PurseStrings Approved Professional Blog Series
Blogs By Purse Strings Approved Professionals
Ask the Experts By Purse Strings Approved Professionals
Why do I shut down around anything to do with money?
Wendy Wright explains why shutting down around money may be an emotional response, and shares practical tools to approach financial stress with curiosity and compassion.
I’m making good money, but it still feels like I’m not getting ahead financially. What’s the first thing I should do?
Nicole Carson, CFP® explains how understanding your cash flow and aligning your spending with your priorities can help you build wealth and feel more financially secure.
How do I get out of debt?!
Wendy Wright explains why staying out of debt starts with understanding the thoughts, emotions, and habits behind borrowing.
When should I start working with a financial planner?
Nicole Carson, CFP® explains when to start working with a financial planner and why getting guidance early can help women build smarter habits, systems, and long-term wealth.
What are the key advantages for me as an attorney when I have a CDLP on my divorce team?
Thresa Jones, CDLP®, shares the key advantages for an attorney when a CDLP is on the divorce team!
What is the first step I should take when I’m considering divorce but feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin?
Melissa Murphy Pavone, CFP®, CDFA®, explains the first step to take when considering divorce and why financial clarity should come before legal action.
Divorce by Design: Why the Right Team Can Change Everything
Melissa Murphy Pavone, CFP®, CDFA®, explains why the right divorce team can help you navigate divorce with more clarity, confidence, and financial security.
Divorce by Design: Building Your Divorce Team (Like You Built Your Bridal Party)
Melissa Murphy Pavone, CFP®, CDFA®, shares why building the right divorce team can help women move through divorce with clarity, confidence, and financial security.
How My CDLP Expertise Turned a Messy Divorce into a $30,000 Tax Win: Helping My Client Assume the Mortgage, Secure Her Equity Payout, and Use It as a Negotiation Power Move
Theresa Jones, CDLP®, explains how mortgage assumption, equity payout planning, and tax strategy can help divorcing homeowners keep the house and protect their financial future.
What does working with a CFP® really look like?
Nicole Carson shares what working with a CFP® really looks like including a a collaborative, ongoing relationship centered on your goals, values, and life changes.
Why should I use a CDLP when I already have an attorney who will look out for my interests in the marital home
Theresa Jones explains why a CDLP adds critical mortgage and financing expertise during divorce, helping ensure decisions about the marital home are not just fair in the settlement, but also realistic and achievable with lenders.
What is a common mistake women make with their finances?
Nicole Carson explains a common financial mistake women make and shares why starting with the information you have builds real progress and confidence over time.
I thought a will avoids probate, why do I need to probate my Mom’s will?
Kathryn explains why a Will doesn’t automatically avoid probate, what probate actually does, and the key planning steps families can take to ensure their assets go to the right people with less stress and delay.
What is one financial move every woman should prioritize, no matter her income level?
Nicole explains how to build and protect your cash flow first and the one financial move every woman should prioritize, no matter her income level.
What’s the difference between a money coach and a financial planner or advisor?
Julia explains what helps clarify habits, goals, and spending systems, while a financial advisor focuses on investing and growing wealth. Learn how they work together.
How does working with a woman financial advisor help me as a woman?
Nicole explains why many women feel more supported working with a woman advisor—offering a judgment-free space, clarity, and guidance tailored to women’s unique financial challenges, values, and life experiences
What Paul McCartney Taught Us About Money
Financial advisor Michael Argiro shares what seeing Paul McCartney live taught him about money: success is built through small, consistent choices, lifelong reinvention, and surrounding yourself with the right financial team. It’s a reminder that true financial wellness isn’t luck—it’s clarity, commitment, and the ability to enjoy the moments that matter.
How can we build wealth when we feel so behind?
Building wealth can feel hard, especially if you feel behind. Dive into how to build wealth, even when feeling behind.
How can I tell if I can afford to divorce and what financial steps should I take before making that decision?
Start by knowing your numbers—your assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and credit score.
How to get tax records and transcripts from IRS?
Access to your IRS account can provide you with information about your previously filed tax returns or payments due.
What business expenses can I deduct?
To explain what deductions you can “write off”, we first need to define what that means. “Business expenses” are anything that goes into the production of income.
Living Trust or Will – which is the superior estate planning tool?
In Illinois, both a will and Living Trust are legal tools used for estate planning, but a Living Trust typically offers significant advantages over a will.
I’m thinking about getting a divorce, but the idea of a long, expensive legal battle is overwhelming. Is there a better way?
Absolutely. Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle, it can be a carefully planned transition. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and Certified Financial Planner™, I help people approach divorce collaboratively.
What should I consider when thinking about keeping the house post divorce?
This is one of the most common—and emotional—questions I hear during divorce, especially for women who want to preserve stability for their children. The truth is, keeping the house can be a comfort… but only if it’s financially sustainable.
What are the Benefits of Working with a Financial Neutral during Divorce?
Cost-Effective Solutions: By working with both parties, a financial neutral can reduce the need for each party to hire separate financial experts, saving time and money.
What is so great about Living Benefits?
I share Living Benefits all the time. I wish I would have known about them years ago. I could have saved some family and friends from bankruptcy and financial dispair.
How Should I Best Manage My Business Cash Flow?
Managing your cash flow effectively is crucial for the success of your business. Here are some essential tips to get you started:
How long do I need to hold my RSUs to save on taxes?
One of the most frequent questions that I get from clients is around RSUs and taxation: specifically, how long do I have to hold my shares after they vest for preferential tax treatment. The answer may surprise you: you can sell them immediately!
How can I take control of my finances following my divorce?
Taking control of your finances after a divorce can feel overwhelming, but it’s an essential step toward establishing your financial independence and stability.
What Are Special Estate Planning Considerations for Unmarried Couples
In many states, including California, you and your unmarried partner will never have a “Common Law” marriage.
