Women & Money: The Shit We Don't Talk About!

80% of women leave their financial advisor if they become widowed. Why is this? For many women, the industry is not a welcoming place. On today’s episode, our guest, Robyn Crane, will be discussing why we need to have more women in the financial service industry and the importance of women in this field. Robyn is a highly recognized business growth expert and speaker, training women to make impacts in their professions. Robyn was a financial advisor for ten years and she entered the field wanting to help people align their values with their finances. But starting off in the industry Robyn knew she wanted to be a change maker. The sales process in financial services can often feel abrasive and pushy and she’s working to change that, to make women more comfortable in this industry as professionals and clients. Robyn started to approach sales in a different way. As opposed to just pushing sales she began to understand the needs of her clients and how she could better serve them and their values. Today, Robyn will break down her journey and the ways we can make financial services more inclusive. We also will discuss: ·       The way we sell in financial services and how we can alter the traditional approach to sales. ·       Serving women in ways that work best for them. ·       Getting women into the industry and keeping them in the industry. ·       What Robyn thinks will help change the industry Your Free Resource from Today's Show: about Robyn:  Listen to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 1:19 – Welcome Robyn Crane!5:10 – Conversations about money 6:44 – What’s wrong with the traditional approach?11:20 – At what point did you make the shift?18:01 – The people we want to work with  23:28 – Women working with advisors 28:34 – What’s it going to take for the industry to change33:12 – Women are the market 39:25 – Understanding the human part of financial services42:48 – Any final thoughts?Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

Socially responsible investing gives women the choices and power to put their money where they want to, in a way that works for them. On today’s episode, Beth Wahlig one of our resident experts joins us to break down this topic and how women can impact the world through responsible investing. ESG (Environmental - Social - Governance) investing is a way to measure the sustainable goals put into place by the U.N. and invest in places that will create change. These goals include social, environmental, and other rights that are important to many of us. Similarly, socially responsible investing focuses on values. You are trying to have a direct impact through investment, supporting a company working towards real actionable change. With the current state of the world, there are more opportunities than ever to make an impact by investing in various fields. The first step is approaching your advisor and making it clear which values you want to support in your portfolio. We also will discuss: ·       The issues of today that we can address with investing ·       How to get started in value-based planning and investing ·       ESG performance and how these funds usually do ·       How we can do our own company researchMore about Beth and her work: to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 2:34 – What is socially responsible investing?6:58 – Women breaking into responsible investing 10:32 – How do we invest in these companies? 15:46 – Financial wellness and social responsibility 18:59 – How do these funds usually do?24:00 – Do all advisors offer these options?26:52 – Finding an advisor that will work with you 28:27 – How can we best learn about companies?31:05 – Which websites can we use?34:07 – Parting thoughts for listeners 35:47 – How to reach out to Beth Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

As we’ve discussed before, women often take on the role of caregiver, which can get even more complex when caring for special needs children and aging parents. On today’s episode, a special guest from the Provost family, Adrienne Provost, joins us to share her experience as a caregiver and some of the knowledge she's learned throughout her journey. The financial, emotional, and physical aspects of caring for a special needs child and elderly parents can be complicated. That’s why Adrienne is here to share her story, in the hopes she can reach and help other parents and caregivers. Adrienne has found herself part of the “sandwich generation” which proves to have its own unique challenges when it comes to navigating the world of finances and caregiving. In her situation, both her child and parents will need continued care and this is something Adrienne has had to prepare for. Join us today as Adriene breaks down the various roles she plays, the impact it has had on her financial journey, and much more!We also will discuss: ·       Caregiving’s impact on her finances and life ·       Aging parents and helping with finances and life documents ·       Balancing caregiving and working outside the home ·       Navigating healthcare, finances, insurance, etc. Listen to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 2:41 – Welcome Adrienne! 3:04 – The sandwich generation 7:36 – Caring for her parents 12:02 – Life as a working mom 13:39 – Navigating healthcare and caregiving 18:09 - What advice would you give? 23:53 – What do you do for yourself?27:14 – What have you learned?29:11 – Preparing before an issue comes up 32:47 – Any last tips you want to share? Resources:About Today's Sponsor: a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

