Gayle Peterson-Gillen MBA, CRPC, CDFA - Financial Advisor

09/28/2026

Two assets may have the same value on paper but affect your future differently.

For example, cash, retirement accounts, real estate and taxable investments may each have different:

• Tax considerations
• Access restrictions
• Ongoing expenses
• Income potential
• Market risks

When reviewing a proposed settlement, look beyond the current account balance or property value.

The type of asset you receive can matter as much as the amount.
https://bit.ly/3Tz01Qn

09/25/2026

Your expenses may change significantly after divorce.

A post-divorce spending plan may include:

• Housing
• Health insurance
• Transportation
• Child-related expenses
• Debt payments
• Taxes
• Retirement savings
• Emergency reserves
• Legal and professional fees

Using realistic estimates can help you evaluate settlement options and prepare for your next financial chapter.
https://bit.ly/4rsACnO

09/22/2026

Fall has arrived.

As the season changes, it may be a useful time to check in on the goals you set earlier in the year.

Which priorities still matter?
Which ones have changed?
What needs attention before December?

A financial plan is not meant to remain frozen in time. It should be revisited as life, work and priorities evolve.
https://bit.ly/4iHU9hW

09/18/2026

The family home may carry emotional significance, but keeping it can also come with substantial ongoing costs.

Before deciding, consider:

• Mortgage payments
• Property taxes
• Insurance
• Maintenance and repairs
• Utilities
• Future renovations
• The income available after divorce

The question is not only whether you can receive the house in the settlement.

It is whether the home fits your financial circumstances after the divorce is complete.
https://bit.ly/4hbVT0n

09/16/2026

Financial questions can arise before, during and long after a divorce is finalized.

The Smart Women’s Guide to Divorce was created to help women begin organizing those questions and identify financial topics that may deserve closer attention.

The guide addresses areas such as:

• Gathering financial information
• Reviewing retirement assets
• Understanding income and expenses
• Updating beneficiaries
• Preparing for financial decisions after divorce

Download the complimentary guide here:

Fill out and submit the form to receive this downloadable resource from Gayle Peterson-Gillen

08/28/2026

Managing your finances on your own comes with unique opportunities—and unique responsibilities. Whether you're single by choice, divorced or widowed, having a thoughtful financial strategy can help you stay focused on your goals.

This article explores practical ideas like building an emergency fund, investing for the future, planning for unexpected events and keeping your long-term priorities in focus. Read more here:

Explore how to independently build wealth and achieve more financial confidence on your own terms.

08/26/2026

Some women enter divorce after years of relying on a spouse to manage the household finances.

That does not mean they cannot learn. It means the starting point may be different.

Begin with basic questions:

• Where are the financial accounts held?
• What income enters the household each month?
• Which bills are paid automatically?
• What property and debts are jointly or individually titled?
• Are there pensions, stock awards or other employment benefits?
• Which insurance policies are currently in place?
• Who are the named beneficiaries?

You do not need to understand every financial concept on the first day. Start by identifying the information and building from there.
https://bit.ly/3UlU8Gf

08/21/2026

After a divorce, were all awarded assets actually transferred?

In some cases, years pass before someone discovers that a pension, retirement account or other benefit mentioned during the divorce was never properly addressed.

That can happen when someone is overwhelmed, does not understand the paperwork or assumes another professional is handling the transfer.

For those who have previously divorced, it may be useful to revisit the settlement documents and ask:

• Were retirement assets divided as intended?
• Were required forms completed?
• Were all accounts retitled or transferred?
• Is there documentation confirming completion?
https://bit.ly/4gaGGNZ

08/14/2026

Divorce can require people to make significant financial decisions during an emotionally demanding period.

One useful principle is to separate the collection of information from the decision itself.

Before deciding how an asset should be handled, consider asking:

• What is the asset worth today?
• How is it titled?
• Are there taxes or restrictions associated with it?
• What would each available option mean over time?
• Which professional should help evaluate it?

Information may not make the decision easy, but it can help make the available choices clearer.
https://bit.ly/3TX7LeQ

08/10/2026

Divorce involves legal and emotional decisions, but it also requires a clear understanding of the financial picture.

Before making long-term decisions, it may be helpful to gather:

• Bank and investment account statements
• Retirement-plan and pension information
• Recent tax returns
• Property and debt records
• Insurance and beneficiary documents

Having organized information can make conversations with attorneys, mediators and financial professionals more productive.

The goal is not to make every decision immediately. It is to understand what you have, what questions remain and which details may require additional review.
https://bit.ly/4xrBTxi