of resources, programs, and financial supports to help plan for the future. Similar to other countries, early and ongoing planning is crucial to ensure individuals with special needs have access to education, healthcare, and financial security. Here are some key elements to consider when planning for individuals with special needs in Canada:
1. Financial Planning and Assistance Canada offers several financial supports for families with special needs. Key programs include: • Disability Tax Credit (DTC): This non-refundable tax credit helps reduce the amount of tax owed for individuals with disabilities. It is available to those with a significant impairment in physical or mental functions. • Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): This is a government-registered savings plan designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families save for the future. Contributions are eligible for grants and bonds from the federal government, making it an effective long-term savings tool for disability-related expenses. • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Available in Ontario, this program provides financial assistance and employment supports to individuals with disabilities who are unable to work or need extra help finding work. • Other Provincial Programs: Each province offers varying levels of financial support. For example, in British Columbia, the Disability Assistance Program offers monthly payments to individuals with disabilities, while in Quebec, the Programme de soutien aux personnes handicapées helps fund various services.
2. Government Benefits and Social Services • Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D): This program provides monthly benefits to individuals who have contributed to the Canadian Pension Plan and are unable to work due to a disability. It’s available to both the person with the disability and their family members if needed. • Specialized Support Programs: Each province and territory offers a range of services for children and adults with special needs, including educational support, job training, and community-based care. For example, Alberta has programs like the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program, which helps provide services and supports to adults with developmental disabilities.
3. Educational and Vocational Support • Inclusive Education: Canada emphasizes inclusive education in public schools, meaning that students with special needs are integrated into the classroom environment as much as possible, with individualized support plans. • Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs: Several provinces, like British Columbia and Ontario, offer specific programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which focus on early intervention, behavior therapy, and specialized education.
At Harmony Wealth Academy, we’re not just about numbers; we’re about changing lives. With over 20 years of experience, we empower CPAs and Enrolled Agents to transform their clients’ financial futures. Our Behavioral Finance Program goes beyond the basics, teaching mastery over money and the financial system, from fundamentals to legacy planning. It’s your client’s path to financial freedom, guided by science and a passion for progress.
If they feel their goals are just out of reach, they are not alone.
Monica Kaufman is currently the director of Financial Planning at Harmony Asset Management as well as the creator of the Harmony Wealth Academy. She’s worked in Economic Research, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting for over 20 years. She is a CFP. She became involved in Special Needs financial advisory early in her Career while at Merrill Lynch with her deeper understanding because of her (brother in law). She is the mother of two adult sons (one a soldier in the US Army and the other a PhD candidate) and two rescued dogs.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from November 19th
I’ve been grappling with what to discuss this week, and a topic keeps coming to mind that I feel compelled to address: “election empathy.” It’s about my disbelief over the direction America is heading, the leaders being elected, and the disregard for empathy, compassion, and humanity. Too many people are focused on their own well-being and ignore the suffering of others. I find it hard to understand how people can support leaders with a history of mistreating others, especially those with a record of racism, sexism, and cruelty.
Women are suffering, unable to get essential medical care because of fear over lawsuits, and yet, it feels like no one is speaking up. This isn’t just political—it’s a moral issue. We are at a crossroads, where we must decide what kind of world we want to live in. Do we choose love, empathy, and community? Or do we continue down a path of fear and division?
I can’t ignore how the growing political turmoil in the U.S. affects us as Canadians, too. While some people here support divisive figures, we must rise above this. I feel anger at those who voted based on misinformation or blind allegiance. The consequences are real—medical care, social programs, security, and the environment are all at risk. I believe, though, that there’s hope. We can rebuild, reconnect, and rise together in solidarity.
The real challenge now is reaching the people who feel forgotten, those who just want to make ends meet and are not interested in intellectual debates. We need to meet them where they are, listen to their concerns, and address their needs. The choices made today will impact everyone—especially the vulnerable.
