Dear Friends,

We should talk about being thankful in November, but let’s skip the Instagram-perfect gratitude journals and the pressure to feel blessed while you’re fielding calls from your kid’s school, your mom’s doctor, and your team all before 10 AM.

Here’s my fresh take: Real gratitude isn’t about ignoring the chaos. It’s about finding your anchor in spite of it.

You’re living in the middle of everything: raising kids who need you, caring for parents who need you differently, showing up for work that needs you professionally, all while the world serves up a daily dose of uncertainty. That’s not a season of life that lends itself to quiet reflection and perfect thanksgiving tablescapes.

So this November, what if gratitude wasn’t another thing on your list? What if it was the thing that helps you survive the list?

I’m talking about the 30-second practices. The middle-of-the-chaos acknowledgments. The “I’m doing something impossibly hard and I’m still here” moments. The gratitude that doesn’t require a candle, a journal, or one single extra ounce of your energy.

Because here’s what I know about strong women like you: You’re already thankful. You’re already showing up. You already know the weight and the gift of what you’re carrying.

This month, I want to help you feel that, really feel it, without adding to your overwhelm. That’s exactly why I share this newsletter with you every month, and why I created the Betty’s Smart Friends podcast! None of us should have to navigate this life alone. We need each other’s wisdom, real talk, and those “SAME!” moments that remind us we’re not crazy, we’re just carrying a lot.

Let’s breathe, let’s be real, and let’s find the steady ground together.

With gratitude for all of you,
Betty

Betty Smart Ideas: 2 MORE Podcasts this month!

In my podcasts this month, I hoped to help you find the clarity and confidence that comes from being prepared for life’s inevitable transitions. These two new podcast episodes offer practical guidance to help you navigate important decisions with less stress and more peace of mind.

Demystifying Medicare with Expert Julia Wiswell
Feeling confused about Medicare? Join me for this conversation with Medicare specialist Julia Wiswell, who breaks down everything from critical enrollment deadlines (miss them and face penalties!) to comparing plan costs and understanding out-of-pocket expenses. Whether you’re approaching eligibility or helping a loved one, this episode delivers the plain and practical guidance you need to make confident healthcare decisions for retirement.

Caring for Aging Parents with Jenny Reynolds:
In this very functional episode, I sit down with aging life care specialist Jenny Reynolds to discuss one of life’s most challenging transitions: becoming a caregiver for your parents. We cover how to start difficult conversations without creating defensiveness, recognize warning signs before a crisis hits, navigate the financial realities of elder care, and protect your own mental health throughout the journey.

Listen now on  Apple Podcasts ,  Spotify  or my  YouTube channel @bettyfinancial .

What I’m Watching: I’m so excited The Diplomat is BACK on Netflix!

I love how Kate Wyler is the most powerful person in the room & doesn’t have time for anyone’s nonsense. Her character is brilliant at navigating international crises while managing her complicated personal life. She is unapologetically ambitious, even when dealing with her charming but occasionally infuriating diplomat husband. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

What I’m Reading:

I’m currently obsessed with The Invisible Husband of Frick Island. Not like my usual reads! This novel is about a young woman who refuses to accept her husband’s death and an entire island community that goes along with her grief-fueled denial. It’s the perfect blend of humor and heart, and a little escapism… it’s about love, loss, and the lengths people go to protect the people we care about, all set on a tiny, eccentric island where everyone knows everyone’s business.

What should we eat?? Any ideas for new Thanksgiving dishes??

I have to admit, I’m getting a little bored with my usual Thanksgiving menu and could really use some fresh inspiration! If you’ve discovered any creative recipes or unexpected twists on traditional dishes, please send them my way. I’d love any and all ideas.

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