Women & Money: The Shit We Don't Talk About‪!‬ Barbara Provost & Maggie Nielsen

Dr. April Murdaugh is a Purse Strings-approved financial advisor in Fleming Island, Florida, and the CEO of Woman to Woman Financial. Through her wealth management firm, she is dedicated to helping educate, empower, and encourage women to create and grow generational wealth. We are honored to have her on the show today to share her remarkable story and the five biggest financial mistakes she sees women make. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
1:11 – Dr. April’s experience with widowhood and financial hardship + journey to financial advising 8:18 – Avoidance in financial planning9:53 –  Negotiating for higher salaries or fees + working with a coach 13:40 – Prioritizing retirement planning over college savings for children22:07 – Not having a will or estate plan26:44 – Giving your spouse complete control over your finances 32:29 – Having financial conversations with your partnerLearn more about Dr. April

Dr. April D. Murdaugh is a fee-based financial advisor based in Fleming Island, Florida. She specializes in assisting successful women executives and business owners in creating a financial plan that outlines how to live the life they deserve.
Having experienced homelessness, widowhood, and divorce- losing everything three times in her life-she is deeply committed to aiding women in fortifying against setbacks and navigating life transitions to achieve financial prosperity.

She has held leadership roles in various professional organizations including past president of the Professional Women's Council, president of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors-North Florida Chapter, and Treasurer of the Women in Transportation-Northeast Florida Chapter.
She was also President of the American Business Women’s Association-Orange Park Charter Chapter in 2019 and 2020 and was recognized as one of the Top Ten Women American Business Women in 2021. 
Among her accolades, she received the Small Business Leader of the Year award in 2020 and was named Best Financial Advisor in Jacksonville in 2018 and 2019. 
Dr. April D. Murdaugh is an approved Purse Strings Professional. She is a mom to four wonderful adult children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, music, exercising, kayaking, and hiking.

Episode Links
Dr. April on Purse Strings: https://pursestrings.co/professional/financial-advisor/florida/fleming-island/dr-april-murdaugh/
Woman to Woman Financial: https://www.womantowomanfinancial.com/


Get in touch with Dr. April
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W2WFinancial/?ref=pages_you_manage
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmurdaugh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draprilmurdaugh/

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To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

As a significant portion of wealth is anticipated to shift into the hands of women in the upcoming decades, it is more important than ever for women to be engaged in financial decisions and well-informed. It’s just as important for financial professionals to adapt and meet the unique needs of their female clients.

Jean Chatzky is a journalist, personal finance columnist, personal finance ambassador, and founder and CEO of the multimedia company HerMoney. Join us as we dive into these evolving dynamics with her, and cover topics like understanding your money type, the financial impact of caregiving responsibilities, investing, and more!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How HerMoney has grown from a podcast to a comprehensive financial platform for womenThe progress made in women’s financial empowerment + the persistent challenges due to industry jargon and lack of inclusivity The impending wealth transfer to women + the need for financial professionals to adapt and better serve female clientsUnderstanding your money type with HerMoney’s MoneyType quiz The financial impact of stepping out of the workforce + complexities of childcare decisions

Learn more about Jean

Jean Chatzky is the CEO of HerMoney.com and host of the podcast HerMoney With Jean Chatzky. The financial editor of NBC Today for 25 years and the Financial Ambassador for AARP, she appears frequently on CNN, MSNBC and was a recurring guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author. 
 Her latest book is Women with Money: The Judgment-Free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve. An in-demand motivational speaker and fierce advocate for financial literacy, in 2015, she partnered with the PwC Charitable Foundation and Time for Kids to launch Your $, an in-school magazine that reaches 2 million school children each month.