America has to face the consequences of putting a man with such a history in power. This is about accountability, not just politics. If you voted for someone whose actions harm others, you’re part of that harm. It’s time to confront that. We need a world based on empathy, not division. As a global community, we need to grow up and mature, to choose kindness over pettiness, and find creative solutions that lift everyone up, especially those suffering.
When you see someone suffering—struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially—may be unable to afford medicine or get the medical help they need, or feeling scared they’ll be silenced if they speak out, I want you to really see them. No one should be treated with such disdain or fear. Let me be clear: women’s bodies belong to women, and don’t you forget it. Don’t underestimate a group of strong women, either. When we step into our “Mama Mode,” we won’t put up with injustice or being told what we can and cannot do with our own bodies. We don’t need weapons to fight for our rights; our voices, our hearts, our spirits, and our values are enough.
I stand with you, America, with every woman and every person facing unfair treatment. I’ll stand with you because that’s what I believe in—the work I do, the vibrations I feel, and the love I set forward are all in support of that cause. I hope we can all come together in common sense, kindness, inclusivity, and care. It’s time for us, as a human race, to grow up. We have to stop solving problems with pettiness and, instead, find creative solutions that help people feel safe, supported, seen, and heard.
To anyone facing injustice, my heart is with you. To those who may disagree, I ask you to see the full impact of the choices we make and reflect on their moral consequences. It’s time to come together, to embrace love, empathy, and common sense, and build a future where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from November 12th
I recently had a wonderful conversation on my podcast with David Wick, a dedicated peace advocate who’s been with the UN and involved in global peace efforts for over 40 years. It’s a conversation on peace—its possibility and its necessity in today’s world. So often, people think of peace as a distant ideal, something that may never be achieved. But I believe peace is not just an idea; it’s a way of being, a state we cultivate within ourselves and share with others.
True peace starts within each of us. When we cultivate peace, love, and purpose inside, that energy naturally radiates outward, creating a ripple effect that touches everyone we encounter. This doesn’t mean ignoring the world’s challenges; rather, it’s about seeing the issues clearly so that we can address them from a place of compassion and conviction. In our world today, we’re often sold illusions, particularly in areas like healthcare, where profit sometimes overshadows true wellness. It’s vital that we hold these systems accountable, advocating for practices that honor holistic health and well-being. Restrictions on healthcare choices, especially those that impact women’s health, call for our attention and action.
Living peacefully isn’t about having everyone agree. It’s about approaching each other with openness, compassion, and understanding. Life will always bring challenges—unexpected twists and hardships. But when we’re grounded and centered in peace, we see through the fog. Instead of reacting with fear or anxiety, we can move forward with purpose, finding creative solutions and choosing a balanced, harmonious way to live.
If we’re serious about giving peace a chance, we must start within ourselves and allow it to expand outward. Together, we can shape a world where peace is more than just a vision; it’s a way of life.
Today brought me unexpected news—not the kind I wanted. America has taken a turn not for the better, and, on top of it all, I now face a hefty bill for a new heating pump. So, how do we move forward? We’ll need to look at options, explore costs, and check payment plans. Many of us are facing financial strain, and fortunately, businesses now offer more flexible payment options to help ease the burden.
Life throws unexpected challenges our way, and while we can’t control everything that happens, we can control our response. When something goes wrong—like losing a heating system—it’s natural to feel worried. But instead, I take a moment to pause, breathe, and think it through. Yes, it’s an expense I hadn’t planned for, but approaching it calmly allows me to focus on solutions, not stress. The peace we bring to each situation shapes the outcome, helping us see possibilities rather than limits.
From health scares to financial hurdles, life will always bring obstacles. We can’t avoid every hardship, but we can choose how we respond. Sometimes, we need support; other times, we might just need a breather. The journey can be tough, but it also teaches us resilience. When we choose to meet challenges calmly, anger and stress don’t consume us. Instead, we find clarity and strength, which is where true peace lies.
Here’s the choice we all face: we can dwell on what’s wrong, or we can focus on our options and move forward with peace. True peace doesn’t come from avoiding life’s challenges but from staying centered and open to solutions. In that calm, we often find the answers we need.
