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Category: Women

Financial Freedom for Women

Financial Freedom for Women

Posted on by Emily Promise

Achieving financial freedom is a goal for many, but for women, it often comes with unique challenges. From wage gaps and career breaks to planning for longer life expectancies, women face distinct hurdles in their financial journeys. However, with the right knowledge, these obstacles can be overcome. In this blog, learn how to build wealth, take control of your financial future, and thrive in the financial world.

Understanding the Unique Challenges

The first step in gaining financial freedom as a woman is to understand the unique challenges you may face in the financial world. Here are a few you may come across:

  • Wage Gaps: Women often face wage disparities across various sectors and industries, which can significantly impact their long-term financial health.
  • Career Breaks Many women take career breaks for caregiving, which can impact their earning potential and career growth.
  • Longer Life Expectancies: Women typically live longer than men, which means it is crucial to plan for extra years of retirement.

Combating Challenges

While these challenges are very common among women, they can also be overcome. To combat wage gaps, women should be educated about industry salary standards and negotiation skills to ensure they are fairly compensated for their work. Additionally, supporting women’s access to leadership training and mentorship can help them reach higher-paying positions and close the wage gap.

Women can mitigate the financial impact of career breaks by engaging in proactive financial planning, such as saving specifically for this purpose. When speaking with your financial advisor, let them know this is part of your plan and they will help you factor it into your financial game plan.

When taking longer life expectancies into consideration, women should focus on extending their retirement planning to ensure they save enough to cover these additional years. Investing in robust healthcare plans and health savings accounts can address the rising medical costs associated with aging.

Essential Financial Strategies

When embarking on your journey toward financial independence, there are a few essential financial strategies to keep in mind:

  • Investing Early: Starting your investment journey early maximizes the benefit of compounding interest, which is crucial for building long-term wealth. Even small investments can accumulate significantly over time, helping women secure their financial future. 
  • Diversified Portfolio: A mix of assets can manage risks and promote steady growth, safeguarding wealth against unpredictable market conditions. A diverse portfolio may include stocks across different industries and risk profiles, as well as other assets such as bonds and real estate.
  • Retirement Planning: Retirement planning is particularly important for women due to longer life expectancies and unique career trajectories. Effective strategies include maximizing 401(k) contributions and selecting suitable retirement accounts to ensure financial stability in later years. Be sure to research your employer’s retirement plan options and work with your financial advisor to select the one that best fits your unique situation and needs. 

Learn and Grow

The journey to financial freedom is ongoing, requiring continuous learning, growth, and support. The following are key to a successful financial future:

  • Education & Awareness: Understanding the financial landscape is crucial for achieving financial independence. By educating yourself through workshops, webinars, and resources, you can become more aware and better prepared for any situation coming your way. Additionally, learning negotiation skills can help you secure better salaries and benefits, which is essential for building long-term wealth. 
  • Strategic Planning: Strategic financial planning is essential for reaching financial independence. For example, having a plan that accounts for career interruptions by saving for sabbaticals or considering career break insurance can help create a solid path toward financial stability and independence.
  • Support and Community: Building a strong support system is crucial for women’s financial success. Engaging in mentorship programs for guidance and joining networks with other women facing similar financial challenges can provide valuable support. 

 

With determination and the proper resources, women can confidently navigate their financial paths and achieve lasting financial security. If you want to learn how to gain financial independence, contact us today. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

 

Blakely Financial, Inc. is an independent financial planning and investment management firm that provides clarity, insight, and guidance to help our clients attain their financial goals. Engage with the entire Blakely Financial team at WWW.BLAKELYFINANCIAL.COM  to see what other financial tips we can provide towards your financial well-being.
Commonwealth Financial Network® or Blakely Financial does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation.
5 Staggering Stats About Women & Finance

5 Staggering Stats About Women & Finance

Posted on by Emily Promise

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is important to look into the ways in which women differ from men in the financial world. Though women have been greatly increasing their stake in global finances in recent years, they still have fewer advantages than men. You may be surprised to learn just how large the gender gap is when it comes to high-power positions, investing, savings, and marital finances. 

Only 19% of women are confident they’re on track to retire without running out of money

The fact that only 19% of women are confident they are on track to retire without running out of money, compared to 35% of men, implies a significant gender gap in savings plans. Women are more likely to face financial insecurity in retirement due to various factors such as the gender pay gap, caregiving responsibilities, and longer life expectancies. Women tend to have lower lifetime earnings and savings than men, which makes it challenging to achieve their retirement goals and can lead to a lower quality of life in later years.