Episode Resources

HerMoney Newsletter
https://hermoney.com/subscribe/
HerMoney Podcast
https://hermoney.com/t/podcasts/
Take the MoneyType Personality Test
https://moneytype.hermoney.com/?utm_source=story&utm_medium=rotating_sidebar&utm_campaign=moneytype
InvestingFixx
https://portal.investingfixx.com/s/

Get in touch with Jean

Jean’s website
https://jeanchatzky.com/
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanchatzky/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/hermoneymedia/
https://www.instagram.com/jeanchatzky/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/JeanChatzky



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To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

This week on Women and Money, our guest is Marilyn Chinitz. Marilyn is a divorce attorney in New York who has been practicing law for 41 years and has extensive experience in matrimonial matters. She joins us today to help us better understand the world of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and their importance, especially in cases involving significant wealth or complex financial situations.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Marilyn’s experience in law + The advantages of prenups and periodic reviews of prenups throughout a marriageThe importance of thoroughness and legal expertise in drafting prenuptial agreements Having your own attorney when setting up prenuptial agreements or trusts + protecting individual interests and assetsThe key provisions that should be included in a prenup + avoiding unconscionable terms Prenuptial agreements for average couples looking to protect individual assets + potential state law differencesTiming and cost considerations involved in the process
Learn more about Marilyn
Marilyn Chinitz is a formidable advocate specializing in matrimonial law, focusing on high-net-worth divorce cases. With over 35 years of experience, she navigates clients through complex transitions, handling diverse matters such as:
·        Complex divorce actions involving diverse transactional matters
·        High-conflict custody cases
·        International custody cases including the return of abducted children in proceedings filed under the Hague Convention
·        Premarital agreements and postnuptial agreements
·        Same-sex divorce/dissolution matters
·        Paternity cases
Known for her straightforward, creative, and responsive client approach, Marilyn is as successful in litigation as in settlement negotiations. She has argued winning appeals in the appellate courts of New York, and in trials before the family court and the supreme courts of New York. 
When high-profile marital matters or recent changes in the law make headlines, Marilyn is a sought-after commentator. She is often quoted in print, and has appeared on local and national television and radio shows including NBC’s The Today Show, ABC News 20/20, Inside Edition, among others.
Beyond her legal career, Marilyn is the proud mother of two accomplished adult children. She loves cycling, and participates in fundraising rides, and organizes travel to international destinations.

Get in touch with Marilyn:
https://www.blankrome.com/people/marilyn-b-chinitz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-chinitz-a262a91b/



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To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

Matt Friscia is the owner and manager of Transworld Business Advisors of La Grange. With over 1,800 women opening businesses every day in the U.S., we’re excited to dive into the intricacies of buying and selling a business with a seasoned business broker. As a former business owner who worked with Transworld Business Advisors himself, Matt brings a wealth of experience to the table.

In this episode, Matt offers a realistic overview of what it looks like to work with a business broker, demystifying the process for those considering a new venture or looking to sell their business. From funding options and tax considerations to the day-to-day reality of business ownership, we learned so much from his insights.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How Matt moved from corporate America to pursue a career in business brokerageThe role of a business broker, the diversity of businesses Matt works with + some misconceptions about buying businesses The intricacies of buying businesses, including down payments, seller financing, discretionary earnings and moreThe preparation, listing process, and emotional aspects of selling a business  Funding options available for those interested in purchasing a business
Learn more about Matt

Prior to owning his own business, Matt spent 15 years in the media sales industry working with The Disney Company and ESPN. After buying and significantly expanding an in home senior care franchise, Matt successfully sold is business and is now one of the owners of Transworld Business Advisors in La Grange. He and his current team of eight brokers help clients buy, sell, franchise, and valuate businesses. Transworld Business Advisors of La Grange helps to super serve the underserved with businesses under $10M or referred to as “MainStreet” business brokerage. Matt resides in the southwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area with his wife and two children, and volunteers his time with community organizations like the Lemont Park Foundation and the La Grange Business Association. A fun fact about Matt is that he’s a musician that has played professionally for years as a drummer!


Get in touch with Matt

Matt on Purse Strings
https://pursestrings.co/professional/business-advisor/illinois/la-grange/matt-friscia/
Start a conversation with Matt about his services provided in business brokerage 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattfriscia/
Transworld Business Advisor
https://www.tworld.com/agent/mattfriscia/bio/
Active Listings
https://www.tworld.com/locations/lagrange/buy-a-business/active-business-listings/



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We’re delighted to sit down with Brian James, a seasoned Divorce and Family Mediator based in Chicago with offices across Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin. As the founder and lead mediator at C.E.L. & Associates, Brian brings over two decades of experience to his practice and has dedicated his career to helping families navigate divorce and domestic conflicts.

