Blog

Starting Late Doesn’t Mean Finishing Behind – Lynn’s Story

May 18, 2026

There is a moment in almost every initial conversation I have with a client where the tone shifts. Up until that point, we're talking about numbers, accounts, and general goals. And then something more personal comes out. I feel like I'm behind. Lynn said those exact words when we first met. She had not saved consistently in her earlier years. Life had taken different turns, priorities had shifted, and retirement planning had not always been at the top of the list.

Retiring on Purpose – Why Having Enough Isn’t the Same as Feeling Ready

May 11, 2026

When I wrote Retiring on Purpose, it wasn't because I thought people needed more information about retirement strategies. There is no shortage of information out there about investments, withdrawal rates, and how much you should have saved by a certain age. What I kept seeing, though, were women who had done many of the right things financially and still didn't feel ready. They would come into my office with solid balances, good habits, and a plan that looked fine on paper.

Traveling in Retirement – Why It Doesn’t Just “Happen”

May 4, 2026

When I sit down with women to talk about retirement, the conversation almost always turns to travel. Not in a casual way, but in a way that feels tied to something deeper. It's not just about seeing new places. It's about finally having the time, space, and freedom to experience life differently than they did during their working years. They talk about trips they postponed for decades. Places they've always wanted to go.

Why Two People with the Same Savings Can Have Very Different Retirements

April 27, 2026

It is easy to assume that retirement is all about how much you have saved. Two people with the same amount should have the same retirement, right? Not even close. I have seen this play out countless times. Two individuals walk in with nearly identical balances, yet their retirements look completely different. One feels confident and secure. The other feels anxious and unsure. The difference is not the money. It is the strategy behind it.

If You Have Always Let Someone Else Handle the Money, Read This

April 6, 2026

For many women, money has always been handled by someone else. A spouse, a partner, or even an advisor who took care of everything.” It often felt easier that way. Life was busy, responsibilities were divided, and trust filled in the gaps. Until one day, something changes. Maybe it is a divorce. Maybe it is the loss of a spouse. Or maybe it is simply a moment where you realize you want to understand your financial life for yourself.

Five Money Questions Everyone Should Be Able to Answer by Age 60

March 30, 2026

There comes a point where money stops being about accumulation and starts being about clarity. By the time you reach your 60s, it is less about what you have and more about how it works for you. I have sat across the table from incredibly successful women who have built beautiful lives, yet still feel unsure about their finances. Not because they were careless, but because no one ever taught them the right questions to ask.

The 3 Numbers Quietly Shaping Women’s Financial Futures

March 24, 2026

As we celebrate Women's History Month, there's a shift happening that deserves more attention than it's getting. Women today are earning more, inheriting more, and managing more wealth than any generation before us. That's the headline. But what really matters is what that means for your life, because with more opportunity comes more responsibility and often more decisions than anyone prepared you for.

Money Personality and Money Mindset: Why Both Matter in Retirement

March 16, 2026

Over the past few weeks, we've explored two important ideas: money personality and money mindset. On the surface, they may sound similar, but they shape your financial life in different ways. Understanding the distinction and how they work together can dramatically change the way you approach retirement planning. Your money personality reflects your behavioral tendencies. It shows up in how you naturally save, spend, invest, or avoid financial decisions.

Money Mindset: The Beliefs Quietly Shaping Your Financial Future

March 9, 2026

When women reach retirement or begin thinking seriously about it, the conversation usually starts with numbers. How much have I saved? When should I take Social Security? Will my income last? What will taxes look like?Those are important questions. But beneath every one of them is something less visible and often more powerful — belief.Your money mindset is the collection of beliefs you carry about money. It is the internal narrative formed over decades through family messages, life experi

What’s Your Money Personality?

March 2, 2026

What's Your Money Personality? Understanding How You Think About Money Can Change the Way You Plan for Retirement. When most women think about retirement planning, they immediately think about numbers, account balances, rates of return, Social Security estimates, and investment performance. Those numbers matter, of course. But before we ever talk about strategy, something much more important is already influencing your financial life: your money personality.