In our society, the role of caretaker is often taken on by women. From elderly parents to raising children, most of the time it’s the women taking on the bulk of this responsibility and with this responsibility comes a lot of financial and legal knowledge we need to be aware of. On today’s episode, Cathy Sikorski, a former attorney, and current financial and legal educator joins us to discuss some tough issues with the right amount of humor. She is teaching women about financial care and aging, giving women the tools they need as caregivers and to care for themselves. We are in a caregiver crisis and Cathy is here to educate the public on how we can come out the other side alive and financially healthy. Taking care of elderly parents will impact most of us and we all have to prepare as much as we can. The more plans you have in place, the easier it will be to navigate this part of life. Join us today as we discuss: ·       How women are financially impacted as caregivers·       Saving financially as a caregiver and preparing for long term care·       What women need to be aware of as a caregiver ·       What documents you need for yourself and others Learn more about Cathy's book: 12 Conversations More about Cathy: to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 2:09 – We are in a caregiver crisis 3:19 – Why you need to prepare5:19 – How do we make a better plan?7:19 – A long term care plan 8:53 – Investing in your parents’ care 10:07 – Seeing protection for the future 10:52 – The concerns you need to be aware of14:16 – The important documents you need16:18 – Everyone needs a power of attorney 16:55 – Cathy’s new book: 12 Conversations 18:31 – Cathy’s other books and resources 20:15 – You come to caregiving with an open heart 22:16 – What’s the best way to reach out?Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

Running a business is hard work, but more and more women are entering the entrepreneurship space while also balancing their family and personal lives. On today’s episode, Kimberly Lewis, co-founder of CurlMix joins us to discuss her business journey, her experience on Shark Tank, and the future vision she has for her growing business. Kimberly pivoted CurlMix while 7 months pregnant by focusing on one amazing product that helps women style their curls. After selling hundreds of products within hours of launching their new product, CurlMix was quickly put on the path to success. She has learned how to create her own hair product as well as the networking, marketing, and investing that goes into running a business with the support of her husband. While she has faced significant hurdles, Kimberly was always determined to overcome these struggles and find innovative ways to fund and expand her business. Inspired by her mother, Kimberly’s passion for entrepreneurship continues to grow and she hopes to make CurlMix public in the near future. Join us today as we discuss: ·       Creating CurlMix as a vertically integrated business ·       Finding success and co-founding a business ·       How they expanded their network and found funding·       The hurdles she has faced and overcome Learn more about CurlMix and Kimberly: to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 1:32 – Welcome Kimberly Lewis!2:41 – Pivoting her business 6:50 – How did investment funding work?9:49 – Her experience on Shark Tank14:46 – How did she know how to make a hair product?18:36 – Running a business is not for the faint of heart 20:00 – Funding for her business against hurdles 22:00 – Where does she get her inspiration?23:19 – Advice she’d give to women starting their own business 24:37 – Other topics Kim wants to highlight 25:26 – How does she reach her customers? Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

Women are starting more businesses today than ever before. While running your own company is rewarding it can also be a lot of hard work, having a connected network of professionals that understand the unique struggles you face as CEO and as a woman is essential.On today’s episode, Violette de Ayala the founder and CEO of Femcity joins us to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and how she is helping female entrepreneurs through community, sharing knowledge, and more. As a partner with Purse Strings, Femcity works together to support female entrepreneurs and their financial needs. Starting her company in 2009, Femcity has grown exponentially. They provide entrepreneurs with coaching, networking, online resources, and more. With more than 70 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, their goal is to help over a million women on their business journey.Join us today as we discuss: Women realize they want more work-life balance, better pay, and more opportunities The benefits and difficulties of running your own business The importance of feeling worthy and having a support system Mistakes people make when starting their first business Collaborating with other brands, businesses, and women Learn more about Femcity and Violette: to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 2:39 – Welcome Violette! 7:25 – Women moving away from corporate 10:50 – Owning a business isn’t for the faint of heart 14:51 – Doing something you love at work 17:22 – Helping other people through business 19:45 – Success factors she’s seen 22:17 – Biggest mistakes people make 25:26 – Think about your superpower! 27:56 – Collaborate with others 30:13 – How can you reach out to Violette?Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

Homeownership is one of the key pillars in economic progress for women. On today’s episode, Matt Shanlian, the President of Primary Residential Mortgage at the Great Lakes Division, joins us to explore real estate and why it’s such an important investment for women. We'll also discuss its impact on the community and real estate’s crucial role in developing generational wealth. Matt has been in the mortgage industry for 14 years, working a lot with financial advisors and their clients. His unique perspective gives him a national viewpoint on the real estate market. Homeownership drastically impacts a community. From a socio-economic standpoint, homeownership tends to ignite community involvement through things like voting and community projects. On an individual basis, homeownership builds equity and provides people with economic stability and generational wealth. Therefore, it's no surprise that homeownership is a crucial financial step for women building their wealth. Join us today as we discuss: Strategic home equity management and generational wealth The role of a mortgage in retirement planning and mortgage reviews The power of home equity for families and their financial future Programs and opportunities out there for first time home buyers Learn more about Matt: to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 1:36 – Matt’s background story2:45 – How does it impact the community?6:14 – The power of investment 9:27 – The last 3 years11:59 – Generational wealth17:53 – A mortgage checkup 21:55 – Having a niche community 23:41 – Building bridges 29:05 – Closing thoughts Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

