What if I need help after my financial plan is done?

After your 3 months of support is done, you can access help on an as needed basis at an hourly rate of $300.

Can you work with me if I’m in a different state?

Yes. Because I provide financial advice, and not state-dependent legal advice, I can work with you no matter what state you live in.

Are you a fiduciary? What is a fiduciary anyway?

I am a fiduciary, which means I am legally required to act in your best interests, even if it conflicts with my own interests. For example, I can’t recommend that you buy a certain product just because I will earn more money. Since I am a fee-only advisor, I charge a fee for financial planning and advice, but not for selling specific products.

How do you collect fees? Can I make payments?

Payment via ACH or credit card is due up front before work begins. Payment plans are available for certain flat fee services. 

Do you work with non-divorcees or widows, or men?

My services are geared towards divorcees and widows, but I do have a handful of clients outside that niche. Contact me to discuss if we’d be a good fit.

Can you manage my investment accounts?

You can add ongoing investment management for an additional fee. You would need to move your accounts to Altruist Financial in order for me to manage them for you. 

Can you help me with my investments where they are currently held? 

Yes! As part of your plan we will review your investments and make recommendations. If you hold your accounts elsewhere, it will be up to you to implement the changes with that custodian. The custodian won’t allow me to do any transactions on your behalf without you on the phone with me.

What is your investment strategy?

I believe in a low-cost, passive investment approach and try to incorporate socially responsible investment options wherever possible. 

What if I am dissatisfied with my plan?

I do not offer refunds for work already completed. If are unsatisfied with the service in the middle of a project, we will end our engagement immediately. You will only be charged for any work already completed based on my hourly rate of $300, and any remaining fees will be credited back to you within 7 days.

What’s the difference between the Post-Divorce Transition Support and the Post-Divorce Financial Planning?

The Transition Support is intended for women who have very recently finalized their divorce, who want to focus on the shorter term tasks of transitioning their finances. The Financial Planning package is intended for women who have been divorced at least 6 months, who have completed the initial tasks of transitioning their finances and are ready to do some longer term planning for their future.

Do you give legal advice?

I am not an attorney and do not give legal advice or draft any legal documents. I can give you general education on the different types of estate planning documents and what they are used for. I would be glad to refer you to an attorney in my network.

Do you do mediation?

I do not offer mediation, and I don’t take the place of a mediator. I can help you prepare for mediation by giving you the analysis and documents needed to feel confident going into negotiations.

Will you work with my ex and I together?

No. I serve as a financial advocate for the wife only. There are other CDFAs who represent both parties as a financial neutral in the divorce process, who would be a better fit if that's what you're looking for.

Do you do collaborative divorce work?

I do not. Collaborative divorce refers to the process where each spouse’s attorney work together with experts in finance and mental health to come up with an optimal solution for the couple. I only work one on one with the wife as her financial advocate.

Why do I need a CDFA if I have an attorney/accountant/financial advisor?

I am trained in the intricate financial details of divorce including tax issues, real property issues, dividing pensions, etc. My work as a CDFA complements but does not replace the role of your attorney or mediator.   

At what point in the divorce process should I meet you?

The "Smart Settlement Review" service is available once you have filed for divorce and both sides have completed their financial disclosures. The "Post-Divorce Financial Plan" service is available once you have reached a settlement.  If you are not quite there yet, you may want to hold off on reaching out so that we can make the most of your free Strategy Session.