Allowing the gifts within…

July 15, 2010 Blog No Comments

This is a beautiful video that I hope you will enjoy.  Lessons on love and letting go, letting be and finding the true gifts within.

Is it time to Declare Your Own Independence?

July 4, 2010 Blog, Credit No Comments

Happy 4th of July!  This all American holiday brings lots of happy memories for many of us…small town parades, picnics, watermelon seed spittin’ and of course, fireworks!  I was born in Philadelphia, the place where our nations Independence began.  The Liberty Bell has always held a special significance for me.  Here’s a great resource to learn more about this icon of American independence. http://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/  

So today, I encourage you to look within and see if there are there any parts of your life that need a Declaration of Your Own Independence?  Here’s some ideas for you…..Are you ready to fight for a faltering marriage?  Is it time to step out of a bad situation and move on to divorce?  Are you ready to stand up and fight for what is rightfully yours?  Have you looked at your finances lately and declared independence from debt woes?  Is it time to divorce your debt?!

Our country’s forefather’s fought for our freedom so that we could make our own choices, declare our own destiny and then live freely with "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  Are you living the life that they wished for you?  Are you living the life that you wish for yourself?  Is it time to Declare Your Independence?!

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!

Help for a divorcing parent of a teen!

June 11, 2010 Blog No Comments

 

Hi Lisa,
 
I’m trying hard to get through this divorce mess in the best way possible. My teenage son on the other hand is really acting out. My soon-to-be ex-husband seems to be non-existent right now so I feel the weight of all of this coming down on me and don’t know where to turn. Can you offer any ideas?
 
 
P.R., Philadelphia, Pa.
 
 
P.R.,
 
 
As you know, divorce is difficult enough for adults who are supposed to have the maturity to act maturely, even though some do not. It can be even tougher on children and teens who are already dealing with the tumultuous time of adolescence.
 
I encourage you to find yourself and your son, a therapist for each or both of you who you feel comfortable working with. A therapist or counselor can offer guidance and suggestions on how to deal with the emotions of divorce and offer positive coping mechanisms. Many places in the country offer support groups online and off as well. Avail yourself of whatever resources you need to bring you comfort and strength right now. 
 
We all know that the teen years can be trying for any parent, divorcing or not. Be the example that you want him to see. You cannot change what his father is doing or not doing, but you can control how you react and the things that you say. Remember that you may be divorcing your husband, but he will always be his son’s father and so avoid the temptation to say negative things in front of your son as hard as that may be.
 
 
Best regards,
 
~ Lisa ~
 
 
 
©2008-2010 Lisa C. Decker, CDFA™ All Rights Reserved.

 

Identity theft feeding frenzy!

May 20, 2010 Blog No Comments

 

This is an alarming story.  It pertains to commercial copy machines that have hard drives which retain information and are susceptible to identify theft.  Everyone needs to know this problem exists and demand the problem be addressed immediately!  If you work in a facility with commercial copiers this should be passed along. 
 
Here are the two CBS pieces on the copy machine problem-

First report

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6412572n&tag=mg;mostpopvideo

follow up report

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6493270n&tag=embedFD

 
 
I have resources that can help with identity theft issues if you have interest or need.  Contact me directly through my website if you need more information.

 

New Date for FREE Teleseminar - “Keeping the Peace When it Comes to the Kids” with Mike Mastracci.

May 17, 2010 Blog No Comments

 

Monday, May 24, 2010
7:00 pm EST
 

Mike Mastracci is a nationally recognized family law attorney, mediator and collaborative divorce practitioner with over 20 years of professional experience. He is the author of the award winning book: Stop Fighting Over the Kids: Resolving Day-to-Day Custody Conflict in Divorce Situations. Mike lives and practices law in Baltimore Maryland and he knows that having the right lawyer can make all the difference. I hope you will take full advantage of Mike Mastracci’s expertise, and make note of any questions you want answered. You will have an opportunity to ask any and all questions during the Q and A segment of this FREE Teleseminar. Lines are limited, so claim your spot today. 

 
Sign up here –
 

 

Don’t Miss these Final Financial Details in Divorce

April 22, 2010 Blog No Comments

 

By Lisa C. Decker, CDFA™
 
 
Moving into the next chapter of your life means wrapping up old business so that you can stay focused on the future. Here are a few helpful tips to make sure that you don’t leave open any doors that really should be closed for good.
 
Some parting items that you and / or your attorney may need to deal with when your divorce decree is handed down.
 
Assets: 
·         Remember to separate all accounts and change titles where applicable.
·         For investment accounts it is most important to change your beneficiary designations as these will override what is written in a will. If this step is missed your ex could end up with assets you did not intend for them to have.
·         Don’t forget to have your attorney file QDRO’s if you have qualified funds to split as a part of your divorce settlement agreement.
 
Debts:
·         Remember to separate all accounts and change titles where allowed.
·         If you are still liable for joint debts that could not be separated before the divorce was final, then make it a top priority to get your name removed from as many joint debt accounts as possible now and when able in the future (such as when the primary residence can be refinanced).
·         Make sure to review your credit reports from all three agencies in 3-6 months after the divorce is finalized and correct any errors you may find.
 
