Episode 13: Woman on the Remake: Sometimes You Have to Pivot
Ginger joins us to share how she continues to embrace remaking herself as life demands. First there was agreeing to an unexpected move to Bangkok, Thailand in 2009, which remade the whole family dynamic and every single relationship. Then she made the decision to attend culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Thailand--where she was the oldest student. Ginger says this was one of the hardest things she's ever done--physically and mentally. When the time came to leave Thailand and return to Atlanta, Ginger found herself afraid of going back to. her "old life" and wanted to continue the adventure. Ginger and her family returned to the US in 2016, and in 2019 she launched her own travel business. Then COVID-19 hit and she was forced to pivot. Now she's making cooking videos showcasing her amazing culinary skills. Ginger talks about how important it was to her to keep learning and look for opportunities. You never know what's around the next corner, so you might as well hop on board for life's adventures as they come.
Episode 12 - Remaking Your Finances: Knowledge is Power
Laura Rafi, a Certified Public Accountant, joins us to dispel the fears women have around finances, especially during and after divorce. A clear understanding of what you have coming in and what you have going out is the first step.
Laura says that having the outside support of a trusted CPA or financial advisor as you begin the divorce process is imperative. Women need to understand the tax impact of a variety of possible financial scenarios that may be negotiated as part of the divorce settlement. Understanding your financial needs as a divorced woman is key.
The process of dividing assets in a divorce can be overwhelming, but there is no reason women should be afraid-- there is help and education available that can make you feel in control, calm, and ready to face independence. While you may still rely on financial support from your ex-partner, you can begin to plan for financial freedom from day one.
Resources
Wiser Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement
Ellevest: A Financial Company for Women
Books
Divorce After 50: Your Guide to the Unique Legal and Financial Challenges
Prosperity After Divorce: Take Charge of Your Finances & Create the Life You Really Want Using Lifestyle Re-Design Planning
Episode 2 - Regaining your Identity After Divorce
Leigh is one of the co-founders of WOTR. In this podcast she discusses how her younger days as an over-achiever who conformed to societal expectations impacted her life path. After making the decision to move to Colorado to be with a man (who she later married), her life transitioned from working towards her personal goals to supporting his.
This mental and emotional shift to a supporting role became a pattern that was permanent throughout her marriage. As the years passed, it began to feel like her identity was eroding. The years staying at home raising her children were rewarding and happy, but she lacked the kind of personal fulfilment one gets from following your passions in the work world.
Unhappiness and the inability to communicate her needs grew into a nagging issue that damaged her marriage. She thought of herself as a faded version of someone who used to be. Post-divorce, Leigh is fighting to rebuild her identity and her independent spirit.