Can you tell us a little about yourself, what you do, and what led you to this line of work?
I started my career in Human Resources, where I was given the opportunity to learn about financial planning. That opportunity became a second career, and I have now been a Financial Advisor for 15 years. I believe in holistic planning, because financial wellness is about much more than investments. Tax planning, estate planning, cash flow and insurance planning, especially long-term care planning, are all crucial pieces of the picture.
When I went through my own divorce, I realized how much people need financial guidance before, during and after the process. That experience led me to become a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, so I could help others through one of the most important financial transitions of their lives.
What inspired you to work with people going through divorce or big life transitions?
During my own divorce, I was fortunate to have my boss and mentor, a financial advisor, help me through the financial side of things. Having someone knowledgeable in my corner made a real difference. But it occurred to me that not everyone has someone like that to turn to. That realization stayed with me, and I became very passionate about helping others who are going through such a huge life change, so they don’t have to navigate it alone.
What is your specialty within the divorce space, and how do you typically support your clients?
I am especially passionate about estate planning and long-term care planning. Being suddenly single changes how you plan for yourself, your kids and your family. Who will be the guardian of your children, or even your pets? How will you pay for care as you age? Who will make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to?
I provide guided estate planning and long-term care planning for my clients, along with an overall financial plan that includes budgeting, Social Security planning, investment planning, retirement planning and tax planning.
What makes your approach to working with clients unique?
Most of my clients come to me focused on dividing assets and planning for income, and those are important. But I would be remiss if I didn’t also point out the blank spaces in their plan that could directly affect those assets. I hear “Oh, I didn’t even think of that!” a lot. For example, I once researched a soon-to-be ex-spouse’s employer and discovered there was a pension in addition to a 401(k). My client could have missed out on a significant asset. I look at the whole picture, not just the obvious pieces.
What’s one thing that people are often surprised to learn about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I never set out to work in finance. My first career was in Human Resources, and financial planning was an opportunity that came along later. I’m so glad I said yes to it. Because I came to this field as a second career, I know what it feels like to start something new and learn as you go, which is exactly what many of my clients are doing as they begin life after divorce.
Do you have a personal story or experience that helps you connect with clients on a deeper level?
Yes. I was married to someone with an extensive substance abuse problem, and I had to learn how to support and nurture my kids through trauma, all while working full-time and furthering my career. I know what it is like to carry that much at once. So when clients tell me they feel overwhelmed or stretched thin, I don’t just sympathize. I understand that struggle on a deep level, and I think that helps them trust that I’m truly in their corner.
What’s your favorite way to reset after a long day?
I’m Gen X through and through, and I have music playing all day long, even while I work. After a long day, I’ll find a playlist that matches my mood and jam out on the drive home. I also remarried, and my husband and I love a good TV show binge in between sports tournaments with the kids. Our current obsession is The Diplomat.
If you could describe your work in three words, what would they be?
Holistic, compassionate and empowering.
What does “fresh start” mean to you personally?
To me, a fresh start means having clarity and a plan. Divorce can leave you feeling uncertain about almost everything, and that uncertainty makes it hard to move forward. When you understand exactly where you stand financially and have a clear plan for the future, you can make decisions from a place of confidence instead of fear. That clarity is what allows you to truly begin again.
Please note that the blogpost above does not represent the thoughts or opinions of Fresh Start Registry and solely represents the original author’s perspective.