Liabilities:
·         Make sure that your divorce decree handles what will be done with any joint taxes that may be owed or refunded. This includes federal, state, local, property and potentially others.
 
Protection:
·         Be sure to visit an estate planning attorney and have your wills changed.
·         Change beneficiaries on all life insurance policies. As with investments, these beneficiary designations override a will.
·         Change and remove spouse from other insurance policies – Health, Homeowners, Auto, Umbrella, etc.
 
 
Support:
·         If you are receiving spousal and child support and need to go back to court to ask for modifications in the future, please beware of the IRS child contingency rules that could put you in a potential tax trap if you are the one paying support. Make sure to check with your CDFA or CPA if you do ask for a modification around either of these items so you don’t inadvertently end up with a hefty tax bill.
 
These are items that are frequently forgotten amid the turmoil of divorce. It is vitally important that you follow-up on these things as soon as possible to avoid unintended consequences that can come back to haunt you years later.

 

Divorce and Custody Dispute Study

April 15, 2010 Blog No Comments

 Courtesy of DivorceSaloon.com

Divorce Saloon:  GEORGIA: University professor Dr. Julie Ancis seeks participants for a divorce and custody dispute study

 We received a request by Dr. Julie Ancis’ research assistant, Kiranmayi Neelarambam to post this notice about a study they are conducting on the issues of divorce and custody. Dr. Ancis is searching for people to participate in the study. Here is the notice we received. If you would like to participate, please contact Kiranmayi at kiranmayi.n@gmail.com. Here is the flyer:

Dr. Julie Ancis, a professor of Counseling Psychology at Georgia State

University, is studying women’s experiences with divorce and custody

disputes. The purpose of this research is to gain an understanding of

women’s experiences within the legal system. Individual interviews are

being conducted with participants, and will cover topics such as

interactions with attorneys, judges, and guardian ad litems; coping; and

parenting issues. Interviews are confidential and tend to last between 1

½ to 2 1/2 hours. With the knowledge gained through this study, we would

like to educate those in the court systems and health professionals

about the unique challenges that women may face in divorce and custody

disputes. We may pursue a study about men’s experiences at a future

date. Thank you for your consideration!

Dr. Julie Ancis can be contacted at cpsjra@langate.gsu.edu

 

Feature Q & A:

April 8, 2010 Blog No Comments

 

Hi Lisa,
 
I’m pretty new to this whole divorce mess and since I’ve never really known anyone who has gotten divorced, I’m not quite sure where to begin. Can you point me in the right direction so we can try to do this the best way possible?
 
Thanks,
 
R.K., California
 

 
 
Hi R.K.,
 
Thanks so much for your question. You are smart to want to try and set the stage for your divorce the right way from the beginning. It’s been said that they way you begin your divorce, is usually the way that you end it as well. Meaning that if you want to have the best result possible overall then you should start your divorce in the manner in which you want it to proceed.
 
So, do you envision a knock-down, duke-it-out fight with high powered (umm…high priced) attorneys? Or would you rather take a more civilized, peaceful and potentially money-saving approach? Deciding on this from the beginning can have a great impact on what choices you make moving forward. 
 
Also, get educated on your options. Are you open to considering mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods? Divorce does not have to become war of the roses.
 
And assembling a great team is also critical to your outcome. Your attorney, your divorce financial advisor, a therapist, mediator and potentially a child specialist should be considered depending on your particular circumstances.
 
In anticipation of releasing my new program I have coming soon, I am offering a list of must have attorney questions to help get you started – “37 Money-Saving Questions to ask BEFORE you Hire an Attorney. Get your F*r*e*e gift now – www.SaveMoneyInDivorce.com.
 
Whatever path you choose, I wish you and your spouse, a peaceful divorce.

 

Help Me to Know What YOU Want to Know!

March 1, 2010 Blog No Comments

I have put together a survey to learn more about my readers and what you want to know.  Thank you in advance for completing this short 10 question survey. Since this is completely ANONYMOUS you can feel at ease in sharing your true thoughts and feelings.

Knowing this type of information helps me get to know my subscribers and market base more intimately so I can better serve you and tailor products and services to fit your needs and desires.

My free teleseminars, my products and my services are based upon what you share. I value your time and greatly appreciate your input!

Click here to take survey

 

Get Information on the New Credit Card Rules

February 24, 2010 Banks, Blog, CDFA, Credit No Comments

Here is a good synopsis of the new Credit Rules that went into effect this week from the Federal Reserve.  http://tinyurl.com/new-credit-card-rules.  I have been blogging about the need for these reforms for some time now.  They are a step in the right direction, though the credit card companies were given a long head start to give many folks the shaft before the changes came.

Pay particular attention to the example given in the "How Long Will it Take to Pay off Your Balance" section.  Minimum payments will keep you indebted to the credit card companies for much of your life. 

Best bet, use your credit cards wisely… only for emergencies or if you know you can pay off the balance every month.  That way you can avoid the credit card crunch and pay yourself.  Just imagine what those minimum payments could be worth to you in retirement if you were able to invest that money for your future rather then having to pay it towards debt! 

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