Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Strategic Ideas for Funding Your Children’s & Grandchildren’s College Education

As we gear up for another school year, it's a perfect time to consider how we can invest in our children’s or grandchildren's future educational endeavors. I know that for women—especially those who are divorced, widowed or the primary financial decision-makers in their households—planning for your children’s or grandchildren's college education can be both a rewarding and strategic financial goal. Here are several specific strategies and tactics to consider.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Social Security Secrets Every Woman Should Know

I often get asked questions about Social Security from my female clients, from eligibility to spousal benefits and what happens in cases of divorce or widowhood. In this brief video, I discuss crucial Social Security points every woman should consider. Understanding these nuances can help you maximize your benefits and feel confident in your financial future.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

My Favorite Female-Led Houston Restaurants

As a financial advisor, I am passionate about empowering women to achieve financial independence. And recently, I’ve been inspired by a few of the many incredible women transforming Houston’s culinary scene.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

My Passion Is Helping Women During Big Life Transitions

If you’re going through a divorce or have recently become a widow, your financial situation can shift dramatically. Although these changes often include a range of emotions, managing your money doesn’t have to add to your stress.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Sole Command: Mastering Finances As A Head of Household Woman

Embarking on the journey of managing your finances as a single woman marks a powerful step towards independence and financial empowerment. As a financial advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, I'm here to guide you through a few fundamentals of investing to help demystify the world of finance and provide you with the tools you need to build a robust financial foundation.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Fortify Your Finances: Proactive Financial Steps Every Woman Should Take In Her Relationship

In many relationships, women tend to find themselves taking a backseat at the financial table to their male counterparts or husbands. This is due to various historical, societal and cultural reasons – sometimes even preference. However, it's crucial for women to have a good understanding of their family’s finances, regardless of their current role as the head of the household, as financial literacy empowers them to make informed decisions, contribute to long-term planning and navigate unexpected changes with confidence. Today I’m sharing a few important steps every woman should take with her partner right now to protect herself (and her family) from potential uncertainty in the future, whether that be becoming a caregiver for your partner, becoming a widow or going through a divorce.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Navigating Big Life Transitions: Adapting Your Financial Legacy Plan

For many women, recent events such as divorce or the loss of a spouse have led to profound life changes. In the face of these transitions, it is imperative to revisit and adapt your financial legacy plan. Below are a few ways in which major life events can impact your financial legacy planning as well as strategies you may want to consider to adjust your financial approach accordingly.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Building Your Financial Legacy: A Woman's Guide to Long-Term Wealth

In the intricate tapestry of financial planning, the concept of a financial legacy stands as a testament to our ability to shape not only our own destinies but those of generations to come. For women, this journey of building a robust financial legacy is a profound and empowering endeavor. In this article, I share more about the concept of financial legacy, why women should prioritize its creation and how to set meaningful financial goals for a better financial future.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Year-End Finances for Women: Maximize Contributions & Optimize Tax Savings

The end of the year is a strategic time for fiscal planning, especially for women who are balancing family, career, and the ever-changing financial landscape. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with Green Financial Group, I'm here to guide you through this crucial period with strategies designed to maximize your contributions and optimize your tax savings.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Picking Up the Pieces: Navigating the Tax Bill Post-Divorce

As I sit down with clients in the wake of a divorce, one of the most daunting topics we encounter is the specter of shared tax liabilities. It's a common – but often unexpected – hurdle that many newly divorced women face, and navigating it requires a blend of emotional resilience and financial acuity. The dissolution of a marriage not only signals an emotional turning point but also marks a crucial financial transition. When the decree is finalized, and the dust begins to settle, you may find yourself with a shared tax bill— a remnant of a financial life you once planned together. Handling this responsibility can be overwhelming, but it's crucial to address it with both urgency and strategy.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Unique Financial Challenges Faced by Women: A Deep Dive

Navigating the financial landscape as a woman presents a distinct set of challenges. This statement isn’t just a conjecture; it is backed by research, societal norms and lived experiences. While many strides have been made towards gender equality across the board, significant disparities remain, particularly when it comes to women and finances. Let's unpack some of these challenges and talk about a few ways to face them head-on.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Thriving Through the Holidays: A Guide to Managing Finances After Divorce or Loss

The shimmer of festive lights, the heartwarming sounds of carols, and the unmistakable scent of pine - the holiday season is truly magical. But amidst the sparkle, many women face a unique set of challenges, especially those recently navigating significant life transitions like divorce or the loss of a spouse. These changes, while emotionally taxing, can also reshape our financial landscape, turning what should be a season of joy into one of stress. As a CFP®, I've had the privilege to guide many women through these transitions, helping them regain their financial footing. In this guide, I will share some practical financial advice for tackling the holiday season with confidence, no matter the recent changes in your life.

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Lauren Smith Lauren Smith

Retirement Resilience: Tips For Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Retirement planning can be a daunting task, filled with complexities and uncertainties. To shed some light on this critical phase of life, we've invited Lauren Smith, another Financial Advisor here at Green Financial Group and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, to discuss common retirement mistakes and how to avoid them.

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