Blog
Saving Money: How much should I be saving? And where?
In the context of a financial plan, this question is the one I hear most often. And I get it: money is finite. You have goals for today, goals for five years from now, and goals for 30 years from now that must all be balanced. So how...
Read MoreCreative Home Equity Division in Divorce
In a divorce, the family home may be the single most valuable assets to be divided. If there is a lot of equity in that home, you may need to get creative about dividing it.
Read MoreHow Should I Pay Down My Debt?
How much debt is too much? How should you pay your debt down? Is there such a thing as a healthy level of debt? When is it OK to take on more debt? Let's find out!
Read MoreDivorce and Taxes
Our tax code is complex and if you’re doing your taxes for the first time after a divorce, you might have lots of questions. The first question you must always answer when preparing your taxes is your filing status.
Read MoreDo I Need a Budget?
In my perfect world, every person I work with would have a written budget that is revised and updated annually. But we don’t live in my perfect world, and most people never make a formal budget. But there are arguments for having a budget.
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What Is a CDFA®?
A CDFA® Professional is an expert in the intersection of money and matrimony. They are trained to help clients and their attorneys understand the short- and long-term financial consequences of divorce settlements.
Read MoreYour Emergency Fund and You
An emergency fund is a cornerstone of your financial safety net and will serve you when what can go wrong, does. But how much should you keep in an emergency fund? Let's talk emergency fund fundamentals!
Read MorePlanning a Graceful Exit: The Do's and Do Not's of Starting Your Divorce
Divorce is a life-changing event and maybe one of the biggest since your wedding day. And initiating a divorce kicks off a high-stakes legal process. That means there are some do’s and do not’s for getting ready to leave.
Read MoreFinancial Advisor vs. Financial Planner: What’s the Difference?
I often hear clients use the terms Financial Advisor and Financial Planner interchangeably. Some call themselves Wealth Managers. It’s no wonder many people new to personal finance are confused about what people like me can offer.
Read MoreHow to Hire a Divorce Lawyer
The time between late January and early April is sometimes referred to as "divorce season" by those who work in Family Law. If you are one of the people looking to leave their marriage, you may be wondering how to hire a divorce lawyer.
Read MoreThe Three Ss of Stocks: Size, Style, & Sector
When you talk to your Financial Advisor, it may feel like they speak a different language. “What’s a Mega Cap Tech stock?” you may wonder as they plow through a presentation. Here are three ways stocks are categorized and why those matter.
Read MoreBad Decisions: How Errors and Biases Can Derail Your Divorce
I will identify, define, and explore the errors I see crop up most often in divorce cases. I’ll also offer some advice for overcoming these issues once you learn to identify them.
Read MoreRoth IRAs: More Than Just a Retirement Account
Most of the investors that I encounter know that a Roth IRA can be a powerful tool to build wealth for retirement. What they often don’t know is that a Roth IRA can also be a valuable tool for transferring wealth to the next generation.
Read MoreFinancial Abuse in Marriage & Divorce
We’ve come a long way as a society in how we view and deal with Intimate Partner Violence. But there is a form of Intimate Partner Violence that is insidious, prevalent, and overlooked – Financial Abuse.
Read MoreDisaster-Proofing Your Money
September is National Preparedness Month. That makes now a great time to talk about how to disaster-proof your money. When disaster strikes, having cash and credit can be the difference between a quick recovery and a long slow recovery.
Read MoreWhat Is a QDRO?
If you are getting divorced, it's possible that you'll need to use a QDRO (pronounced "quah-droh"). But what is a QDRO, when do you need one, how do you get one, and how do they work? This month I explore the whats, whys, and hows of QDROs.
Read MoreWhat is Compounding?
You may have been told by an older relative or a social media influencer that compounding is how you become wealthy. Compounding is one of the most powerful forces in finance. But how does it work? And how can it work for you?
Read MoreWhat a CDFA Can and Can't Do
Working as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ (CDFA®) Professional means sitting at the intersection of finance and family law. So where do CDFA services end and legal service begin?
Read MoreDealing with a Volatile Stock Market
"The market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent." So how do you deal with an irrational, volatile stock market? I've got five key tips for you.
Read MoreCommunity Property in a Texas Divorce
When a couple lives in a Community Property state, the law deems that any property acquired by either member of the couple during the marriage is jointly owned by both spouses. But Separate Property may throw you a curveball.
