Liz Windisch, Certified Financial Planner

Thinking about supporting your favorite candidate this fall and wondering if your contribution might be a tax write-off? 🤔

Before we answer that question in the blog below, we're looking into...

💲 What you should consider before you make a contribution.
(HINT: Do your research and review financial disclosures.)

💲Where the money goes after you've donated.

Whether you’re giving your to a local animal shelter or supporting the next woman in Congress, it’s important to do your homework and know where your funds are going.

As with any financial decision, financial advisors are here to help you stay educated and know how much you can afford to give.

“Are Political Donations Tax-Deductible?” and Other Campaign Money Info - Liz Windisch We’ve talked about the benefits of women in politics. Now let’s talk about how we can help them get there. As we all know, money talks. But where is all that money going? First, before you donate, here are a few things to consider: Research the Campaign: Before donating, thoroughly research the ...

🎀 You’ve probably heard the phrase — the extra money women are routinely charged across a number of categories including personal care products, personal care services and clothing. But you may not realize just how much more women pay over the course of their lifetimes.

💵 In this “Financially Savvy Female” column, we’re breaking down the numbers, plus what women can do to save money and avoid this gendered “tax.”

Read here to learn more! https://buff.ly/3XkbPne

6 Ways Being a Woman Is More Expensive You've probably heard the phrase "pink tax" -- the extra money women are routinely charged across a number of categories including personal care products, personal care services and clothing. But you...

Save, save, save…blah, blah, blah. 🙄

That’s all us financial planners talk about, right? “Save ALL your money! Your future self will thank you!”

However, the 👉 RIGHT always takes your personal situation into account.

I remember being single and constantly hearing that same broken record about saving…but I realized pretty quickly that my lifestyle was different because I didn’t have a partner.

Never spending money or staying home because I needed to save every penny until all my retirement accounts were maxed or my debt was paid off was unrealistic.

What am I…a nun?

💲 Your plan should allow you to live your life now while planning for the future.💲

This means that if you require more to be social because you don’t like being alone, you should discuss that with your advisor; they can take that into account and help you come up with a spending plan.

Ready to talk about your financial future? Let's do it! CLICK HERE to make an appointment: https://buff.ly/3tmasGL

Even with increased financial ownership among women, research suggests financial insecurity still exists. A Bankrate story recently revealed that close to half (48%) of women expressed being confident about their finances, but only 28% feel empowered to take action.

Undergoing a significant life change — divorce, parenting a child with special needs, taking care of an elderly relative or experiencing the death of a spouse — can be added stressors for women when it comes to what to do next to ensure financial security. For this reason, it’s more important than ever to proactively build up financial health well in advance of any possible major life events.

Read the full article here for more! https://buff.ly/3MCOxUN

How women can take control of their finances after a significant life event - AZ Big Media Women are more equipped than ever to not just find their financial footing, but also play a significant role in driving their own finances.

👩‍💼 It’s time we reflect on the role women play in shaping financial markets — both as investors and as employees in the institutions that keep those markets running. On both fronts, there is ample opportunity to deliver both societal progress and economic empowerment.

💸 Worryingly, women do not create wealth at the same rates as men. According to the OECD, women receive 26% less income from the pension system than men. Critically important for many women around the world is improving their inclusion in financial markets as investors and closing this gender investing gap.

🤔 We must ask ourselves: What role do women play as investors, and how can their participation be further encouraged and supported?

Read more in the article HERE! https://buff.ly/3Wo0V0R

Women are poised to reshape the financial services industry Whether as investors or in the boardroom making key decisions, women have the power to fundamentally reshape global investment and finance. Here's how.

As Tina Fey once said about being the only female writer on SNL, “I feel like, the more diverse the room, in every way, smoother sailing. People behave themselves better, the cream will rise differently.”

This can also apply to the political world. Let’s look at how having more women in the room can help the country.

👉 Women bring diverse experiences and perspectives that are crucial in shaping comprehensive policies.

👉Historically, women in politics have been strong advocates for social issues such as healthcare, education, and family leave.

