by Liesel Darby, Mediator & Divorce Coach

What do the following have in common?

• You’re in the grocery store, looking for your favorite brand of stone-ground mustard, only to find that they no longer carry it. The replacement brand is twice the price, and you don’t like the packaging either.
  
• You’re accustomed to your second shift schedule, but you have just been informed that you are moving to first shift for the foreseeable future. This throws a wrench in your Pilates class schedule.
  
• Your spouse has just announced that he is leaving you for the neighbor down the street that you have been casually saying hi to on your evening walks if she’s out in the yard.

If you answered “things that make you go hmmmm,” you are partly correct. Actually, these are all examples of change, albeit in varying degrees of the impact it will have on a person’s life. New mustard brand versus your world being turned upside down by divorce are not on the same par, for sure. If you’ve been around in this...

by Liesel Darby, Mediator & Divorce Coach

Growing up, you likely heard others, at some point, say the “F- word”, and it wasn’t’ “fudge.” It was a taboo word, and could possibly land you with a bar of soap in your mouth.  In this blog we will discuss a different “F-word”, and it still isn’t “fudge”, but it can still cause all sorts of unpleasant side effects for the unfortunate user.  The guilty word is FAIR, and by extension, FAIRNESS.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

What’s so bad about fairness?  The concept itself seems benign enough and has the ring of righteousness to it. When we perceive that a situation is fair (usually that means it benefits us in some way), life is good. However, that is precisely the problem.  It is the expectation that things should be fair, and when they are not, we can feel like our world is in despair.  We feel indignant, out of sorts, and want the situation to be corrected, pronto. At the extreme end, if we feel we have been legally wronged in some way...

Spring, with its symphony of budding leaves and the soft hum of renewed life, is more than just a change in the calendar. It's a metaphor for rebirth, a reminder that no matter how barren the branches of our lives may appear, the potential for growth always exists. Each sprout breaking through the soil carries a whisper of promise and begs the question: what in your life is awaiting rebirth?

Hello, brave souls. Yes, you—the women who are emerging from the cocoon of financial dependency into the empowering sunlight of fiscal autonomy. Spring is calling to each of you, beckoning you to plant seeds of independence and cultivate a garden of self-sufficiency.

From Barren to Blossoming

It’s that time of year again, when everyone is sick of the cold weather.  If you have to wear a turtleneck one more time, you will scream. It seems as if the days of feeling a warm breeze blow through your hair, let alone lounging by the pool in your new bathing suit, are a long way out. The trees are still...

Picture this: You just received your final divorce papers, and it is sinking in that you are free to move on to the next chapter of your life. The only problem is that it looks suspiciously like yesterday, except if you wanted to marry someone tomorrow, you could. No one comes to mind. While you are planning to drink a glass of champagne later with your bestie to celebrate, it is only 10 o’clock in the morning, and you are having feelings that are the exact opposite of celebrating.

Now you’re confused. You had thought that once you were divorced, you would feel…happy? Inspired? Free? Instead, all that you feel is fear, sadness, and loneliness. This can’t be all there is, right?

You know what your settlement numbers are, so you sit down to make a budget. Essentials are covered. Are weekly manicures considered essential? Looks like they’re not. Daily Starbucks? Maybe if you pack your lunch every day, those can stay. What about Netflix? This is not fun.

You decide to try out a dating...

Financial conversations can be tough to navigate in life. Whether it's discussing budgets with your spouse, talking to your children about spending habits, or helping aging parents handle their estate, these discussions require courage and tact. Managing these challenging financial conversations successfully is crucial, and it's understandable if you feel overwhelmed. Rest assured, you're not alone. Many people face similar situations and find it comforting to have guidance and support. If you're looking for help in navigating these conversations, know that there are resources available to assist you on your financial journey.

As a financial planner and mediator, I deeply understand the challenges that conversations about money can bring. We've gathered a few valuable tips along our journey that we'd love to share with you.

We're here to provide support and guidance as you navigate these important discussions. With our compassionate and empathetic approach, we aim to help you achieve...

Navigating the complex waters of retirement planning for women can often feel overwhelming and daunting, particularly after experiencing significant life events such as a job loss or divorce. However, it's important to recognize that entering this phase also presents an empowering opportunity to reshape and refocus on a future that is tailored specifically to your needs and aspirations.

As many individuals begin to give retirement planning the gravitas it deserves in their 50s, it becomes increasingly indispensable for single women to approach this phase with both strategy and intention. This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with invaluable insights, practical steps, and expert advice needed to instill confidence in your journey to a secure retirement. By equipping yourself with the right knowledge and tools, you can navigate the intricacies of retirement planning with ease, ensuring a secure and fulfilling future ahead.

A Guide to Retirement Planning for Women in Their...

The journey to college is an exciting time for both parents and their young adults. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, growth, and independence. As parents, we want our children to succeed not only academically but also in managing their finances responsibly. The period leading up to the big move to college presents a unique opportunity to impart important financial lessons and set clear expectations and boundaries, even if you haven't communicated about money openly in the past. In this blog post, we will explore how to make the most of this time by teaching budgeting skills and fostering open communication to ensure a smooth transition into college life.

The Importance of Financial Preparedness

Before your young adult leaves for college, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of financial preparedness. College life introduces them to newfound independence, and managing their finances becomes a vital aspect of their personal growth. Sadly, some you...

When one door closes, another opens – such is the journey of changing careers. Believe me, I've been there. I have experience getting laid off from a job unexpectedly, choosing to make a planned career change, and starting a business from scratch.

As exhilarating as a fresh, professional journey may be, it's crucial to recognize and plan for the financial implications of such a change. In my experience as a financial advisor specializing in career transitions, sound financial planning can make your career change much smoother and more manageable. Today, I will share some key financial tips for changing jobs, and remember, personalized guidance is just a consultation away.

Understanding Your Financial Status

Before you leap into a new career, take stock of your current financial status. This is the foundation of any financial planning and is particularly crucial when contemplating a career change. Your income, savings, expenses, and debts form the pillars of your financial status. Wi...

Divorce often leads to changes in every aspect of your life, especially your finances. It can be particularly daunting when you have to rethink and re-plan your retirement strategy. However, planning for retirement after a divorce doesn't need to be overwhelming. With the right approach, you can turn this life-altering experience into an opportunity to create a solid, customized retirement plan that works best for your new lifestyle.

Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Retirement

Divorce often results in splitting assets, including retirement funds, which may significantly reduce the amount you had planned to live on during retirement. It can also lead to increased living expenses, as you shift from shared costs to bearing them independently. Both of these changes can profoundly affect your original retirement plan.

Moreover, divorce can have various tax implications, like potential penalties for early withdrawal from retirement accounts or changes in tax filing status. These con...

Through watching my grandfather's approach to life and money, I was able to grasp some truly valuable financial lessons. This was particularly poignant given that my father's approach to finances served as a stark counterexample of what not to do.

10 Timeless Financial Lessons

Live Below Your Means

My grandfather, who grew up during the Great Depression, embodied the principle of living below one's means. This was not merely a saying but a lifestyle he embraced, shaping his prudent financial habits. He prioritized long-term financial security over the allure of short-term material gain.

The Power of Saving

The concept of saving was one my grandfather held in high regard. No matter his earnings, he made it a habit to set aside a portion of his income. This practice not only emphasized the importance of saving but also fostered in me the discipline to prioritize savings over unnecessary spending.

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