The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund is happy to introduce Bob VanLangen as our organization’s first NY/NJ area Financial Coach. As a part of a financial planning program that is the first of its kind in the country, Bob will provide families with tips and techniques to better manage their money as they adjust to their new financial life. Joining Jacksonville area Financial Coach Kathy Devine as a member of the team, Bob took a moment to share some insight into his history and future with the Jay Fund.
Why did you decide to join the Jay Fund?
[Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Board Member] Tom Scerbo has been a friend of mine for years and he was the one who introduced me to the Jay Fund. Because of this, my wife and I have supported the cause for quite some time and have been to several of your gala events here in NY.I have been semi-retired for the past 10 years and have spent an enormous amount of time involved in charities. When this opportunity was presented by Tom and Kerry [Miller, the Jay Fund’s NY/NJ Area Director], both of whom I know outside of their Jay Fund involvement, I couldn’t think of a better reason to get involved. This is truly something that deserves the loving hands and financial expertise that I have.
What aspect of your job are you most eagerly anticipating?
Helping the families see through the financial fog brought into their lives by the illness of their children.
With my CPA practice, I know how debilitating daily life can be for families who have financial difficulties and have NO illness in their lives to deal with. To be able to help them to NOT worry about the money side, will allow them to focus on the most important thing they can, their children.
What can some financial coaching mean to a family tackling childhood cancer?
Financial coaching in many situations is just helping families see alternatives to ease financial burdens. Obviously, the Jay Fund also provides financial assistance but in my experience just helping families to see that their financial world is really not crumbling around them is an enormous shot of adrenaline that allows them to focus energies on the more important issue of helping their sick child.
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund is excited to welcome Bob to the team; not only because of his expertise and passion, but because it means the Jay Fund is now positioned to #BeThere in a whole new way for NY/NJ area families tackling childhood cancer. If you’d like to #BeThere for them as well, take a moment to give a gift through our safe and secure online donation page. Thank you!