Keys to Helping Improve Finances for Single Parents

Single parents often face unique challenges, not just raising kids, but also creating a financial path toward success. With the cost of health care, food, school, and more ever increasing, being successful on one income is a huge barrier for more than 37 million parents — or roughly 30% of households in the United States.¹ 

While many moms and dads report struggles with finances, there are ways to help improve your finances and be proactive with your financial future in the short- and long-term.

Continue reading...

Embracing Financial Wellness After Divorce

Finding Your Strength, Security, and a Little Sparkle

I’ll never forget the first time I balanced my checkbook after my divorce—sitting at my kitchen table, coffee in hand, staring at numbers that felt like a foreign language. It wasn’t just about dollars and cents; it was about reclaiming my independence and rewriting the story of my life. Financial wellness, I soon learned, is not just for accountants and investment gurus. It’s for every woman who’s ever stared down a stack of bills and wondered, “Now what?”

If you’re over 45 and recently divorced, you’re not alone—and you’re not defeated. In fact, you’re standing on the edge of a new chapter, and your financial well-being is the key to unlocking it. I know it might sound daunting, but let’s sprinkle a little humor in here: If you can survive a family holiday dinner, you can tackle a budget spreadsheet.

Continue reading...

Divorce, Drive, and the Power of a Comeback: What F1 Racing Can Teach Us About Starting Over

When I walked out of the new F1 movie, I didn’t expect to be thinking about divorce - but I was. Not because the film had anything to do with family law or financial settlements, but because it captured something essential about the human spirit: the power of a comeback.

Whether you're a client navigating the difficult turns of divorce or a professional guiding others through the journey, there are powerful parallels between racing and reinventing your life.

A reminder that no matter where you are in life, or how far off-track you feel, you can start again.

Continue reading...

Education Funding After a Divorce: Options and Strategies

Divorce brings with it many financial decisions, and education funding is often one of the most significant. If you’ve saved for your child’s education in a tax-advantaged account, like a 529, you may be wondering how to handle those funds now that you’re separating from your spouse. Fortunately, there are several options available that can allow you to divide these assets, continue saving for your children, and even plan for their future in more flexible ways. Here’s a look at the possibilities.

Continue reading...

Garbage In, Garbage Out

Important Considerations When Using AI in Your Work Product as a Financial Expert

Continue reading...

Playing the Game of LIFE (and Love): Why Financial Goals Matter

When I was a kid, I loved the board game LIFE. You know the one—hop in a plastic car, spin the wheel, pick up a spouse and a couple of peg-sized kids, and cruise through paydays, house purchases, and surprise expenses. It felt like a cheerful, colorful version of adulthood where everything kind of worked out in the end.

But in real life, money doesn’t come in tidy bills tucked under a plastic bank tray, and you don’t always end up in "Millionaire Estates." One of the biggest reasons I see couples splitting up? Money. Not just not enough money, but different priorities, different spending habits, and not enough honest communication around it.

Continue reading...

Reconciliation and Divorce: Sometimes Love Just Needs a Coffee Break

One of the first things I tell my clients is this: Be absolutely sure your marriage is over before you go through with a divorce. I know, I know—kind of a weird thing for a divorce financial analyst to say, right? Isn't that like a hairdresser telling you not to get bangs during a breakup?

Continue reading...

Budgeting for Summer Fun

As the warmer months approach, the excitement for summer activities often begins to build. Whether it's planning a beach vacation, a trip to the mountains, or simply enjoying local events with friends and children, summertime brings a wealth of opportunities for leisure and adventure. However, amidst the thrill of summer fun, it's crucial to maintain financial responsibility for your peace of mind and pocketbook.  This article will explore the importance of setting a specific budget for summer activities and offer tips on how to prioritize spending while still enjoying all that the season has to offer.

Continue reading...