Insights

Financial planning for
the rest of us.

Practical money guidance for people whose lives don't fit the standard financial services template — CalPERS employees, LGBTQIA+ families, neurodivergent thinkers, and everyone in between.

Polyamory and Finances: 3 Common Myths About Money in Poly Relationships
Chosen Family, Ethical Non-Monogamy, Polyamory Korinne Sugasawara Chosen Family, Ethical Non-Monogamy, Polyamory Korinne Sugasawara

Polyamory and Finances: 3 Common Myths About Money in Poly Relationships

Money and relationships can be complicated, but what happens when you’re juggling finances with more than one partner? As polyamory grows in visibility, understanding how to navigate money in poly relationships is more important than ever. This post busts three common myths about poly finances and shares what really helps to build strong, intentional chosen families.

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Asking for a Friend: I’m a California state worker, and RTO doesn’t work for me. What should I know about my pension before leaving?
CalPERS, Asking for a Friend Korinne Sugasawara CalPERS, Asking for a Friend Korinne Sugasawara

Asking for a Friend: I’m a California state worker, and RTO doesn’t work for me. What should I know about my pension before leaving?

For many state workers—especially parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, and those who thrived while working remotely—Governor Newsom’s return to office mandate feels like a step backward. Before you make a career change, here’s what you need to know about your CalPERS pension.

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Why Did I Quit A Stable Government Job?

Why Did I Quit A Stable Government Job?

I’m queer, neurodivergent, and a woman of color. For years, I thought I was too sensitive, too blunt, too complicated. But over time, I realized existing spaces weren’t built with people like me in mind.

That’s part of why I created Kite & Compass: a financial planning practice where queer, trans, neurodiverse, poly, kinky, and otherwise “different” folks could bring their full selves and be met with clarity, respect, and warmth.

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Social Security Fairness Act: Next Steps for CalSTRS and CalPERS Members
CalPERS, CalSTRS, Retirement Korinne Sugasawara CalPERS, CalSTRS, Retirement Korinne Sugasawara

Social Security Fairness Act: Next Steps for CalSTRS and CalPERS Members

The Social Security Fairness Act recently restored benefits that many CalSTRS and CalPERS retirees thought they'd lost forever. If you worked in both public and private sectors, or previously declined to claim a spousal benefit, this landmark change could mean thousands more in Social Security benefits—plus back payments dating to 2024.

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