This gender gap in retirement savings highlights the need for greater financial education and support for women, including increasing access to retirement savings plans and financial advisors who can help women navigate the complexities of retirement planning. Additionally, policymakers and employers must address the systemic barriers contributing to the gender gap in savings, such as the gender pay gap and lack of paid leave for caregiving responsibilities.

40% of men have invested money in the stock market compared to just 22% of women

There are nearly twice as many men invested in the stock market than women. This difference could be incredibly costly. Though the cause of this discrepancy cannot be determined with certainty, it is likely rooted in social and cultural norms which discourage women from taking an active role in financial decision-making. Additionally, the lack of representation of women in the financial industry can also create a barrier to entry for women, as they may not see themselves represented in the industry and may not have access to female financial advisors or mentors.

Addressing the gender gap in stock market participation requires a multi-faceted approach which includes increasing financial education for women, addressing systemic barriers limiting women’s financial opportunities, and promoting greater gender diversity in the financial industry. By creating a more inclusive and equitable financial system, we can help ensure all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to achieve financial security and prosperity.

If given an extra $1,000 men are 35% more likely to invest it 

There’s an investing gap between men and women. And for women who earn six figures, this gap could cost them as much as $1 million over a 30-year period.The disparity in investment behavior may be attributed to differences in financial literacy, risk tolerance, and cultural and societal norms between men and women. Men may be more likely to invest an extra $1,000 due to greater exposure to financial education and encouragement to take financial risks, whereas women may be more risk-averse and may prioritize more conservative investment strategies.

58% of women married to men leave financial planning and investment decisions to their husbands

Every couple is different in their ideas about financial responsibility, but most women leave the long-term planning and investing decisions up to their husbands. When wives are not involved in the financial planning, they could potentially be blindsided by the adverse effects of failed investments or lack of saving by their husbands. Though many relationships are successful under this planning system, it can leave women at a disadvantage by limiting their control over the long-term financial decisions for the marriage. 

Only 10% of Fortune 500 Company CEOs are Women

This statistic has remained around 8% for many years, so the increase is certainly a good sign of the increased power of women in the business world. However, 10% is still a shockingly small number considering the overall contribution of women to the workforce. This underrepresentation of women in top-level positions not only limits their opportunities for professional growth and economic advancement but also reinforces the systemic barriers preventing women from achieving their full potential in the workplace. Additionally, the lack of diverse perspectives in corporate leadership can lead to a lack of understanding of the needs and experiences of women, which can negatively impact company culture, policies, and decision-making.

Moreover, women’s underrepresentation in top corporate positions also contributes to their overall financial power. When women are excluded from the highest echelons of corporate leadership, it can exacerbate gender inequalities in wealth and income, perpetuating a cycle of economic disadvantage for women.

The Bright Side & Next Steps

Thankfully, plenty of progress has been made, and there is more to come. According to Fidelity’s 2021 Women & Investing Study of over 5 million investors in the last 10 years, on average, women outperformed their male counterparts by 40 basis points. The study goes on to share more women are investing than ever before.

Here are a few steps women can take toward financial freedom:

  • Seek the advice of a trusted advisor (like Blakely Financial). Investing can be intimidating, but working with an expert is the best way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your money.
  • Improve your financial savvy, you can improve your financial savvy by speaking with your financial advisor, referencing trusted online resources, and attending financial webinars.
  • Get a clear image of your financial situation, analyze your monthly expenses, and divide them into your needs, wants, and wishes. This will help you identify any extra income you can use towards investing.
  • Take advantage of all employer-offered benefits, for example: your employer may offer a 401k match. Make sure you are utilizing every financial opportunity your employer has to offer.

We believe strong representation of women in the financial field can encourage and inspire other women to make the most of their wealth. With an experienced financial advisor, successful women can take full control of their money and build a strong long-term financial plan. 

Blakely Financial, Inc. is an independent financial planning and investment management firm that provides clarity, insight, and guidance to help our clients attain their financial goals. Engage with the entire Blakely Financial team at WWW.BLAKELYFINANCIAL.COM to see what other financial tips we can provide towards your financial well-being.
Commonwealth Financial Network® or Blakely Financial does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation.
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
Planning for Financials around Divorce

Financial Planning After a Divorce: What Women Should Know

Posted on by Emily Promise

The truth is, after a divorce, women tend to be hit harder financially than men. And, given that women experienced the highest rates of job losses in 2020, divorce in the current environment is even more likely to disrupt their financial stability. For women who find themselves experiencing the increasingly common  “gray” or late-life divorce, the financial consequences may be even more acute. The decision to end a  marriage after age 50 could mean unraveling assets and finances that have been shared for decades. 