👉Women often push for greater transparency and accountability, enhancing the overall integrity of political institutions.

👉Having more women in politics serves as an inspiration for young girls and women, showing them that they too can aspire to and achieve leadership positions.

The Benefits of Female Representation in Politics - Liz Windisch How does female representation in politics help everyone? From diverse perspectives to more focus on social issues, women are making a huge difference.

Financial planning looks a little different when you’re . 👈

I should know. I spent most of my adult life as a single woman and didn’t get married until I was in my 40s.

So, I’m well aware of the pros and cons you’re dealing with…and the – sometimes unrealistic - financial advice you might be getting.

Does this sound familiar? “Save ALL your money! Your future self will thank you!”

I remember being single and constantly hearing that same broken record about saving…but I realized pretty quickly that my lifestyle was different because I didn’t have a partner.

Never spending or staying home because I needed to save every penny until all my retirement accounts were maxed or my debt was paid off was unrealistic.

💥The RIGHT financial planner always takes your personal situation into account. 💥

So, if you’re reading this and thinking the following…

❤️ I wish I had someone who understood my situation as a single woman.

❤️I wish I had someone I could bounce ideas off of when I’m not sure what to do financially.

❤️I wish my finances didn’t feel so overwhelming.

…let’s talk. I get it.

Why Single Women Should Have a Financial Plan Tailored to THEM - Liz Windisch Financial planning should probably look a little different when you're a single woman. Denver Financial Planner Liz Windisch explains why.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) latest report shows that the typical 16 to 24-year-old woman makes $695 a week, making it difficult to cover the basics.

Kionnie Epps is a financial educator from the popular website and YouTube channel The Responsible Homegirl. She shared some essential advice for women in their 20s:

👩‍💼 Make a commitment to planning on payday
💰 Pay yourself first
💪 Invest in yourself

Read more in the full article here! https://buff.ly/3XjqcJJ

Essential money tips for twentysomethings Learning about money in your 20s could pay big dividends over time. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to The Responsible Homegirl about essential money moves for twentysomethings.

I don’t know about you, but about mid-August, I start feeling like the summer vacation is over and it’s time to buckle down again. And it’s not something I’m always happy about. 🤔

Like many people, I spend my summer balancing work and play, but when 🍂 fall starts peeking over my calendar pages, I know it’s time to not only get back in the swing of things but also start planning for the next year.

August and September are the perfect time for a reset. You might be getting back to a more normal schedule now that the kids are back in school or you’re beginning to see an uptick in appointments on your calendar.

Bottom line: it’s time to get back to business. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Getting Back into the Swing of Things This Fall: Tips to Reboot Your Business - Liz Windisch August and September are the perfect time for a reset. Here are some tips for to reboot your business this fall.

😰 Women have very real concerns about outliving our — and for good reason. We live longer than men yet, due to the gender wage gap, we earn less over the course of our lifetimes and we’re twice as likely than men to step out of the workforce for caregiving.

In other words, we’re faced with the classic conundrum of having to do more with less — and that has become a major source of financial stress for many of us. Charting a course that can help ease those fears is an important priority. Here are five steps in the right direction.

👉 Understand your financial picture
👉 Understand the difference between needs and wants
👉 Talk to your partner about where you’re headed
👉 Be thoughtful about Social Security
👉 Meet with a

Read more in the article here! https://buff.ly/4anb1m0

Women Are Worried About Outliving Their Money. Here Are 5 Ways To Help Make Sure You Don't Outlive Yours Women have very real concerns about outliving our money — and for good reason. We live longer than men yet, due to the gender wage gap, we earn less over

As a woman, how many times have you read or heard something along the lines of...

👉 “Well, if you just stop shopping so much (or don’t buy that latte or whatever the overused example is), it will make a huge difference in your finances”? 👈

And how many times do you think someone has said that to a man? 😡

While budgeting is an important part of , it’s unlikely that stopping your Starbucks habit is going to bring about the financial change you’re looking for.