Read MoreRecognizing the Signs of Elder Financial Exploitation
As of 2019, it is estimated that elderly adults in the US lose more than $3 billion annually to financial fraud. Up to 10% of older adults are subject to financial abuse and fraud each year. This theft destroys wealth and can leave...
Read MoreReal Property in Divorce: Should I Keep the House?
In many divorces where the couple owns a home, one party will be awarded the home and any associated mortgage. Keeping the house can have major financial implications that you may or may not be prepared for. Here's what to consider.
Read More5 College Savings Options for Your Child
Did you know that Section 529 Plans are only one of several college savings options available?
Read MoreRoth 401(k)s
You just got an email or letter from your 401(k) plan telling you that they are adding a Roth 401(k) option to your existing 401(k) plan. Now you’re wondering if this new option is right for you. Most investors are familiar with Roth...
Read More3 Factors that Impact Child Support in Texas
When I am working with couples or individuals to build their post-divorce budget, a really common question that comes up is how much child support might be payable or owed. This is a key question if you are trying to figure out...
Read MoreWhat is Wealth Management?
There is no shortage of people offering financial advice. There are Financial Coaches, Financial Advisors, Financial Planners, Wealth Advisors, Wealth Managers and on and on. As a consumer, it can be difficult to tell who is offering...
Read MoreThe Divorce Process in Texas
If you are considering a divorce, you are likely wondering what is going to happen during the process. We have developed a flow chart to help you get a handle on what might happen in your case and when.
Read MoreFive Steps to Getting Financially Fit
The New Year often brings thoughts of getting back in shape — getting fit. Yes, I know that usually means physically…but why not financially?
Read MoreNew Year, New You: Setting Financial Goals for 2025
Many of us look to the New Year for a fresh start. If New Years Resolutions are on your mind, one of them might be to get yourself back on track financially. But how exactly can a person “get back on track”? It starts with effective goals.
Read MoreAm I Going to Be OK?: Divorce Financial Planning
One of the most common questions I hear in my practice is, “Am I going to be OK?” This article will outline the role that a financial planning expert can play in answering this question with you...
Read MorePre-Nup, Post-Nup: Which is Right for Me?
Planning to marry is an exciting time and the legalities are likely the farthest thing from your mind. But marriage is more than an emotional union, it’s a financial union.
Read MoreThe 3 Essential Elements of Divorce
Most of us think of divorce as a primarily legal process; and it is. But this is a very narrow view that leaves out key aspects of divorce that will have a major influence on how your case resolves, and how you will feel during and after.
Read MoreWhat is Financial Planning?
Like many topics in personal finance, the definition of Financial Planning can be hard to articulate. If you search “what is financial planning” you’ll get a variety of answers from a variety of sources. So what is it exactly?
Read MoreBudgeting & Divorce
Budgeting – just reading that word may have made your eyes glaze over with boredom. It’s rare that clients come to us excited about the topic. But budgeting can be a powerful tool, especially in the context of a divorce.
Read More529 to Roth IRA Rollovers
Section 529 Plans (529s) are a popular vehicle for parents and grandparents to save for college tuition. The combination of relatively high contribution limits, wide eligibility, tax incentives, and the variety of plans and providers...
Read MoreRetirement Accounts in Divorce
The majority of wealth in high net-worth households is held in retirement accounts. But those accounts can be subject to a host of rules, regulations, and limitations. Understanding the retirement accounts in your community estate is vital.
Read MoreGetting Financially Fit for Fall
The summer is over and we are getting back to business after a well-deserved break. Kids are going back to school and the holiday season will be here before we know it. Before you get wrapped up, take time to get financially fit for Fall.
Read MoreSPECIAL EDITION: Surviving & Thriving After Financial Abuse
I am a survivor of Financial Abuse and in this Special Edition of Graceful Exits, I'm sharing my story.
Read MoreWant To Be Wealthy? Then Plan On It
Originally published June 2020Updated February 2022Add this to the long list of things I hear that drive me crazy: “Financial Planning is just for rich people.”Let me say it louder for the people in the back: In general,...
Read MoreShould I Do a Roth IRA Conversion
A Roth IRA Conversion, when done carefully, can help you plan for a more flexible and tax efficient retirement. But, as with any process involving the Internal Revenue Code, there are plenty of pitfalls to look out for.
Read MoreUnderstanding Taxes After Divorce
If you are divorcing after a long marriage, you may be doing your own taxes for the first time (or the first in a long time). The U.S. tax code is complex but I've put together a primer so you can learn the basics.