Financial Plan vs Life Plan - Why Retirement Is About More Than Money

February 25, 2026

Most retirement conversations start with the same question: Do I have enough?It is the right place to begin. After decades of working, saving, raising families, and carrying responsibility, walking away from a steady paycheck feels significant. You want clarity around income. You want to understand Social Security timing. You want to know how taxes will impact withdrawals and whether your money will last.Those questions matter.But retirement is not simply a financial transition. It is a personal

What To Do And Not Do When You Inherit Money

February 18, 2026

Inheriting money is rarely just about money. It usually comes wrapped in grief, family dynamics, paperwork, and decisions you were not emotionally prepared to make. Whether it is $50,000 or $500,000, the biggest mistake I see women make is moving too fast. This is not the time for urgency. This is the time for clarity. Here is what to do and what not to do if you inherit money. What Not To Do 1. Do not make major financial decisions immediately No big purchases. No gifting to children right aw

Why Taxes Matter More in Retirement Than While You’re Working

February 9, 2026

Most women assume taxes will be easier in retirement. Lower income. Fewer paychecks. Simpler life. The reality is often the opposite.Taxes do not stop in retirement. They change. And the way your money is taxed can have a bigger impact on your lifestyle than market ups and downs.Why Retirement Taxes Feel So ConfusingWhen you are working, taxes are fairly straightforward. You earn a paycheck. Taxes are withheld. What shows up in your bank account feels predictable. In retirement, income often com

If I Don’t Have the Facts, I Can’t Plan

February 4, 2026

When building a financial plan, one thing matters above all else. Accurate information. Financial planning is not about predictions or best guesses. It is a strategy designed to help you make informed decisions about your life, income, and future. That strategy only works when it is based on a complete and accurate picture. At the same time, it is completely reasonable to be cautious about sharing personal financial information.

The Financial Cost of Staying in a Life That No Longer Fits You

January 26, 2026

There is a moment many women reach quietly.Nothing is “wrong” on paper. The house is fine. The marriage may be intact. The job still pays—the routine works.And yet something feels off.When a life no longer fits, the cost is rarely apparent at first. It doesn’t appear as a line item or as a sudden expense. It shows up slowly, through financial decisions that keep you stuck rather than supported.Staying in a life that no longer fits often means postponing choices. Delaying

RMDs, Taxes, and Medicare: The Hidden Costs of Turning 73

January 19, 2026

Turning 73 often feels like just another birthday.But financially, it is one of the most important turning points in retirement.This is the age when Required Minimum Distributions begin for many retirees. And while RMDs are often described as “just taking money out,” the real impact is far bigger than most people expect.RMDs are not optional. Once they begin, the IRS decides how much you must withdraw each year based on your account balance and life expectancy. That withdrawal become

What Your Retirement Account Statement Isn’t Telling You About Your Income

January 12, 2026

Most people open their retirement account statement and feel one of two things. Relief or confusion.Relief because the balance looks “okay.” Confusion because none of it answers the question keeping them up at night.“How much can I safely spend every month without running out of money?”Your statement shows the balance. It shows performance. It might even show quarterly gains and losses.What it does not show is income.And that’s where the disconnect begins.Your state

Laura’s Story: Finding Financial Clarity Before Divorce

January 5, 2026

Laura sat across from me and said she was not sure she was ready to file for divorce, but she needed to know one thing. Would she be okay if she did. She was not asking for permission. She was asking for clarity.Laura had been thinking about divorce quietly and carefully. She had not told many people yet. She was still deciding. But she knew she wanted to understand the financial impact before making a life-changing decision.We started with what okay actually meant to her. Before numbers, before

3 Money Moves to Start 2026 Strong

December 29, 2025

The new year is the perfect time to get intentional about your money. Instead of setting resolutions that fade by February, think of these as momentum moves — small, smart steps that can set the tone for your financial confidence all year long.Here are three ways to start 2026 strong.Refresh Your Goals and Align Them with Your LifeBefore diving into numbers, take a step back and ask yourself what you really want this year to look like.Do you want to travel more? Pay off debt? Help a family