He’s here today to talk about the mediation process, highlighting its benefits, misconceptions, and how it differs from traditional litigation. Throughout our conversation, he shares some of the unique challenges women might face in divorce, the essential questions they should ask their mediators, and the importance of financial education in navigating divorce with confidence.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What is mediation and how is it different than hiring an attorney?The typical timeframe for mediation + how Brian works with families to navigate finances during this processThe questions that women should ask when consulting with a mediatorManaging client expectations during the mediation process + avoiding emotional decisions that might lead to regretWhen is it better to work with an attorney? What working with Brian looks like, typical costs of mediation, and Brian’s advice for our listeners
Learn more about Brian
Brian James, a seasoned Divorce and Family Mediator, established C.E.L. and Associates, Inc. in 2005, serving Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin. 
Brian holds a B.S. in Sociology from Northern Illinois University (1994) and received Mediation and Conflict Resolution training at Northwestern University.
For a decade, Brian worked in the Criminal Justice System, aiding domestic violence and divorcing families in resolving conflicts and facilitating healing post-life-altering events. His approach to mediation is client-driven. By aiding his clients with the resolution of their divorce issues outside of the courtroom, Brian helps create a win/win situation for all parties in a divorce.
His mediation style not only resolves immediate issues but equips clients with conflict-resolution skills for the future, emphasizing problem-solving, empathy, and informed decision-making. 
Brian recently celebrated 27 years of marriage to his wife Cindy. They have two boys, Connor, age 25 forever, and Evan, age 22. Connor and Evan are the C. and E. in C.E.L. & Associates, Inc.


Get in touch with Brian
Brian on Purse Strings
https://pursestrings.co/professional/mediator/illinois/libertyville/brian-james/
C.E.L. & Associates, Inc. 
https://www.yourdivorce.org/
Brian on social media
https://www.facebook.com/CELandAssociates 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-james-1336ba2/  



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To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/

Amy Cook, MSPFP, MPAS®, CFP®, is the proud founder of Maven Lane Financial Group in San Mateo, CA. She has over 15 years of experience as a financial advisor and is no stranger to the unique financial challenges that women face. We’re so excited to have her in our Purse Strings network and on the show today to share insights from her new book, Your Money Narrative.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Forming beliefs and decisions about money based on your previous experiencesHow gender roles and societal expectations impact these money storiesBreaking free from limiting money narratives by talking about your experiences and challenging your ingrained beliefsHow we can use our money stories to inspire and empower the next generation to be financially savvy and independent Amy’s new book + choices and personal priorities in budgeting
Learn more about Amy
Early in her career, Amy managed a mortgage company branch, witnessing clients reactively approaching financial decisions. Determined to help people avoid mistakes, she became a financial advisor in 2009, driven by a passion for guiding clients to realistic, attainable goals. Now the proud founder of Maven Lane Financial Group in the Bay area, she advocates for proactive personal finance.
Amy pursued financial education, earning her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and a Master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning. With clients in various life stages and industries, Amy aims to be part of your financial team, offering guidance in the ever-changing landscape of financial planning.
Amy is thrilled about her new book, Your Money Narrative, and is a mother of two grown daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys being home with her cute cats and working on passion projects, including decorating, antiques, and a series of children’s books about collections.


Get in touch with Amy

Amy on Purse Strings
https://pursestrings.co/professional/financial-advisor/california/san-mateo/amy-cook-mspfp-mpas-cfp/
Maven Lane Financial Group
https://www.mavenlanefinancialgroup.com/
Read an excerpt from Amy’s book, Your Money Narrative
https://www.yourmoneynarrative.com/excerpt
Your Money Narrative Checklists
https://www.yourmoneynarrative.com/resources
Amy on social media
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-cook-mspfp-mpas%C2%AE-cfp%C2%AE-3239199/
https://www.facebook.com/mavenlanefinancialgroup



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To learn more about money and access additional episodes, visit us online: https://pursestrings.co/