If you’re facing financial challenges or decisions after divorce, how can you better understand and take control of your financial future? To start, consider seeking guidance on some of the planning issues discussed below. 

Splitting Marital Assets 

This topic can become highly complicated. Assets acquired during the marriage are split according to your state’s law. Generally speaking, most states follow equitable distribution rules that will consider all marital assets, and a court will determine their distribution between you and your former spouse. There are nine states that have community property laws, which means each spouse owns 50 percent of the assets acquired during their marriage (with certain exceptions). When it comes to debts, in community property states the same approach holds. Debts acquired during the marriage are generally attributable to both spouses. In noncommunity property states, however, debts usually stay with the spouse who incurred the debt, unless the other spouse cosigned or otherwise guaranteed it. 

Retirement savings

The contributions you or your former spouse make to employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs during the marriage are generally considered marital property, with some exceptions. Contributions made outside of the marriage, for example, can be considered separate property. Pay particular attention to any qualified plans you may have, such as pensions or 401(k)s, as these should be divided according to a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO). 

A QDRO allows for a tax and penalty-free transfer to a nonowner ex-spouse. Neither the original owner nor the divorcing nonowner should be taxed or penalized if the nonowner rolls the assets directly into a  qualified plan or an IRA. Keep in mind, if the nonowner spouse receiving the distribution uses the funds in any other fashion, a tax will be imposed on that distribution—but only to that spouse. 

We can discuss the QDRO with you in greater detail, as options can vary from plan to plan. Pensions, for example, will generally not pay a lump sum but will make payments to the ex-spouse the same way they would be made to the employee-owner. The sooner a QDRO is presented to a plan administrator, the clearer the understanding you’ll have about your options. 

Creditor protection is another consideration. Keep in mind that 401(k) plans are covered by the Employee  Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), so they have creditor protection. If the 401(k) is rolled into an  IRA, it will continue to be protected from bankruptcy creditors, but it will only receive general creditor protection as provided by state law. 

Dividing an IRA is different, though. ERISA does not cover IRAs, and the division of an IRA does not require a QDRO. For federal tax purposes, if the division follows a court-issued divorce decree and is made as a trustee-to-trustee transfer as opposed to an outright distribution, an IRA owner can avoid tax and penalties. Once the asset is transferred, each spouse becomes solely responsible for tax and penalties of any future distributions. 

Family Home

If you or your ex-spouse want to hold on to the home, the marital estate can be equalized from other assets, if necessary. Current circumstances related to the pandemic may complicate the equalization, though. Because inventories and interest rates remain low, demand exceeds the supply of homes for sale. In this seller’s market, we’re seeing homes sold immediately after the Coming Soon sign is posted. Plus, the rise in home values across the U.S. increases the likelihood that the equalization may involve the exchange of additional liquid assets to keep the house. 

If you’re interested in keeping the family home, we can help you factor ongoing mortgage payments,  property taxes, and maintenance expenses into your current cash flow and long-term financial plan to see whether it’s feasible. If not, there are other alternatives we can look at, including refinancing or downsizing. 

Life insurance.

The accumulated cash value of a life insurance policy is subject to division—much like any other marital asset. If it’s necessary to divide the cash value, transferring a policy’s ownership can be included as part of your divorce decree. If you are transferring a policy, be sure to update beneficiary designations before doing so. 

Considering Income and Cash Flow 

If you or your spouse was the breadwinner, income may need to be equalized in the division of assets.  State family laws determine any alimony amounts. Whether you’re paying or receiving alimony payments,  we can help factor the effect into your monthly or annual cash flow plan. 

Alimony

Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, alimony payments are no longer deductible by the payer, and, consequently, the payee can’t include the money as taxable income. This change applies to divorce settlements made after December 31, 2018. It can also apply to existing agreements that are modified after that date, but only if the modification explicitly states that the new rule applies. 

Social security

You may be able to collect social security income on your ex-spouse’s working record  (even if your ex-spouse remarries) as long as you have not remarried, your marriage lasted more than 10  years, and you have been divorced for more than two years. To qualify, you and your former spouse must be 62 or older. If you were born before December 31, 1953, you can file a restricted application allowing you to receive up to 50 percent of your ex-spouse’s full retirement age benefit amount, and your own benefit can grow with delayed retirement credits. Your ex-spouse will not be aware of or involved in your claim. 

If you’re caring for a child younger than 16 and you’re not remarried, children’s social security benefits may be available to you, regardless of your age.  