A Season of Joy and Gratitude: Embracing the Heart of the Holidays

December 22, 2025

A Season of Joy and Gratitude: Embracing the Heart of the HolidaysThere is a special kind of magic that settles all over the world during the holidays. The lights glow a little brighter. The air feels a little softer. And for a moment, everything seems to slow down just enough for us to feel the beauty of the season.This is the time of year when joy comes alive in the smallest ways. A warm cup of cocoa. A candle flickering in the window. A short-handwritten card that arrives at exactly the right

When Life Shifts: A Widow’s Journey to Strength, Clarity, and Hope

December 15, 2025

At the Financial Center for Women, we walk alongside women through every chapter of life. The joyful ones, the uncertain ones, and the ones that bring you to your knees before lifting you back up. This is one of those stories.Names and details have been changed to honor privacy, but the heart of this story is real. It reflects the courage so many women find when life suddenly shifts.Maria’s New BeginningMaria had been married for almost 32 years. She and her husband, Paul, built a beautifu

5 Things to Review Before the Year Ends (So You Start Next Year Strong)

December 8, 2025

If you are approaching retirement or are already retired, the end of the year is the perfect time to take a quick look at your financial picture. A few thoughtful reviews now can help you stay organized, avoid surprises at tax time, and start the new year feeling clear and confident about your next steps.As the holidays approach, it is easy to get wrapped up in travel plans, shopping lists, and everything else the season brings. But before the year ends, take a few minutes to check in on your re

Dream Achieved: Carol’s Journey to Homeownership and Financial Confidence

December 2, 2025

When Carol first came to see me, she had a dream that had been in her heart for years. She wanted to own a home. She had always pictured a place that was hers, but she wasn’t sure how to make it happen. At the same time, she was hoping to retire in about five years and worried she hadn’t saved enough to do both.We started by reviewing her expenses, savings, and long-term goals. Based on her income and budget, buying a home seemed challenging unless she increased her income or found a

Five Financial Missteps I See After Divorce (And How to Avoid Them)

December 2, 2025

Twenty years into this work, I can usually tell within the first ten minutes of meeting someone how their divorce settlement is going to affect their financial future. It's not because I'm psychic. It's because I've sat across from dozens of women navigating divorce.

Start with Your Life, Not Your Numbers

December 2, 2025

Here's something I see in my practice all the time: women walk into my office with spreadsheets full of numbers, but they're not sure what those numbers are supposed to do for them. "Do I have enough?" they ask. "Should I be saving more?" And I always answer with a question: "Enough for what? What does your retirement actually look like?" That pause that follows? That's where the real planning begins.

The Prevention Mindset

December 2, 2025

It's October, and everywhere you look, there are pink ribbons reminding us about breast cancer awareness. But let's talk about something deeper than awareness, let's talk about action. You Know What You Should Do (But You Don't Do It)

Cybersecurity Risks Every Female Business Owner Must Know

December 2, 2025

When hackers infiltrated Maria's marketing agency through a phishing email, they didn't just steal client data—they accessed her personal banking information stored on the same device. Within hours, both her business operating account and retirement savings were compromised. The attack that started as a business problem became a personal financial disaster. If you're a female business owner, you're facing a cybersecurity challenge that most resources don't address: you

How Cybercriminals Target Women 50+ (And How to Fight Back)

December 2, 2025

Margaret thought she was being smart when she hung up on the caller claiming to be from Social Security. But when he called back three times with increasingly urgent warnings about her "suspended benefits," she started to worry. After all, she was already concerned about whether her retirement savings would last. What if there really was a problem?That moment of doubt is exactly what the scammer was counting on.If you're a woman over 50, you've likely noticed an uptick in suspi

