Financial Insights
Plain English guidance on the financial decisions that matter most — for women navigating divorce, widowhood, and retirement.
Making Sense of Medicare: A Guide for Women Approaching 65
Many women approaching 65 are surprised by how many decisions Medicare actually involves. Here's a guide to making sense of it all — before the enrollment windows close.
Bridge Coverage Before Medicare: Health Insurance Options Before 65
Many women who are financially ready to retire stay in jobs longer than they want to because of health insurance. Here's why bridge coverage before Medicare is usually less of a problem than it seems.
What Happens to Social Security When Your Spouse Dies?
When a spouse dies, Social Security benefits don't simply continue as they were. Here's what actually happens, and why the decisions you make about survivor benefits are among the most important financial decisions you'll face.
The Financial Mistakes Many Women Make During Divorce — and How to Avoid Them
Divorce is one of the most financially consequential events in a woman's life. The mistakes made during the process are often avoidable — but only if you know what to watch for.
What Does a Financial Advisor Actually Do? And How Do You Know If You Need One?
Most people have a vague sense that a financial advisor helps with investments. The reality is both simpler and more significant than that. Here's what a good advisor actually does — and how to know if working with one makes sense for you.
Why the First Year of Retirement Feels So Unsettling — Even When the Numbers Look Fine
Most people expect retirement to feel like relief. Many find it feels surprisingly unsettling — even when they've saved enough and planned carefully. Here's why that happens and what actually helps.
What Is a QDRO — and Why Does It Matter in Your Divorce?
If retirement accounts are part of your divorce settlement, you've probably heard the term QDRO. Here's what it actually means, why it matters, and what happens if it's handled incorrectly.
When Should I Take Social Security?
The decision of when to claim Social Security is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make in retirement — and one of the most misunderstood. Here's how to think through it clearly.
Should You Rush to Invest Life Insurance Proceeds? Probably Not.
When life insurance proceeds arrive after losing a spouse, the pressure to "do something" with the money can feel immediate. Here's why slowing down is usually the right financial decision.
Why I Tell Almost Every Client to Keep More Cash Than They Think They Need
Most people think of cash as the boring part of a financial plan. I think of it as the part that makes everything else work — especially when markets get scary.
The "Single Penalty": The Hidden Tax Cost of Keeping the House After Divorce
Most women going through divorce don't know that selling the family home after the divorce is final can cost significantly more in taxes than selling during the process. Here's what the "single penalty" actually means — and why it matters.
What to Do Financially in the First 90 Days After Losing a Spouse
The financial decisions that follow the loss of a spouse can feel overwhelming — and they arrive before you're ready for them. Here's an honest guide to what actually needs attention and what can wait.
Should I Keep the House in a Divorce? A Financial Perspective
Keeping the family home in a divorce feels like the right move for a lot of women. But is it the right financial move? Here's what to consider before you decide.
What Happens to Social Security After Divorce?
If you were married for at least ten years, your divorce doesn't have to mean losing access to Social Security benefits based on your spouse's record. Here's what you need to know — in plain English.