Read MoreDo I Need an IRA?
An IRA can be a powerful wealth building and tax optimization tool. But with all things governed by the tax code, there is nuance. In this article I outline the what, why, and how of IRAs so you can decide if you need one.
Read MoreUTMAs for Young Investors
Most of our money education still happens at home and we still often learn by doing. If you want to include education about investing, there is a tool available to you in the form of a UTMA.
Read MoreLove & Money: Laying it all on the table before you say “I do”
Getting married is one thing. Staying married is another. Why not give each other the gift of financial harmony by doing a little bit of homework together before you say, "I do."?
Read MoreTop 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Divorce
Divorce is not a fun process and hopefully, you’ll only have to go through it once in your lifetime. We often learn from our mistakes. But since this may be your first time, I’m sharing the top 10 divorce mistakes to avoid.
Read MoreHENRYs and Why I Love Them
The first time I heard the term "HENRYs," I cocked my head to the side and gave my colleague Steve a look of utter confusion. What is a HENRY? He kindly explained to me that HENRY stands for High Earner, Not Rich Yet.
Read MoreTax Loss Harvest Time: Making the Most of Your Losses
This fall, as thoughts turn to wrapping up for the year’s end, consider the idea of Tax Loss Harvesting. If you have investments that have lost value, you might be able to use those losses for your benefit.
Read MoreHow to Hire a Financial Professional
Why didn’t I title this “How to Hire a Financial Advisor” post? If you read last month’s post, you’ll know there are a wide variety of professionals with various titles, and a Financial Advisor may or may...
Read MoreCollaborative Divorce: What is it? Is it right for me?
What is Collaborative Divorce , and is it right for you? This article will outline the history and process of Collaborative Divorce in Texas, and give you a guide to determine if it’s a good fit for your case.
Read MoreSocial Security After Divorce
The Federal government already has rules in place for how a divorced person can claim Social Security Benefits, and very little that your soon-to-be-ex-spouse does will affect your benefit.
Read MoreThe Collaborative Divorce Process
If you are contemplating a collaborative divorce you may be wondering how the process works. The flow chart below is designed to offer a general overview of what to expect in the collaborative divorce process. Your case may differ in...
Read MoreDo I Need a Financial Plan?
Does everyone need a Financial Plan? No. Not everyone needs a Financial Plan, and not everyone needs to work with a Financial Planner. But there are three big reasons why working with a Financial Planner might be right for you...
Read MoreMutual Funds & ETFs
DIY investing is everywhere, and there are more ways to invest now than at any point in our collective history. But in my life as a Financial Advisor, I observe many individual investors are still confused about the different...
Read MoreContaining Costs & Financing Your Divorce
Divorce can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. There are steps you can take to keep your costs contained. And in cases where costs can't be well contained, there are options to use credit to get through.
Read MoreA Guide to 401(k): Learn All the Basics
If you work full-time and aren’t self-employed, there is a good chance that you have access to a 401(k) plan. A 401(k) plan is a powerful tool for building wealth if you know how to use it effectively.
Read More10 Investing Mistakes to Avoid
My father used to say, “We teach by example, but we learn by experience.” Nowhere is this more true than with investing. Investing mistakes can be costly, not just in dollar terms, but in terms of reaching your goals.
Read MoreThree Ways to Get Divorced in Texas
A very small number of divorce cases end up in a courtroom. If you are considering asking for a divorce, consider also how you think your case may be best settled. It may be less stressful, less costly, and less painful than you think.
Read MoreWhen Do My Investments Get Taxed Exactly?
As the famous saying goes, only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. Most of us understand how our paycheck drives our taxes — we earn money, and the federal government taxes it.But how do our investments drive our...
Read MoreSpousal Support in Texas: Myth vs. Fact
Many a family law client has sat in their lawyer’s office and asked, “Will I get alimony?” (or maybe, “Will I have to pay alimony?”). As with most elements of a divorce case, the answer is, “It...
Read MoreSPECIAL EDITION: The Path to Transformation
Divorce stinks. No one embarks on this journey with joy and enthusiasm.But hidden in the pile of grief, anger, hurt, and fear that divorce brings, there is a gift: The gift of transformation.There are two ways a person can experience...
Read More3 Steps to Divide Assets in a Divorce
You may be struggling to conceptualize how you'll divide everything once the divorce is final. This article will walk you through the process that I use when guiding clients through dividing their estate.
Read MoreMaking a Will: What’s the Big Deal?