When Life Changes, So Do Your Digital Vulnerabilities

December 2, 2025

When Life Changes, So Do Your Digital Vulnerabilities Life has a way of turning everything upside down in an instant. One day you're sharing passwords and managing joint accounts, and the next you're navigating the overwhelming task of securing your financial future alone. Whether you're facing divorce or grieving the loss of a spouse, the last thing on your mind is probably cybersecurity, but it should be near the top of your list

Creating a Personalized 'Financial Wellness' Routine: Money and Mental Health

December 2, 2025

Steps for integrating financial literacy with emotional self-care, especially in high-stress transitions

Making Your Retirement Move Work for You

September 26, 2025

Relocation in retirement can be a joyful, fresh chapter—but it’s also a financial decision that deserves the same attention as your investment portfolio. When you plan for the true costs—money, health care, and emotional well-being—you set yourself up for a move that’s not just exciting today, but sustainable for years to come.

Spotting Financial Red Flags in Relationships

September 19, 2025

New relationships can bring joy, but setting healthy financial boundaries ensures you’re building trust on solid ground. You deserve companionship without compromising the security you’ve worked so hard to rebuild. Remember: protecting your finances doesn’t mean you expect the worst—it means you value yourself enough to require the best.

When Can I Start Collecting Social Security?

September 16, 2025

When Can I Start Collecting Social Security?The answer should be easy to answer. You retired and you should start collecting benefits. BUT it is not. The minimum age to claim benefits is 62. If you are turning 62 and need the income from Social Security to support yourself, then you can start claiming your benefits now. However, if you have enough other income to keep you going until you are older, you may want to delay increasing the size of your monthly benefit.What Is Full Ret

Reimagining Retirement: Nontraditional Paths for Self-Employed Women

September 12, 2025

You have built a business from scratch, so you can absolutely build the retirement you want. The key is starting now, even if you start small, and keeping your plan flexible so it grows with you.

Building an Emergency Resilience Fund in Life’s Unexpected Moments

September 5, 2025

Life rarely sends calendar invites before it delivers change. A sudden diagnosis, an unexpected legal issue, the loss of a spouse, or an unplanned move. These moments can arrive quickly and leave you scrambling for both emotional footing and financial stability. That's where an Emergency Resilience Fund comes in. Think of it as a financial life raft, ready to keep you afloat while you navigate the storm.

Social Security Planning for Women Over 50

August 29, 2025

You don’t have to figure this out alone. With the right information, you can turn Social Security from a source of stress into a steady foundation. You’ve handled more complicated seasons in life—this is simply another decision you can make with confidence and grace.

Your Fall Money Reality Check: 5 Questions Every Woman Should Ask Herself

August 22, 2025

The most successful women I work with share one common trait: they face their financial reality with courage and take consistent, incremental steps toward their goals. They understand that financial confidence isn't built overnight, but it is built over time through intentional choices and professional guidance when needed.

When Your Financial Plan Dies With Your Spouse: Rebuilding After Loss

August 15, 2025

Here's what I've learned after helping dozens of women rebuild their financial lives after loss: even the most loving marriages often have invisible financial fault lines. One spouse becomes the "money person," and gradually, decision-making shifts entirely to them. It's not intentional—it just happens. But when that person dies, their financial knowledge dies with them, leaving behind a maze of accounts, passwords, and decisions that feel impossible to navigate.

The Hidden Costs of 'Starting Over' - What Every Divorced Woman Needs to Budget

August 8, 2025

Starting over financially after divorce feels overwhelming, but thousands of women have successfully rebuilt stronger financial foundations post-divorce. The key is realistic planning that accounts for both obvious and hidden costs.