Child support

Based on their sensitive nature, child support issues, including financial support and physical care, are usually resolved in court. The divorce decree should specify the amounts, if any, of child support paid from one spouse to the other, as well as who will be entitled to claim the children as dependents for tax purposes. Although the pandemic’s impact on women has been largely disproportionate, one positive outgrowth is a growing consensus that childcare is, in fact, infrastructure.  This focus may ease the childcare burden if you are the custodial parent. 

Estate Planning 

Following your divorce, it’s important to update your estate plan to accommodate any adjustments.  Although most state laws nullify a beneficiary or fiduciary designation of an ex-spouse, you may need to amend or get new trusts, wills, and powers of attorney, as well as change beneficiary designations. If you named your former spouse as your trusted person or beneficiary in documents or on accounts, these designations should be changed as soon as possible. And, if you retain custody—even partial custody— of a minor, your estate planning documents should address the issue of guardianship for your child and the child’s estate.  

Taking the Long-Term View 

If you feel financially unprepared for the breakup of your marriage, you’re not alone. Only about one-third of divorcées have a comprehensive plan in place (see chart below), according to a 2017 Fidelity  Investments survey. That’s one reason it’s critical to get the guidance you need to help you navigate the financial challenges of a divorce. 

Need Additional Information? 

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) I am able to guide women through all of the financial implications of a divorce. Join me on Wednesday, August 31st at 12pm for a Live Webinar: Financial Independence: A Divorced Woman’s Guide. REGISTER TODAY!

This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either tax or legal advice. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful,  we recommend you consult a tax preparer, professional tax advisor, or lawyer. 

Pre Marital Planning Financial

3 Financial Items to Consider Before Marriage

Posted on by Steve LaFrance

Divorce is hard enough without the many financial issues it brings. In fact, disagreements about money are one of the leading causes of divorce. This is why it is important to save yourself from future distress by considering certain pre-marriage steps. Having smart family discussions about money and forming legal agreements can not only prevent marital problems but save you from stressful legal arguments in the unfortunate event of a divorce. 

1. Prenuptial Agreement

Regardless of how you divide financial responsibilities within a marriage, divorce can raise difficult questions about each spouse’s legal rights and responsibilities. A prenuptial agreement can be a wise choice; by settling all of those issues before they arise. A prenup can limit your debt liability by ensuring that creditors cannot go after you to collect on your spouse’s debts. It can also protect the inheritance rights of your children from a previous relationship, as well as the ownership rights to your business. 

It is important to enter a marriage with a solid sense of assets and liabilities- a prenup is not just for the event of divorce, but for full disclosure of financials within a partnership. 

Prenups may also set provisions for financial responsibility during the marriage. They can even contain a sunset provision, meaning that conditions in the prenup will expire after a certain length of time.

 

2. Property

If you and your spouse eventually part ways, you may not agree on who owns certain property acquired during the marriage. Depending on the state you live in, property acquired during a marriage may be divided up 50-50 during a divorce, or be divided as a judge deems fair, which may not be strictly equal. Establishing which property will be marital or separate should be considered before entering into a marriage, and separate property acquired as a gift or inheritance during a marriage should be carefully documented as such: 

 

“Determining whether property is separate or marital can become a very fact-specific inquiry. Especially in community property states, a judge may presume that all the property in a couple’s possession during their marriage is marital property unless they present evidence to suggest that an asset is separate property.” 

 

3. Children and Estate Planning

You may have already made some estate planning considerations, but they should be reevaluated before marriage. Whether this is your first marriage or your third, it is important to consider how it may legally impact your spouse, as well as your obligations and children from previous relationships. Estate planning will provide you the flexibility to name someone else to oversee the money you leave to your children. If you have remarried, an estate plan can provide support for your surviving spouse, as well as protect your children’s potential inheritance should your surviving spouse remarry.

Before getting married, your will should reflect your desires as they impact your children and those of your new spouse. Don’t make the mistake of assuming a change in your circumstances will make a prior beneficiary designation null and void. Always make beneficiary changes on the correct paperwork specific to the financial institution.

 

In Conclusion

Avoiding financial stress in a marital partnership is vital to protecting your assets and those of your spouse. Taking these measures before entering into a marriage not only simplifies the process of a divorce, but ensures that you and your spouse are on the same page in terms of the division of assets within a marriage. Consulting with a professional before you tie the knot will answer any hypothetical questions you both may have about a possible divorce. Though it may sound like a disheartening way to begin a marriage, it is a practical and mutually beneficial choice for you and your spouse!

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) Emily Promise is able to guide women through all of the financial implications of a divorce. Join her on Wednesday, August 31st at 12pm for a Live Webinar: Financial Independence: A Divorced Woman’s Guide. Register Today!

