Dr. Judith Gerhart, CFP
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst 
More Money Lessons
Sunday, January 4th, 2009
#6: Take Advantage of Compound Interest. This is the gigantic pile of money that you can accumulate is you start saving just a few dollars a month.
#7: Buy a Home (with a fixed interest rate). The average homeowner has a greater networth than a rentor, because your house is considered an asset and something you [...]
Easy Money Lessons
Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
#1: Saving Equals Freedom: We live in a “have it now” society. You may think you want to be rich- and that’s a great motivator- but what you really want is freedom. The real reason you should be saving your money is that saving leads to financial security, and financial security provides freedom. Having money [...]
Riding the Storms Out
Thursday, January 1st, 2009
If you’ve been burned before by buying high and selling low, you may want to consider putting your investments on cruise control with dollar-cost averaging.
Dollar-cost averaging – the basic premise behind employer-sponsored savings plans like 401(k)s – is the practice of investing a set amount each month in a particular investment vehicle. As the share [...]
More Spending Leaks
Friday, December 26th, 2008
1. Avoid banking fees. Banks are regularly changing their products and you may be paying a monthly fee without thinking twice about it. On top of monthly fees for accounts, watch out for fees associated with overdraft protection, paper statements or excessive transactions.
2. Pay your bills on time. This may seem like common sense, but [...]
More Tips for Women
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008
1. Build an emergency fund. Without one, losing your job or incurring a large unexpected bill could force you to take on heavy credit card debt, and could put you into a financial hole that will be difficult if not impossible to dig your way out of.
2. Be involved in the day-to-day management of your [...]
Money Tips for Women
Monday, December 22nd, 2008
1. Don’t rely on someone else, like a husband or boyfriend, for your financial security. Educate yourself about money management and investing.
2. Set goals - it’s key to financial success.
3. Don’t use money to make yourself feel good. That type of high is fleeting. Instead, do things that promote self-respect and creativity so you don’t [...]
Everyday Saving Tips
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
Money Saving Tip #1: Use Coupons Effectively
If you’re going to bother to clip coupons, make sure you use them in a way that saves you the most money possible. For example, find out whether your local grocery store offers to double coupon values on a certain day. If they do, make that day of the [...]
The Value of a Divorce Financial Planner
Friday, October 24th, 2008
During the Divorce Process
During the settlement process, a Divorce Financial Planner plays a crucial part of the divorce team. The division of assets and maintenance (if required) can be projected to determine future needs. The cost basis of the assets must be identified, because that ultimately affects the net outcome.
How long will the money last?
What [...]
Second Step to Splitting the Money
Thursday, October 9th, 2008
2. CLOSE JOINT ACCOUNTS TO PREVENT YOUR EX FROM ADDING TO THE TAB OR LEAVING YOU A BILL.
Check with your attorney first as timing and motive can affect the outcome of the judge’s decision on asset allocation. “Old accounts need to be closed, the proceeds divided as agreed upon and new credit established in individual — [...]
Tips of the Day Part II
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
1. Get a grip:
Emery says that divorce dredges up all kinds of emotions, from pain and grief to loneliness and fear that easily morph into anger.
It’s important, he says to “recognize your feelings and separate them from what you’ve got to do on a day-to-day basis.” And although you’re not likely at first, to [...]