Finding Financial Confidence After Loss – How We Helped Mary Move Forward

April 7, 2025

Mary and John had been married for 40 years. They built a life together, raised a family, and planned for retirement. But when John passed away unexpectedly, everything changed.Mary was devastated. And on top of her grief, she suddenly found herself responsible for managing their finances alone.“I never handled the investments, and I had no idea where to start,” she admitted. “I was overwhelmed.”That’s when she turned to The Financial Center for Women—a decisi

How Life Insurance Can Offset Taxes on an Inherited IRA for Your Children

March 31, 2025

When Karen’s father passed away, she inherited his IRA—and with it, a big surprise from the IRS. “I thought this money would be mine, free and clear,” she admitted. “I had no idea I’d owe taxes on every dollar I withdrew!”Like many people, Karen didn’t realize that an inherited IRA comes with a tax bill. And under today’s tax rules, most beneficiaries must withdraw all the funds within 10 years—potentially pushing them into a higher tax

Navigating Divorce with Confidence – How The Financial Center for Women Can Help

March 24, 2025

Navigating Divorce with Confidence – How The Financial Center for Women Can HelpBecause Divorce is More Than Just Splitting Assets—It’s About Rebuilding Your Financial FutureDivorce isn’t just emotional—it’s financial. It can feel overwhelming to untangle years of shared finances, divide assets, and figure out how to move forward. Whether you saw it coming or it caught you by surprise, one thing is certain: your financial future is changing, and you need a pla

Meet Sarah: From Financial Overwhelm to Money Confidence

March 17, 2025

Meet Sarah: From Financial Overwhelm to Money ConfidenceSarah sat across from me, a mix of frustration and worry on her face. "I don’t even know where to start," she admitted. "I make decent money, but I feel like I’m spinning my wheels. I want to buy a house, save for retirement, and still enjoy life—but how do I do it all?"Sound familiar? Sarah’s story is one I hear all the time from women who are juggling careers, families, and financial goals but f

Divorce and Estate Planning

December 7, 2022

Divorce and Estate Planning How does divorce affect estate planning? Wills for both spouses are often drawn up sometime during the marriage--particularly if there are children involved. When divorce is contemplated, the selection of beneficiaries and executors will likely be revised to reflect the absence of your former spouse. Additionally, you will need to re-examine the gift and estate tax aspects of your estate plan. For these reasons, many divorcing couples revise their estate pla

Common Factors Affecting Your Retirement Income

November 14, 2022

Common Factors Affecting Your Retirement IncomeWhen it comes to planning for your retirement income, it's easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you'll have available to spend. If you don't consider how your retirement income can be impacted by investment risk, inflation risk, long-term care, and taxes, you may not be able to enjoy the retirement you envision.Investment riskDifferent types of investments carry with them different risks. Sound retirement

I'm getting remarried. How will this affect my Social Security benefits?

October 7, 2022

First off, congratulations! We wish you and your fiancée a happy life together. But let's discuss some financial business that may impact your new household.

I'm getting remarried. How to Avoid Accidentally Disinheriting Your Kids

October 7, 2022

Perhaps your family isn’t as complicated as the cast of the award-winning sitcom Modern Family’s, but it makes for a great example as to how easily it could be to accidentally disinherit children.

Introduction to Retirement Planning

September 15, 2022

Introduction to Retirement Planning What is retirement planning? Whether you’re looking forward to retirement as an eagerly anticipated event, an opportunity to enjoy things like travel, hobbies and more family time or if the word retirement conjures up feeling of fear or dread because of the compounding anxiety about finances, you can benefit from the analysis of retirement planning today to prepare for your financial future, establish goals and make wise choices today. The basic elemen

Adjusting to Life Financially after a Divorce

August 30, 2022

Adjusting to Life Financially after a DivorceThere's no doubt about it — going through a divorce can be an emotionally trying time. Ironing out a divorce settlement, attending various court hearings, and dealing with competing attorneys can all weigh heavily on the parties involved. We have been there, we understand.In addition to the emotional impact a divorce can have, it's important to be aware of how your financial position will be impacted. Now, more than ever, you need to mak

Women: Moving Forward Financially After the Loss of a Spouse

August 15, 2022

Women: Moving Forward Financially After the Loss of a SpouseThe loss of a spouse can be a devastating, life-changing event. Due to longer life expectancies, women are more likely to face this situation. It’s been 10 years since my husband passed away, but remember that first year quite vividly.Becoming a widow at any age can be one of the most difficult challenges a woman must face. Not only is there the emotional loss of a spouse, but also the task of handling everything — including

Brown Bear, Black Bear, What Do You See?