 

Engage with the entire Blakely Financial team at WWW.BLAKELYFINANCIAL.COM to see what other financial tips we can provide towards your financial well-being.

Blakely Financial, Inc. is an independent financial planning and investment management firm that provides clarity, insight, and guidance to help our clients attain their financial goals.

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

Donna Teaching Crock-Pot Class at YWCA

Posted on by Blakely Financial

Donna Blakely recently volunteered with the Junior League of High Point and helped teach a Crock-Pot cooking class at the YWCA to young moms. It was an educational workshop that included healthy eating focused on the nutritional needs of women and children. The JLHP provided each participant with a crock-pot, recipe book, and ingredients to help these moms recreate the meal at home that was demonstrated to them during the class. Anytime there is food and cooking involved, Donna loves to help out!

Donna Blakely Crock-Pot JLHP Junior League of High Point YWCA
Donna Blakely teaching Crock-Pot class with the JLHP Junior League of High Point YWCA
The Truth About Buy Now Pay Later BNPL Blakely Financial

When Buying Is Easy, Paying Later Can Be a Problem

Posted on by Emily Promise

Presented by Emily Promise

If you shop online, you might have noticed a growing number of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services that offer the option to spread out the payments on your purchases. For example, buyers who make one partial payment upfront and agree to several additional interest-free installments can receive their orders immediately. This is a crucial difference from the layaway plans of the past in which shoppers had to wait until they paid the balance in full to take their goods home. Many stores discontinued layaway plans in the 1980s when credit cards became widespread.

BNPL plans are more popular with younger consumers trying to stretch their paychecks, partly because they are more comfortable shopping online (and particularly on smartphones). At first glance, it may seem like a worthwhile convenience, but there are good reasons to think twice before committing to installment purchases.

Credit Is Credit

BNPL plans are essentially point-of-sale loans; applying for financing is quick and easy, which seems like a plus when time is tight.

However, speedy access to credit also provides instant gratification and allows for more impulse buying. As a result, it might tempt you to overspend on things you don’t need and probably wouldn’t buy if you had to save up and/or pay 100% of the cost upfront. And if you make a lot of smaller purchases across multiple services, it may be harder to keep track of how much you are spending.

Too Good To Be True?

One criticism of BNPL services is that they make it easier for consumers to fall into debt. As with credit cards, you would face financial consequences such as late fees and/or high-interest rates if you encounter a financial setback and can’t pay the installments on schedule.

Another point to consider is that credit-card companies report on-time payments to the credit bureaus, so using credit cards responsibly can help you build a positive credit history. In contrast, some BNPL lenders may not bother to report on-time payments — though they will indeed report missed payments and collections. So before you use any BNPL service, read the fine print carefully to make sure you understand the terms and conditions and the company’s credit reporting policies.

 

This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either tax or legal advice. Although we go to great lengths to ensure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a tax preparer, professional tax advisor, or lawyer.

Engage with the entire Blakely Financial team at WWW.BLAKELYFINANCIAL.COM to see what other financial tips we can provide towards your financial well-being.

Blakely Financial, Inc. is an independent financial planning and investment management firm that provides clarity, insight, and guidance to help our clients attain their financial goals.

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

Holiday Conversation Topics

Holiday Conversation Topics

Posted on by Emily Promise

The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends. As we return to in-person gatherings this holiday season, there will be countless opportunities for meaningful conversations with your family.  There are so many important financial planning topics that can and should be discussed.  I’m here to share some topics of conversation to have across all generations of the family.

The Patriarchs & Matriarchs (“Grandparents”) of the family to their grown adult children:

Who will help with medical and end-of-life decisions? Do they know where your financial accounts are? Discuss your estate planning wishes with your adult children; share where to locate vital documents (password books, estate documents).

Adults to their Children:

For Young Children – Talk about the importance of saving and giving back to the community in which you live (holidays are about more than just gifts – teach them this lesson while they are young!)

Teenaged Children – What are their goals for the future? Are they considering going to college? Are they working on making varsity on a sports team next season? Listen to them, hear them out, and then share with them knowledge and lessons you have learned in the past.

Young Adult Children – At this period in their life, they have a lot going on – new jobs, maybe a home purchase, starting families of their own – all major life decisions! Discuss the importance of looking into the future and planning for such goals.

Now, once you work through the serious stuff – and the holiday punch has kicked in – here are some fun, thought-provoking conversations to have as a group:

•             Start a family book club

•             Share family recipes

•             Plan a family reunion

Make the most of the holidays and your time together. Life gets busy, and we often don’t have quality time with family, so take advantage of your time with family and friends – don’t wish it away!