Shift your mindset to something that looks a little bit more like this:

💥 I want to spend more. I want to save more. Therefore, I should make more. 💥

Check out the blog below on how you can make this change.

One of the best things about getting older is we know what we want.

Now we need to do what’s necessary to get it. 💪

Ladies: You Don’t Need to Stop Shopping. You Need to Make More Money - Liz Windisch Women are often told they need to quit shopping as a financial plan while men are told they need to make more money. That needs to change.

⛹️‍♀️ As we witness women's sports breaking records left and right, money has remained at the center of the conversation. People want to know what pay equity in sports really looks like. But in addition to debates about revenue shares and sponsorship dollars, there's another factor that must be considered: financial literacy.

💵 Right now, there's more money available to young women than ever before. Thanks to policy changes made in 2021, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities now allow NCAA players to monetize their personal brands while maintaining their amateur status. This might look like the Nike endorsement Caitlin Clark scored while playing for Iowa, or Angel Reese's deals with Reebok, Coach, and Amazon while at LSU.

But when it comes to managing their personal finances, many athletes are left in the dark. And are we really setting our athletes up for long-term success if they don't even know how to do their taxes? 🤷‍♀️

👉 Here's what a sports entrepreneur wants you to know about the lack of financial support in women's sports — and what needs to change going forward. https://buff.ly/3SKulEa

What Women Athletes Need to Know About Money, According to Experts Young female athletes deserve better pay, but also better financial guidance.

I live in the beautiful state of . We have the mountains, we have the rivers, we have the breweries.

We also have outrageous home prices.

The June 2024 Rocket Homes Housing Market Report published that the median sold price in Denver, CO was $619,194. I don’t know if this makes you feel better or worse, but that’s down $22,869 since June 2023.

If you’re in an area that has seen home prices skyrocket, here are some ideas to help you get into the housing market.

🏠 Explore Affordable Financing Options
🏠Consider Alternative Buying Strategies
🏠Be Patient and Persistent
🏠Work with Professionals

If you’re overwhelmed looking at Zillow, you’re not alone.

Buying a home is a major decision and can be very stressful. Just remember that you do have resources available – and I’m one of them! If you’re thinking about a major purchase, but want to make sure you’re financially ready, let's talk!

How Can I Buy a Home When the Cost of Living is So High? - Liz Windisch If you're overwhelmed about high housing prices you're not alone. Here are some resources and tips to help you get into a home.

💫 Understand the challenges and opportunities women face in the space, including salary negotiation and investing strategies.

🤔 What financial challenges do women uniquely face? How can people find financial peace in a stressful world? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share some “money hot takes” before turning the conversation towards addressing the unique financial hurdles women face.

HerMoney podcast host Jean Chatzky joins Sean to discuss the impact of the gender pay gap and caregiving responsibilities on women's financial security, the strengths women bring to investing, and practical strategies for negotiating better salaries and investing confidently. 💪

👉 Click here for a link to the podcast! https://buff.ly/4dmTcFQ

Smart Money Podcast: Unlock Financial Opportunities for Women: Jean Chatzky on Investing, Negotiating, and More - NerdWallet Learn about salary negotiation and investing strategies and how they can be especially helpful for women facing unique personal finance challenges.

Unquestionably, disability is more complicated than other forms of insurance. ⬇️

There are a lot of moving parts to understand in order to create the right kind of coverage, which may be one reason why many people are reluctant to look into it. 🤔

No one likes to pay for something they don’t understand; however, once you understand the risk and your need for protection, purchasing a disability insurance policy becomes much more straightforward. Then you just need to know what to look for in a disability insurance policy to best suit your needs.

The blog below outlines what you need to know about . Have questions? Let’s talk about your concerns and get you the answers you need.

What to Look for in a Disability Insurance Policy - Liz Windisch Unquestionably, disability insurance is more complicated than other forms of insurance. There are a lot of moving parts to understand in order to create the right kind of coverage, which may be one reason why many people are reluctant to look into it. No one likes to pay for something they don’t u...

