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The Planning Divas are here to help: It's a sobering but true fact that many women will outlive their spouses and may not be prepared to deal with the complexities of their finances or estate planning issues. Now two area professional women who call themselves The Planning Divas and are well versed in the legal and financial matters that can dramatically alter women's lives want to address this very serious issue in a responsible but also fun and friendly setting. The Divas, Lommen Abdo Estate Planning Attorney Jennifer O'Neill and Raymond James Financial Services Advisor Erin Tomlinson, have planned a series of educational events at area social settings to help women smartly manage and plan for their financial futures.
The events are casual, fun and free. Seating is limited, however. Check the calendar for upcoming events or schedule your own Planning Divas event at your home or place of business.
"We believe women have so much to learn from each other," explains Planning Diva Tomlinson, "by sharing information in casual and fun settings, including things like retirement planning; paying for education; tips for those everyday purchases; paying for long term care; funeral planning; insurance and other issues we all face. You name it, The Planning Divas will make it understandable, comfortable and fun."
About women and their finances
According to author Liz Perle in her book, "Money, A Memoir: Women, Emotions and Cash," even many successful women are far less prepared than their male counterparts when it comes to retirement. Perle found these alarming statistics:
- One in four women is broke within two months of their husbands' deaths.
- On average, women live seven years longer than their husbands.
- More than three-quarters of all women are widowed at an average age of 57.
- More than 58 percent of female baby boomers have saved less than $10,000 in a pension or 401K plan.
Perle looks at what tends to happen to women, finding that "we often let our emotions rule our spending. Many women let their husbands control the finances without any oversight or participation."
The Planning Divas hope to educate women to take responsibility so they can make informed and insightful choices about their financial futures - and their lives.
