Helping Women Engage in Intentional Life Planning

Business Ownership

​It is no surprise that women-owned business are the fastest growing segment in new business and now account for over 40% of private companies, employee more than 13 million people, and generate over $1.9 trillion in sales.  The grit and tenacity that comes with strapping on a business can be one of the largest challenges, yet carries immense rewards when success has been reached.  Our business owner gal pals have special needs financially and should be aware of those as they craft their tax smart financial plans and coordinate their business and individual plans.

Inheritance

​Unexpected transfers of wealth can leave one overwhelmed with decisions on how to best manage this new windfall.  Inheriting wealth is a big responsibility that most women are not adequately prepared, uninformed and often unsupported.  It is important to become educated and learn what your options are, as well as, what your new financial future looks like.  Consider working with an advisor that can help you to identify those items that are important to you, but can help you to connect your money to your life in our process of Real Life Planning.

Retirement

​Unique challenges exist for women as they enter their retirement years.  There are a number of factors that reduce a woman's ability to set aside an appropriate amount of resources for their "Golden Years".  From lower earnings to longevity and higher health care costs, women need to fully fund their retirement plans in order to not only handle those costs, but to quench their fear of running out of money.  While there is no perfect time to begin a retirement savings, it is important to become educated on what that plan and savings needs to look like to achieve a successful outcome.

Divorce

​​Divorce touches many aspects of a women’s life – some of those are: emotional, social, legal, and financial, just to name a few.  In this time of emotional stress, it is important to attempt to gain a sense of re-balance.  Beginning to organize the financial aspects of divorce should be one of your highest priorities.  There is no perfect time to initiate or go through a divorce, but having a solid financial foundation and knowledge about your options will provide a sense of peace and financial stability along the way.  Smart choices are important as the decisions that are made in the divorce process may impact you for the rest of your life.  Then when all is over – it is time to focus on YOU and your new plan.

Widowhood

​When a women loses her spouse, she can experience a multitude of emotions – from the state of being emotionally drained, abandonment, mental paralysis, overall disorientation and the state of being overwhelmed.  Don’t worry, this is normal.  When in this state, it is difficult to take control of your financial future and major decisions that may permanently affect you should be delayed during this this period of grief. It takes time to learn to take care of YOU; and to adjust to your “new” normal. 
 
Eventually, you will move forward with new goals and with your new life.  It is important to create an updated financial plan that allows you to look at your finances in a way that builds confidence such that you will not be fearful of your financial future.

Financial Coaching and Education

​One of the items that women lose sleep over is the fact that they do not understand certain financial concepts.  Also they are concerned with raising a financially smart “next gen”, but without the understanding and tools, they feel inadequate.  Financial coaching and education addresses those areas that are not typical in a comprehensive financial planning engagement.  It is our experience that around 50% of items addressed in our financial coaching sessions involve budgeting, financial literacy topics, and behavior changes to form good financial habits.  Ultimately, financial coaching is about educating, empowering, and accountability.