💪 Women of all ages are taking charge of their .

If you're a woman looking to make life-changing money moves, you may seek advice on managing your finances to live a more comfortable and secure life. Making small financial changes can benefit your wallet and improve your life.

Here are a few ways that successful women manage their finances:

💵 They make career moves that result in higher earnings
💵 They make strategic spending decisions
💵 They save for emergencies
💵 They prioritize
💵 They continue to boost their financial knowledge

Read the full article here for more! 👉 https://buff.ly/3WqA1UA

5 Ways Successful Women Manage Their Finances Are you a woman looking to improve your financial situation? You can learn from other successful women. Find out what money moves successful women make.

Unlike regular policies that require ongoing payments, lump-sum policies are a one-and-done deal. ✅

This means that once you make the initial payment, you don't have to worry about paying premiums or facing rate increases ever again.

Here are some other things to keep in mind:

💥 They lock in your benefit amount at the time of purchase, and it will never decrease. This provides a stable and predictable source of funds when you need them most. 🙌

💥Younger policyholders can lock in higher benefit amounts because they’re considered lower risk, making the policy even more valuable.

💥Lump-sum policies cover you with a return of premium feature. If you don’t end up using the policy, your premium is returned to your heirs income-tax-free.

As a who works with single Gen X women, I’ve seen firsthand how a lump-sum policy has given clients a stronger sense of security when it comes to their future.

Have questions? Let's talk! https://buff.ly/3tmasGL

Why a Lump Sum Long-Term Care Policy Could be Right for You - Liz Windisch I’ve seen firsthand how a lump-sum LTCpolicy has given clients a stronger sense of security when it comes to their future.

For widows, having to deal with a traumatic personal loss plus the finances and other tasks of daily living can be overwhelming.

The best way to ease the burden is to “be involved with your finances ahead of time so you only have to deal with the grief,” says Alexandra Armstrong, a certified financial planner and co-author with Mary R. Donahue of On Your Own: A Widow’s Guide to Emotional and Financial Well-Being.

Armstrong herself became a in 2023, and when I interviewed several of my women friends who had become widowed in the past few years, all three seconded her advice.

Read here for more of their helpful insights! https://buff.ly/4bsvTJg

Widows Share Their Financial Strategies Dealing with loss is overwhelming. Preparation helps take away financial headaches so you can focus on yourself.

One of my sisters bravely took to the open road recently to visit her grown son in another state and her plan was to camp along the way to her destination. 🚗

Little did she know that she was about to get more “adventure” than she originally signed up for. 🥴

After experiencing car trouble in Utah while camping (five hours from home), she was forced to rent a car to drive back – only to have that car break down on a busy highway.

This got me thinking about 👉 how women can keep living independently and do what they want to do while also being safe and prepared 👈 (which can also save you some money when unexpected hiccups happen).

✅ STAY CONNECTED
Regularly update family or friends about your whereabouts. Share your itinerary and check in periodically.

✅INVEST IN THE RIGHT GEAR
Make sure you understand the terrain and weather conditions. When it comes to traveling in urban areas, look into purses and bags that deter theft.

✅SMART FINANCIAL PRACTICES
To expand on protecting your money, carry a mix of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and travel money cards. You can also let your bank know about your travel plans to avoid your cards being blocked for suspicious activity.

Being on your own doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun and adventure. Just make sure you’re as prepared as possible for the unexpected!
https://buff.ly/3S9RfVc

Travel Smart: Essential Precautions for Single Women Traveling - Liz Windisch Single women traveling is becoming more common as more women choose to be single. Here's how you can travel independently - and wisely.

Willow CEO and Founder Lacy Garcia joins Wealth! to give insight into how women can empower themselves through their .

Garcia argues that the financial planning industry must evolve to address inequities among investors: "So I think what's really critical is that the industry needs to understand that for women, for underrepresented investors, that these pay gaps have existed, that the challenges that create a big gap in their ability to save for retirement and the amount of money that they're earning over a lifetime. And then to be able to really create not just products, but also strategies to make sure that women and younger and next-gen underrepresented investors are able to then achieve the retirement income that they need, but with an understanding that they start from perhaps a place of disadvantage."