June 24, 2022

On a recent trip to the Detroit Zoo, we saw an orphaned brown bear cub named Jebbie taking a dip in his swimming hole. As he looked at the crowd watching his bath, the Eric Carle book I read to my children “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” came to mind. Last week the S&P 500 dipped into Bear Territory and clients have asked me, “What do you see?” and “What should I do?” First and foremost, do not panic! Bears like most animals can sens

Divorce Planning: A Guide to Prepare You for the Divorce Process

June 13, 2022

Divorce Planning: A Guide to Prepare You for the Divorce Process Has your marriage come to an end? There are few events in life more painful than divorce, but you need to take the divorce planning process very seriously. After all, there are many important details that need your attention. This means that you need to keep your emotions in check and focus on the road ahead rather than grieving the past. There will be plenty of time to grieve once the divorce is finalized. When you are over 50, e

5 Tips to Deal With Grief as a New Widow

June 6, 2022

5 Tips to Deal With Grief as a New Widow If you are a new widow, please know we are deeply sorry. We understand that losing your partner is one of the most devastating events you can experience in life. Right now it will seem like your life has completely stopped, and you may not be able to see beyond the day ahead of you. Everyone grieves differently, and no doubt you are wrestling with many different emotions since your husband passed away. Even though it doesn't seem like it now, your li

The 6 Phases of Retirement You Need to Prepare for

May 30, 2022

The 6 Phases of Retirement You Need to Prepare for Did you know there are at least six stages you’ll go through for retirement? As you prepare to navigate life as a retiree, take note of these phases that you can expect yourself to go through. Phase 1: Pre-Retirement The pre-retirement phase is the planning stage. This is the time you’ll spend thinking about when you’ll retire, what you’ll do post retirement, and how y

3 Barriers to Retirement and How You Can Combat Them

May 23, 2022

3 Barriers to Retirement and How You Can Combat Them We don’t know one woman who doesn’t want financial success. That’s the dream, right? Bills are paid. Check. There is income coming in. Check. You have plenty of money saved up for retirement. Not yet? That’s okay. Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t been able to set up the retirement fund you’ve always

Planning for Travel

April 25, 2022

Planning for Travel Whether you want to take a dream trip around the world or simply want to visit your cousin in Indianapolis for a few days, you can benefit from some pretrip planning. If you plan far enough in advance of your departure, you'll usually get better rates on airline fares, lodging, and packages than if you wait until the last minute, particularly if your travel plans are flexible. If you're traveling to a foreign country, you may need time to obtain a passport or a visa

Minimizing Taxation of Your Social Security Retirement Benefit

April 18, 2022

Minimizing Taxation of Your Social Security Retirement Benefit Your Social Security retirement benefit may be taxable Did you know that you might have to pay federal income tax on your Social Security retirement benefit? If the only income you had during the year was Social Security income, then your benefit usually isn't taxable. However, if you earned other income during the year or had substantial investment income, then you might have to pay federal income tax on part of your benefit i

What should I do if I determine that my income during retirement won't be enough

April 14, 2022

Fortunately, you may have no need to despair. The further you are from retirement, the more time you have to resolve the expected shortfall. Even if you are closing in on retirement, there may be steps you can take to bridge the gap.In some cases, the best solution is to cut back current expenses. This will enable you to put more money into your IRA, 401(k), and other retirement savings vehicles. Not sure where to cut back then you might want to cr

Joan's Story

March 8, 2022

Joan loved the retail business. She opened a specialty home goods shop in a vibrant upscale downtown with great foot traffic. Business was good, especially when the economy was booming and there was a market for her cultivated collection of art, custom design and furnishings. Occasionally during an economic downturn, business would be slow, but Joan anticipated such times and squirrelled money away and has always bounced back. Joan’s daughter Elizab