Aleta Saunders joins us on today’s show to discuss women in the real estate market, advice she has for those looking to buy, and the importance of women protecting their assets. Aleta is an associate broker at PalmerHouse Properties and an experienced model with a global perspective and passion for helping women navigate the world of real estate. More women than ever are entering the real estate market to invest and own real estate on their own. With over 35 years of experience, Aleta has helped many women with buying and selling their dream homes throughout the Atlanta market. Her passion for real estate was driven by her mother and grandmother’s story. She wants to serve and protect women throughout the real estate market, a market they have historically been left out of. Many women were losing out in real estate as their husbands were the sole name on cars and homes. As Aleta worked with couples, she ensured women were better protected by either having their name on the loan or deed, ensuring both partners had a say in what happened to their home. However, our current market looks a lot different. Women are making strides in real estate, purchasing more than ever. Most of Aleta’s clients are now women and she's helping them navigate the market, protect their assets, and invest in their future. Join us today as we discuss: Aleta was raised by her grandmother and mother How women have struggled in the real estate market Are women being charged differently?When did women start buying more homes?The importance of women protecting their money The advice she has for first-time homebuyers Learn more about Aleta: to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 1:29 – Aleta’s grandmother’s home 7:31 – She started in 19888:04 – Insights to women and real estate10:00 – A lot of people didn’t know 11:28 – Being on the loan or deed12:08 – More women are entering real estate16:10 – When did women start buying more?20:12 – Advice for first-time homebuyers23:20 – Aleta selling her home in 200827:32 – Learning to live differently 30:50 – A client example from Aleta 33:58 – Do your homework 35:25 – Where to find Aleta Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

Our guest on today’s show is Lisa Kaplin, a psychologist, Certified Professional Life and Executive Coach, and an experienced corporate speaker. A lot of stress can come from our relationships and finances but Lisa is helping women work through these stresses to have healthier and wealthier lives. Lisa will explain how we can all have healthier conversations around the topic of money with our partners. Building a life together isn’t easy, but improving communication around our finances can elevate our relationships and financial future.  We all come into a relationship with our own views on money. Many people don't have the same experiences and financial views as their partners. So it’s no surprise that finances can be one of the top reasons for an argument in a relationship. But, Lisa is changing the game by teaching couples to approach money in terms of curiosity and understanding instead. Join us today as we discuss: Lisa’s career, background, and involvement in Purse StringsWhy do we have a hard time talking about money in relationships?The transfer of wealth that will be passed to women and how we can prepare them for this Her tips for young and newly married couples forming their money mindset together Ways women and couples can overcome insecurities and gain confidence in money decisions Contact Lisa:   or Lisa@lisakaplin.com Listen to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 1:35 – Lisa’s background and career 2:49 – Biggest issues around money 3:59 – Ignoring big money conversations4:50 – Messages women receive around money5:49 – How can we prepare women for their finances? 7:44 – How do we start the conversation?8:44 – Asking about your partner’s money story 9:48 – What are you comfortable spending?11:21 – Control and money in relationships 12:29 – Tips for young and newly married couples14:06 – Gaining more money confidence 15:00 – Making more money than your spouse 17:04 – Making up stories in our heads 18:36 – Defining these answers for ourselves 19:45 – Meeting with an advisor early on22:38 – Having these conversations 23:24 – The best way to reach out to Lisa Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

Are you a stay-at-home mom or are you thinking about leaving the workforce? Are you worried it will impact your financial benefits and retirement future? Many women haven’t heard of a Spousal IRA and its benefits for those outside the traditional workforce. On today's episode, Gigi Verrey, the VP of wealth management at GCG Financial, joins us to discuss the one financial investment that all stay-at-home moms need to have. If you are married and filing jointly, you can take advantage of this investment tool. It’s not a joint account, it’s similar to a regular IRA or Roth IRA.  By virtue of you being a spouse, your partner can contribute money into the Spousal IRA for your future, as long as your combined income is greater than the amount you can put away. The money in this account is your money, even if you end up getting a divorce. We’ll discuss the value of this great retirement tool, how the investments work, and more with Gigi. Having a retirement account in your own name comes with power, security, and value.  Join us today as we discuss: · What a Spousal IRA is and how you can invest in one · What the difference between a regular IRA and a Spousal IRA is · Contribution limits, investment advice, and tax rules for Spousal IRAs· The money in a Spousal IRA is your money! Contact Gigi: gigi.verrey@gcgfinancial.comListen to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 1:36 – Welcome Gigi! 2:33 – What is a Spousal IRA?4:40 – What makes it a Spousal IRA?6:35 – Having separate accounts7:16 – What kind of investments? 8:53 – Transferring money 9:41 – What designates a Spousal IRA? 11:00 – Are they tax-deferred? 14:18 – What happens during a divorce?17:42 – Combining money into your partners IRA19:08 – Enjoying the growth of your income 21:27 – When do you need an account by? 23:09 – The best way to contact Gigi Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

