My Passion Is Helping Women in Transition

By Lauren Smith, MBA, CFP®

Financial planning for women during big life transitions is crucial.

If you’re going through a divorce or have recently become a widow, your financial situation can shift dramatically. Although these changes often include a range of emotions, managing your money doesn’t have to add to your stress.

I wrote this article to provide an inside look at some of the financial concerns that women in transition often face—and how my financial planning firm’s services can help.

Women Deserve to Be Financially Empowered

Traditionally in relationships, men are the ones who manage the finances. However, my goal is to level the playing field by giving women the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their money.

Additionally, I’m very aware of the weight of the burden that falls on women in transition—particularly widowed, divorced and other head-of-household women—to provide for their own future. I’m dedicated to providing tailored financial planning for women to help them set themselves up for financial independence.

Going Through a Divorce

Most of my clients who are going through a divorce are worried about how to navigate a financial future for themselves and their children. They face a unique set of worries, like how to manage a potential loss of income, the sometimes-complicated division of assets, navigating spousal support and even debt division. Women also face amplified emotional and practical concerns like lack of financial knowledge, dependence on their spouse and fears about their long-term stability.

To help, I provide the guidance and support needed for them to understand their financial landscape. Together, we gather and evaluate all financial assets and debts, including retirement accounts, investments, benefits, and property. Then we assess their settlement options, budgeting and cash-flow strategies, debt management and long-term financial planning. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, my financial planning knowledge and experience provides the stability and expertise my clients need during this complex, draining process.

Recently Widowed

For my clients who have recently been widowed, one of their biggest worries is how they will be able to take care of themselves financially in their new normal. In addition to being a profoundly emotional ordeal, losing a spouse can also have devastating financial effects—especially when so many women aren’t invited to a seat at the financial table within their marriages.

Specifically, if they weren’t the primary breadwinners in the marriage, recent widows often see an abrupt decline in household income (Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau). While Social Security survivor benefits can be helpful, they might not be able to completely replace the income of the departed spouse. This often leaves widows struggling to sustain the lifestyle they’re used to.

The first thing I do when a recently widowed woman seeks my guidance is to help her understand her financial future. We review estate documents, assets and liabilities, investment options and tax implications. I notice the most profound signs of relief when recently widowed clients realize they have a professional in their corner to guide them in their pursuit of long-term financial stability. This is honestly why I do what I do.

Head of Household

As the head of my own financial household, I fully understand women who want to strengthen control of their finances with confidence and a plan.

Income security is one of the main concerns I see from women clients who are head of their financial households. They’re usually the primary source of income for their families and have to balance work and childcare or other caretaking responsibilities. This makes it extremely difficult to save properly for emergencies and/or retirement. 

Another major concern I see is expense management. Compared to dual-income families, single heads of household often have to shoulder the financial burden of housing, daycare and other essentials on their own. I’m well aware of the stress this can cause and the complex financial decision-making this requires.

Trying to navigate financial challenges on your own is not an easy task. I’m proud of the guidance and support I can provide for women who are heads of household. 

Seek Professional Guidance

If you are a woman going through a big life transition and you want professional financial guidance, or if you’re just seeking a better financial future for yourself, we’re here to help. 

The primary goal of our team at Green Financial Group is to help our clients simplify their financial world and provide comprehensive financial plans so they can pursue their dreams. 

To schedule a complimentary 15-minute financial consultation with me, please call (713) 244-3030 or email clients@greenfinancialgrp.com. 

About Lauren

Lauren Smith is Financial Advisor and Managing Partner at Green Financial Group, a wealth management firm and virtual family office located in the Galleria area of Houston, Texas. Lauren focuses on advanced financial and retirement planning, employing strategies so clients can live out the future of their dreams. She finds fulfillment in helping others make important, often complicated, decisions about their lives as though they were members of her own family. Lauren has a particular passion for empowering women with regard to their finances. When traditionally men are the ones in relationships to be the keepers of the finances, she wants to help level the playing field a bit by giving women the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their finances.

Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Georgia - Terry College of Business, a master’s degree from University of Houston, and the AAMS (Accredited Asset Management Specialist) designation from the College of Financial Planning. She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with the Series 7 and 66 licenses. When she’s not busy supporting her clients, Lauren enjoys spending time with friends, family, her rescue cat, Pippa, and rescue dog, Mamba (also known as GFG’s “Chief Barketing Officer”). Her hobbies include traveling, trying new restaurants, holistic wellness and UGA football (Go Dawgs!). To learn more about Lauren, connect with her on LinkedIn.

Please Note: Any opinions are those of Lauren Smith and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.