When I sit down with a client to review their overall financial health, I almost always ask if they have a will in place. My Type A's typically do, but the majority of others don't...
Read MoreWhy Your Attorney Shouldn’t Answer Your Financial Questions
You've recently been served notice of a divorce petition filed by your spouse.So far, you've done all the right things: You've interviewed a few attorneys, hired one you feel comfortable with, and you're gathering up the information...
Read MoreHealth Insurance & Divorce: What Are My Options?
Insurance coverage is often tied to employment, which means that a non-working or part-time employed spouse in a divorce proceeding may have some healthcare challenges ahead of them post-divorce.
Read MoreRisk Tolerance: What is it? Why does it matter?
When I sit down to talk with new clients and prospective clients who are considering the decision to hire me, I often ask them about their "risk tolerance" or "risk appetite." "Have you ever completed a Risk Tolerance questionnaire?" I ask
Read MoreJust Eat the Treat Already
I advocate for a “pay yourself first” mentality when it comes to planning, saving, and investing. But if you have clear savings goals that you’re meeting and are still hesitant to spend your excess dollars, are you really enjoying them?
Read MoreNegotiation Techniques in Divorce: Arriving at “Yes”
If you are getting divorced, you’re likely in the middle of one of the biggest negotiations of your life. If you find yourself curious about the nuts and bolts of negotiating, then this article is for you.
Read MoreIn Praise of Simplicity: Tips for a Healthy Portfolio
As humans, we are often seduced by complexity, as though the more glamorous or intricate an investment instrument is, the better it must be. Please allow me to make an impassioned argument for the cheap, simple, and boring.
Read MoreHow Do Taxes Work?
The U.S. tax code is a mystery to the typical individual. But federal taxes (not to mention state and local taxes) are a big expense for most of us — and most of us are interested in paying less in taxes.
Read More3 Reasons You Might Need a Financial Advisor
Does everyone need a Financial Advisor? No. Not everyone needs a Financial Advisor. If you are DIY, happy, and getting the results you want, read no further. But, if you are willing to entertain the possibility that you might need me...
Read MoreWhy Hire an Expert?
The period just after your divorce can be a critical time; you need to implement your Divorce Decree and rebuild your financial life. Before you can decide if you'll go it alone or hire an expert, it may help to know what experts are availa
Read More7 Things I Learned When I Divorced
In February 2017, I realized I had to leave my marriage. In the 17 months it took for my divorce to be settled, I learned a lot. I’d like to help you avoid some of my mistakes and make your divorce process as smooth as possible.
Read MoreTaking a Team Approach to Divorce
Few professionals are equipped to effectively answer every need that a client may have through the divorce process. This article aims to outline the various professionals who might make up your team, and help you decide when to call on them
Read MoreStarting Your Divorce: A Short Guide to Leaving
If you’ve decided to end your marriage but haven’t figured out how to start the process, you aren’t alone. With a little thought and consideration, you can find a way to break the news and get yourself on the path to getting out.
Read MoreWhy Financial Advisors Charge Fees, and Why That’s OK
Why would a Financial Advisor who clearly charges for her services be praising the democratization of these same services? Why would I laud the very thing that leads to “fee compression?” Why would I cheer on my competition?
Read MoreMistakes Were Made: Common Divorce Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Divorce is by nature a messy process, and if you are wrapping up a divorce, you may find that mistakes were made. Below I’ll outline the most common mistakes I see and guide you in how to address them.
Read MoreHaving a Happy (Single) Holiday Season
The holidays can be painful for someone whose family has radically changed due to a divorce. While learning to be unmatched during this festive season may not be easy, it’s doable. Here are some tips on getting through and finding some joy.
Read MoreWhat Is Asset Allocation & Why Does It Matter?
Financial experts like to use jargon - it's a character flaw, I must admit. And one piece of jargon you hear often is "asset allocation." While this can sound intimidating, it's actually a very simple concept.
Read MoreBuilding Wealth With an HSA
Open enrollment season for is upon us. As you try to predict your needs over the next 12 months, allow me to put a bug in your ear about a highly valuable wealth-building tool that you may want to include in your upcoming benefit elections.
Read MoreUnderstanding Credit: Your Score vs. Your Report
Credit: Most of us will need it at some point, but few of us really understand how it works. In fact, we may get our initial rude awaking when trying to make our first-ever big, meaningful purchase.If you have large financial goals...
Read MoreAre You "Bad With Money?"
For every woman I work with who claims to be bad with money, I can find another who confidently runs the money for her household. So, what gives?
