Modern Family Finance

10/08/2026

The Fed raised rates for the first time in a while
On September 16, the Federal Reserve voted unanimously, 12-0, to raise rates by a quarter point. That puts the target range at 3.75% to 4.00%. The Fed pointed to "persistent pressure in energy and consumer price measures." If you're carrying variable-rate debt or holding extra cash, now is a good time to check what you're paying and what you're earning. Read the breakdown from Raisin or follow Kiplinger's live coverage.

The Federal Reserve voted unanimously to raise the federal funds rate by 0.25% to 3.75%-4.00%. Learn what this means for High-Yield Savings Accounts and CDs.

10/05/2026

We're excited to welcome a new team member, Diana Freeburg, CFP®.

Diana helps tech professionals make the most of their equity compensation, from RSUs and stock options to the tax planning that comes with them. She began her career in the nonprofit world, including running the First Time Homebuyer Program at the San Francisco LGBT Center.

Originally from Seattle, Diana has lived in San Francisco since 2008, where she and her husband are raising two elementary school–aged kids. You'll often find her at the library, on the family cargo bike, or out in her garden.

If you or someone you care about is looking for thoughtful, values-aligned planning support, we're currently accepting new clients. You can book a time to chat on our website. www.modernfamilyfinance.com

10/01/2026

On this month's podcast, I sat down with Roger Silk, Founder of Sterling Foundation Management, to talk about one tool that can help: the charitable remainder trust (CRT). The biggest surprise for most people is that you don't have to be mainly focused on charitable giving to use one. Set up the right way, a CRT can let you diversify, defer capital gains and put your family's income first, with a gift to charity at the end.

We cover who it's a good fit for, when to start planning (earlier than you think) and what happens if your life changes down the road.

Listen to the episode here: https://buff.ly/i2vkRxo
If you’re short on time, you can catch the show notes: https://buff.ly/0EUj2UO

Modern Family Finance Podcast · Episode

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July! Fireworks, freedom, and celebration. 🎆🇺🇸

06/29/2026

Lisa and I support the San Francisco LGBT Center at their Soirée fundraiser — a chance to show up for a community that has given us so much, and to reconnect with friends and familiar faces along the way.

06/25/2026

Money Differences Can Strain Even the Closest Friendships (WSJ) — This piece puts words to something we see all the time: money isn’t just numbers, it’s values, expectations, and sometimes unspoken resentments. If you’ve ever felt weird about planning a trip, picking a restaurant, or talking about income with friends, it’s a helpful reminder that a little clarity (and a little courage) can protect the relationship.

Money disparities can cause problems in a relationship. But they don’t have to.

06/22/2026

In this episode of the Modern Family Finance Podcast, I sit down with Katie Burke, a San Francisco–based family law attorney, to unpack what prenups (and postnups) really do, who they’re for, and why they matter—especially in California. https://buff.ly/3QRZOyi

06/19/2026

Employees at mega-IPO candidates are opting out of tender offers (Pitchbook) - For employees at companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and SpaceX, the decision to sell private shares is getting more complicated as potential IPOs feel closer. It’s a good reminder that equity decisions are not just about chasing the highest possible upside—they’re about balancing risk, taxes, liquidity, and the freedom that comes from turning some paper wealth into real choices.

Anthropic's recent tender offer fell short of its $6B target, an investor in the company said.

06/18/2026

Celebrating freedom, resilience, and hope. ✊🏿

06/16/2026

Why is my tax bill so high? (Plancorp) - A higher-than-expected tax bill usually isn’t a sign you did something wrong—it often means your financial life got more complex. This article walks through common surprises for high earners, from bonuses and equity comp to capital gains and under-withholding, and is a helpful reminder that tax planning works best when it happens all year, not just in April.

Discover seven common reasons high earners face unexpectedly high tax bills and learn how proactive planning can help avoid these surprises.