This year, a dream 8 years in the making finally came true for me! That dream was spending a month every winter in a tropical location. When I worked as an accountant, taking a month of vacation in January or February was absurd and impossible (year-end close followed by tax season). My dream didn’t come to pass exactly as …
My Almost Divorce
The cop threatened to shoot my dog, and at that moment, I knew I had to leave Jeff. The pounding on the apartment door woke me up at 3 AM. I shuffled to answer it, dressed in my milk and cookies pajamas, my dog, Bronx, at my heels. I grabbed him by the collar and held him behind me as …
Financial Enabling: When Your Help Isn’t Helping
Do you know the difference between financial enabling and helping? Confession: I used to be a big-time financial enabler! My ex-fiancé, “Jeff,” spent every penny he made (and then some) plus he changed jobs the way some people change their socks. I was young and in love, and I thought with enough support and encouragement, I could help Jeff become …
Trusting Again After Divorce
If you’re fresh off your divorce, the last thing you want to think about is trusting someone again, especially in the area of money. You need time to heal, and it’s usually not smart to jump into a new relationship without dealing with the issues of your past. However, there likely will come a time when you are ready …
Where Husbands Hide Money During Divorce
If your marriage is on the rocks, you might wonder where husbands hide money during divorce. Is he hiding income, cash, or debt? Here’s how to find out.
Lessons from the Luxury Car Dealership
I learned three valuable lessons from the luxury car dealership recently about money, sales, and business. And no, one of them isn’t, “Don’t buy a luxury car!” Because I bought one, and I’m completely thrilled with my Alfa Romeo Giulia. I dish on the details of buying my new cars – even though financial gurus tell you not to …
The Four Best Financial Assets
What are the four best financial assets you should own? Stocks, bonds, real estate, and gold? Those are all amazing assets but the ones I’m talking about are a little different. These are assets that anyone, at any age, with any bank balance can begin to develop. Here they are in order of importance, from least to greatest. The …
How to Spot a Financial Manipulator
I know how to spot a financial manipulator from a mile away. Being engaged to one, back in my twenties, gave me a front row seat to the telltale signs. Unfortunately, I didn’t know at the time that I had fallen victim to a financial manipulator until it was too late. By the time I broke off my engagement …
Using Money as a Weapon During Divorce
The emotion of anger is all too common during (and even after) divorce. You might absolutely be justified in feeling this way, especially if your soon to be ex has deeply wronged you. The trick is to allow the anger to move through you in a productive way, without hurting yourself or others. Unfortunately, I see women using money as …