On today's episode, Brenda Bridges joins us to discuss financial decisions made during a gray divorce. She’s a financial advisor and divorce coach, helping clients navigate the difficulties of ending a marriage. As a divorcee herself, she struggled to find resources for women like herself. She knew there was a better way to address this part of many women’s lives.   A gray divorce is technically anyone splitting up over the age of 50. This particular life stage can be difficult to adjust to, especially as a divorcee. This decision can really impact your retirement as well, especially if one spouse was working while the other worked in the home. There needs to be someone there to hold their hand financially and with compassion. Divorce can be expensive, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be. There are a lot of professionals out there to help you navigate divorce. Including financial advisors that want to help you reach your end goals. Divorce isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting line to your new life! Join us today as we discuss: ·        Helping women through divorce and the impact it can have on their finances ·        Women going through a divorce and re-entering the workforce·        Advice for getting through a divorce in the most productive way possible ·        How you can budget for your divorce and the professionals you’ll work with  Listen to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section. 1:36 – Brenda’s background story 4:20 – What is a gray divorce?8:48 – Getting through a divorce 12:37 – Budget for your divorce20:20 – Think from a logical place 23:49 – Making this decision 27:19 – A whole new life 29:50 – Talking about divorce 32:53 – Contacting BrendaResources:Contact Brenda or Learn More: Click HereFind a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

On today's episode, Audrey Faust, the founder of Grateful 4 Money joins us. We are going to discuss the negative messages women are taught about when it comes to money and success in our society. What can we do to change this mindset and think about money in a healthy and bountiful way? Audrey specializes in helping female entrepreneurs struggling with pricing or money mindset blocks. As women, we were taught to play small while the men play big. But the world is changing. It’s time to stand up for ourselves and get paid what we are worth. Join us today as we discuss: Audrey’s background helping female entrepreneurs Ways we can break down the barriers women face when it comes to getting paidHow we can change our mindset when it comes to money and wanting moneyWhy women aren’t asking for money and how we can learn to ask for what we deserve Listen to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section.1:22 – Welcome Audrey Faust! 2:16 – Why do we struggle with pricing? 3:05 – Breaking down barriers6:04 – Using money as a tool 7:21 – Changing our money mindset9:11 – What triggers these thoughts10:48 – Examples of other women 14:03 – Steps to think differently 16:10 – How else does Audrey help women?17:09 – Why aren’t we asking for more money?19:03 – Know what you are worth 20:39 – Reaching out to Audrey Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group

Welcome to the first episode of Women & Money: The $h*t We Don’t Talk About. We are taking this opportunity to introduce you to the Purse Strings model and why it’s important for all women! Your hosts will be Barbara Provost and Maggie Nielsen, helping you navigate the ins and outs of financial independence. We'll call out the ways women are consistently left behind financially. But most importantly, how they can help themselves.  As a woman, if you’ve ever felt left behind in the financial conversation, this podcast is for you. We’ve heard countless stories about women whose advisors won’t even look at them, let alone take their financial concerns seriously. That’s one reason we developed the Purse Strings model. Women have been overlooked and underserved in the financial industry for far too long. Purse Strings is a two-part model about empowering women with financial education and connecting them to trusted professionals that want to serve them. Join us today as we discuss: How women have been underserved in the financial industry for far too long Where Barbara and Maggie got their inspiration to start Purse Strings The problems and disadvantages that retirement age women face How Women & Money: The $h*t We Don’t Talk About will empower, educate, and motivate you! Listen to the full podcast or use the timestamps below to jump to a specific section.1:05 – Purse Strings: A two-part model 3:19 – Finding professionals who want to serve women 4:13 – Why did Barbara and Maggie start this model? 6:44 – We are here to help change the industry!Resources:Find a Purse Strings Approved Professional - Click HereCheck out our Facebook Page - Click HereJoin our community of Financially  Fearless Women - Private Facebook Group