Peace isn’t just a lofty idea—it’s a choice we make to step into calm, clarity, and centeredness no matter what storm we face. When life throws curveballs—financial struggles, health diagnoses, unexpected twists—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even angry. But here lies our power: in our ability to pause and find that inner sanctuary, that core of calm that supports us through anything.
This calmness isn’t passive; it’s a foundation, a conscious decision we return to whenever we feel overwhelmed. In that calm, we see solutions we might miss in a panicked state. This core of peace lets us respond wisely and act from strength.
We each play a role in creating peace in the world. When we choose calm, compassion, love, and patience over anger and resentment, we lift not only ourselves but those around us. It’s not about ignoring our emotions but about choosing not to meet anger with anger, or hate with hate. When we do, we avoid getting lost in the chaos.
Instead, let’s be the peace we seek. Let’s live it, breathe it, share it, embody it. We are the creators of the love, kindness, and calmness we want to see. It’s up to each of us to be that higher frequency, that example that helps elevate ourselves and others.
When you walk in this divine calm, you become a beacon for others. You’re living proof that life can be filled with compassion, joy, and connection. You’re inviting others to rise, to find their balance, and, together, to build a world built on peace and love.
I invite you: take this journey. Embrace the peace, live the love, and let’s transform the world one calm, compassionate choice at a time. Because that’s what living truly means.
When anger arises, let it out. Feel it fully, then let it go. Take a deep breath and ask, “What can I do about this?” If there’s something you can change, take action. If not, sometimes the best choice is to simply walk away.
Peace is a choice we carry within us. It’s a state of being that we each have the power to access. This peace and love isn’t external; it’s within. Tap into it, let it flow, and share it. When you do, you create a ripple effect, an invitation for others to step into that calm alongside you.
By being this light, this vibration of peace, we become the solutions this world so urgently needs. Let’s approach life with calm strength, becoming the peace we wish to see.
Until next time, I wish you a beautifully peaceful journey.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Julie Fingersh, on air from November 12th
“Julie Fingersh’s Stay is so rich, wise, funny, and beautifully written. It’s hard to put down once you start.” —Anne Lamott, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Called “Profound, funny, and masterfully told by” by #1 New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin, Stay: A Story of Family, Love, and Other Traumas is a riveting debut that captures the joyous and painful complexity of family love and loyalty, the cost of family secrets, and the quest to help the people we love most without losing our own way. It’s also a rare window into two of the biggest epidemics gripping society today: mental illness and chronic illness and the ways in which they affect relationships, personal identity, and the blueprint of our lives.
Told through the eyes of the author as both a young sibling and a mid-life parent, Julie Fingersh seamlessly weaves together present and past, unlocking the puzzle of her early adulthood with her struggling brother from the vantage point of a mid-life parent on the verge of an empty nest and her next chapter, just as her college-bound daughter’s life suddenly careens off track.
Sparkling with warmth, wit, and lyrical prose, Fingersh provides insight and sustenance for everyone wrestling with mid-life’s ghosts, parenting adult children, and the twin pillagers of fear and the inner critic. Above all, Stay is for readers who want to think, feel, laugh, cry, and perhaps see their own life’s trajectory and path forward with new eyes.
Julie Fingersh is a writer, journalist and, most recently, the author of Stay: A Story of Family, Love & Other Traumas (Rowman & Littlefield; 2024) Julie’s personal essays, editorials, and reporting cover wellness, parenting adult children, cooking, and how to lead a more sane and meaningful life. Julie’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Huffington Post, The Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, Businessweek, Grown and Flown and more. Her Substack newsletter, Take My Advice. I’m Not Using It, is a midlife sequel of an award-winning humorist column she wrote in New York City in her twenties for Billboard Publications. Julie has two adult children and lives with her husband in Marin County, California. Stay is her first book.
“Profound, funny, and masterfully told. I can’t stop thinking about it.”
—Gretchen Rubin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
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