Read MoreDealing With Firsts: Grieving Your Divorce Through Important Dates
The year of and the year after your divorce will bring many firsts in your new life. This edition of Graceful Exits will outline some of the things you can do to help prepare for and cope with these important days.
Read MoreWhat Is Diversification? And How Do I Do It?
If you've read almost any book, article, or blog on investing, you've seen the word "diversification." But experience has taught me that most investors - even educated ones - still don't understand what diversification is, how it works...
Read MoreRomance, Money, and the Business of Marriage
Before you light the unity candle, say “I do,” jump the broom, or break the glass — make sure you’ve done your financial homework together.
Read MoreWhy We Do Stupid Things With Money: A Three-Part Crash Course in Behavioral Finance - Part III
By being aware of our own potentially flawed thinking & vulnerability to emotional biases, we can check ourselves in real time to see if we might be on the verge of a poor decision. I suggest some legwork to set yourself up for success.
Read MoreBehavioral Finance Part Two
Let’s agree that humans are flawed and our thinking is flawed. Let’s further agree that we are rarely completely rational. Now, let’s discuss the nature of these frailties and how they can cause us to make poor decisions.
Read MoreWhy We Do Stupid Things With Money: A Three-Part Crash Course in Behavioral Finance - Part I
We've all done it - made a poor decision about money. Maybe it was because we didn't know any better. Maybe it was because we got some bad advice. Or maybe it was because we fell prey to a cognitive error or emotional bias. The...
Read MoreCan Divorce Be a Good Thing?
Almost no one who has gone through a divorce enjoyed it. But it is also possible that your divorce can be the best thing that ever happens to you. In reality, there are plenty of benefits from divorce that you may not yet see...
Read MoreInvestment Basics for Your Post-Divorce Life
It is common in divorce cases for one spouse to be more financially- or investment-savvy than the other. If you’re newly divorced with a settlement to administer and you’re the less-savvy spouse, you’ve got a learning curve to navigate.
Read MoreHow Should I Invest My 401(k)?
Back in August, I wrote all about saving and where to put those savings. One of the first places I advised you to save was in your employer-sponsored retirement plan. For most people, that plan is a 401(k). However, you can apply...
Read MoreManaging Your Clients as They Experience Their Crisis
By Sarah Cuddy, Financial Advisor at Robert W. Baird & Co. and Angela Oaks, Family Law Attorney at The Oaks Law FirmSome months ago we were privileged to give a talk by this name for the Houston Young Lawyers Association. With the...
Read MorePre-Divorce Checklist
If you have decided to pursue divorce, there are lots of things to be done. Some are vital; others are less so. This checklist is designed to help you get organized before you start the process.
Read MoreNatural Disasters During Divorce: What Now?
Divorce is rarely a short process. Here in Texas, it takes no fewer than 61 days for a divorce to become final, and often requires up to a year depending on how complex your case is (and how badly the other party does or does not want...
Read MoreThe Pension: What Is it? Do I Want It?
Pension benefits (sometimes calls Defined Benefits Plans) are largely going the way of the dinosaur. But for those who have them, it’s important to accurately assess their value...
Read MoreDivorce During COVID-19
Divorce is difficult during normal times. Divorce during a pandemic is another thing all altogether. If you are in the middle of or contemplating beginning the divorce process, you likely have lots of questions.
Read MoreMediation: Coming to the Table Ready for Success
Mediating successfully requires that you prepare well. In addition, if you come to the table prepared for success, your mediation may finish more quickly. That means less time, money, and stress for you.
Read MoreVital Signs: Checking Your Post-Divorce Financial Health
Though I’m not qualified to address your physical or emotional health, I can help with your financial health. This article will cover the five things every divorcee should put in place to get and stay financially healthy.
Read MoreFinishing Strong: Wrapping up Your Case and Moving On
Your divorce decree is not an ending; it’s just one more step in the process of disentangling two lives. This article will outline some of the most important, sometimes confusing, and potentially easy-to-overlook tasks you’ll encounter...
Read MoreYours and Mine: Dividing the Community Pie
Aside from child custody and child support issues, dividing assets (and debts) in a divorce can be one of the most controversial elements of a case. What is considered marital or separate property?
Read MoreUncovering Hidden Assets: Detective Work in Divorce
In the early stages of divorce, it is easy for assets to be overlooked — or in some cases hidden. A little detective work can give you and your attorney the tools to start asking the right questions.
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