James' Story

March 8, 2022

James came to us to help determine if he should take the buy out his employer was offering. He was anticipating retiring in a couple years and wanted to see if you could afford to retire now. He only had a few weeks to make the decision. James was 60 years old, recently widowed after 27 years and one child. He and his wife, Regina, had saved well. She was a physical therapist. They both contributed to their 401k’s and to a brokera

Alex & Christine's Story

March 8, 2022

Alex and Christine were excited about retiring next year when they both turned 65 and Medicare eligible. They came to us to prepare an income and tax strategy plan for their retirement and to determine when to start taking their social security benefits. They were both 64. Alex works with a small manufacturer as an engineer and Christine is a nurse. They have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. In our initial meeting, they shared their dreams for

Brian & Tina's Story

March 8, 2022

Brian and Tina recently married, second marriage for both. Brian is 64 previously divorced and Tina 62 was a widow. Both had children from their prior marriages.Their goal was to retire in 3 years, when Tina would be eligible for Medicare. They wanted an income and tax strategy that would provide income for as long as they needed. They were also conflicted on how to ensure the other spouse would be taken care in the event of death but also to not disinhe

Jennifer's Story

March 8, 2022

Jennifer came to us to help her retire. She is divorced, 50, looking to retire at 62 and move to Florida to be near her sister. Jennifer worked in skilled trades for Ford Motor Company. She had worked with them for 25 years. She delayed contributing to the 401k, making her first contribution when she was 35. She was concerned if she was saving enough to accomplish her goals. Having watch her mother suffer with Alzheimer’s, she was also concern

Rich & Brad's Story

March 8, 2022

Rich returned from serving in Vietnam and went to trade school on the G.I. Bill. He bought a work van and started a home improvements company, taking on handyman jobs and some remodeling. He got married and worked hard to build the business and allow Mary to stay at home with their two children Brad and Stacy.

Kyle's Story

March 8, 2022

Kyle started mowing lawns and shoveling snow when he was just a teenager trying to earn money to buy his first car. It made a great summer income when he was home from college and helped him graduate debt free. Kyle started working in a corporate job utilizing his finance degree as a commercial loan officer for a local bank. But as he extended credit to businesses, he had this nagging urge to start his own landscaping business.Kyle started small with a truck, trailer, a commerc

Susan's Story

March 8, 2022

Susan and Vic were married for 50 years. They raised two children. Adored their three grandsons, never missing a soccer game. Returning from grocery store one day, Susan found Vic had passed away in his favorite chair watching the Lions game. Vic had handled all the finances. Even though he tried to involve Susan, she had no interest in learning. “That was his job”. After the funeral, Susan was lost. She was grieving, overwhelmed an

Kathy's Story

March 8, 2022

Kathy and Steve were married for 40 years. They raised 3 girls and have 6 grandchildren. About 2 years after Steve retired, they found that wanted different things. After a year of counseling, they decided to divorce. Divorce after age 50 - aka "gray divorce" - is becoming more common. Divorce after retirement can have a significant effect on the nest egg. Together your retirement was solid, apart not so much. Kathy and Steve wo

Megan's Story

March 8, 2022

Megan graduated top of her class from law school where she met her husband, Jason. They each joined established thriving law practices and worked long hours to establish their own clients and pay down their college loans.Unfortunately, Jason and Megan often disagreed about their finances. Jason was eager to start a family, but Megan wanted to focus on her career and work towards becoming a partner at her firm.Megan contacted the Financial Center for Women after seeing Paula’s s

Kendra's Story

March 8, 2022

Kendra lost her husband to cancer. Her children were just entering middle school and high school. Kendra’s husband had faithfully contributed to his workplace retirement and had a small life insurance policy he had purchased when they were first married. Kendra was referred to the Financial Center for Women by a friend who knew we specialized in helping widows transition their financial plan after the loss of their spouse. We assisted Kendra in filing for survivor Soc

Attaining Financial Freedom

March 8, 2022

Your financial health is important and learning to maintain it can help you achieve financial freedom. The prospect of sitting down and planning your finances might seem overwhelming to begin with, but as the saying goes, every journey begins with a single step!The first and most important part in examining your financial health is defining for yourself what financial freedom looks like.

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Blog

Starting Late Doesn’t Mean Finishing Behind – Lynn’s Story

Retiring on Purpose – Why Having Enough Isn’t the Same as Feeling Ready

Traveling in Retirement – Why It Doesn’t Just “Happen”

Why Two People with the Same Savings Can Have Very Different Retirements

If You Have Always Let Someone Else Handle the Money, Read This

Five Money Questions Everyone Should Be Able to Answer by Age 60

The 3 Numbers Quietly Shaping Women’s Financial Futures

Money Personality and Money Mindset: Why Both Matter in Retirement

Money Mindset: The Beliefs Quietly Shaping Your Financial Future

What’s Your Money Personality?

Financial Plan vs Life Plan - Why Retirement Is About More Than Money

What To Do And Not Do When You Inherit Money

Why Taxes Matter More in Retirement Than While You’re Working

If I Don’t Have the Facts, I Can’t Plan

The Financial Cost of Staying in a Life That No Longer Fits You

RMDs, Taxes, and Medicare: The Hidden Costs of Turning 73

What Your Retirement Account Statement Isn’t Telling You About Your Income

Laura’s Story: Finding Financial Clarity Before Divorce

3 Money Moves to Start 2026 Strong

A Season of Joy and Gratitude: Embracing the Heart of the Holidays

When Life Shifts: A Widow’s Journey to Strength, Clarity, and Hope

5 Things to Review Before the Year Ends (So You Start Next Year Strong)

Dream Achieved: Carol’s Journey to Homeownership and Financial Confidence

Five Financial Missteps I See After Divorce (And How to Avoid Them)

Start with Your Life, Not Your Numbers

The Prevention Mindset

Cybersecurity Risks Every Female Business Owner Must Know

How Cybercriminals Target Women 50+ (And How to Fight Back)

When Life Changes, So Do Your Digital Vulnerabilities

Creating a Personalized 'Financial Wellness' Routine: Money and Mental Health

Making Your Retirement Move Work for You

Spotting Financial Red Flags in Relationships

When Can I Start Collecting Social Security?

Reimagining Retirement: Nontraditional Paths for Self-Employed Women

Building an Emergency Resilience Fund in Life’s Unexpected Moments

Social Security Planning for Women Over 50

Your Fall Money Reality Check: 5 Questions Every Woman Should Ask Herself

When Your Financial Plan Dies With Your Spouse: Rebuilding After Loss

The Hidden Costs of 'Starting Over' - What Every Divorced Woman Needs to Budget

Finding Financial Confidence After Loss – How We Helped Mary Move Forward

How Life Insurance Can Offset Taxes on an Inherited IRA for Your Children

Navigating Divorce with Confidence – How The Financial Center for Women Can Help

Meet Sarah: From Financial Overwhelm to Money Confidence

Divorce and Estate Planning

Common Factors Affecting Your Retirement Income

I'm getting remarried. How will this affect my Social Security benefits?

I'm getting remarried. How to Avoid Accidentally Disinheriting Your Kids

Introduction to Retirement Planning

Adjusting to Life Financially after a Divorce

Women: Moving Forward Financially After the Loss of a Spouse

Brown Bear, Black Bear, What Do You See?

Divorce Planning: A Guide to Prepare You for the Divorce Process

5 Tips to Deal With Grief as a New Widow

The 6 Phases of Retirement You Need to Prepare for

3 Barriers to Retirement and How You Can Combat Them

Planning for Travel

Minimizing Taxation of Your Social Security Retirement Benefit

What should I do if I determine that my income during retirement won't be enough

Joan's Story

James' Story

Alex & Christine's Story

Brian & Tina's Story

Jennifer's Story

Rich & Brad's Story

Kyle's Story

Susan's Story

Kathy's Story

Megan's Story

Kendra's Story

Attaining Financial Freedom