Click here to watch the episode! https://buff.ly/3Ln2E00

How women should think about financial independence: CEO Willow CEO and Founder Lacy Garcia joins Wealth! to give insight into how women can empower themselves through their finances. Garcia argues that the financial planning industry must evolve to address inequities among investors: "So I think what's really critical is that the industry needs to unders...

Do you ever find yourself on thinking, "I could get a place here"? ☀️

Having a second home sounds like a great idea until you factor in all the work and expenses. And how we want to spend our leisure time becomes more and more important as we age and start thinking about .

When we work on a financial plan, many of my clients have purchasing a vacation home on their “wishes” portion and that’s great! 👍

For some people it’s a good fit.

But I always like to make sure my clients know their options. I want their retirement to be as “headache-free” as possible – so that might mean considering renting rather than purchasing a second home.

The blog below discusses some of the perks my family enjoyed renting the same property year after year.

Is owning a on your bucket list?

Think of This as an Alternative to a Retirement Vacation Home - Liz Windisch Thinking about buying a vacation home? Denver Financial Planner Liz Windisch gives you some alternatives you might want to consider.

🇺🇸 Thank you USA Today for including me in this article about investor uncertainty in light of the upcoming presidential election.

👉 Read the article here! https://buff.ly/4bIl5ag

Trump or Biden? Investors are anxious about the 2024 election. Here's how to prepare If there’s one thing all investors eschew, it’s uncertainty. And nothing says uncertainty quite like the 2024 election.

Happy 4th of July weekend, everyone!

15 Funny and Relatable Tweets About The Fourth Of July The funniest tweets about the Fourth of July.

Achieving financial independence for women is more challenging due to gender-based wage gaps and lower levels of financial literacy. Despite this hurdle, women continue to narrow the wage gap by earning and investing more than they have in the past.

Are you ready to learn how to achieve financial independence as a woman? Here are 10 tips to guide you on your journey.

💵 Learn the basics of
💰 Set goals for different time horizons
💵 Create and update your budget
💰 Open an emergency fund
💵 Automate your savings
💰 Maximize your retirement planning
💵 Understand your credit score
💰 Avoid high interest debt
💵 Plan ahead for life changes
💰 Don’t be afraid to negotiate
💵 Start your journey towards financial freedom

Read the article here for more! https://buff.ly/3U3xdNv

Women and Money: 10 Tips for Building Financial Independence Financial independence is an increasingly popular goal for women. These tips will help you start building wealth and security.

"I want my bank account to come out at $0 when I die." ⬇️

With so much emphasis on in the financial world, there's a whole group of people out there who are being ignored: those who aren't interested in leaving an .

Whether you don’t have children by choice or by circumstance, you might be wondering how to handle your if leaving a legacy isn’t a consideration.

In the blog below we're talking about...

✳️ Whether or not you can calculate your financial plan down to the last penny.

✳️ What to do if you have money left over so that the cousin you hate won't get it.

✳️ What you should do if you change your mind about leaving a legacy.

Ultimately, the choices you make about your money should be discussed with a financial planning professional. We understand that your decisions are personal and they’re YOURS.

We’re here to listen to your needs, values, and goals so that we can help you make the right choices for your individual situation.

What if I Don’t Want to Leave an Inheritance? - Liz Windisch Whether you don’t have children by choice or by circumstance, you might be wondering how to handle your finances if leaving a legacy isn’t a consideration.

Men are powered by confidence while women are driven by stress when it comes to handling financial decisions, a new study shows.

According to a New York Life Wealth Watch survey, confidence is the primary emotion that men report feeling about managing their household (45%), while stress is the leading emotion for women (38%). The survey also found that women report feeling the most knowledgeable when it comes to paying bills, maintaining good credit, and saving for emergencies.

That said, the study showed that women say they feel significantly less knowledgeable than their male counterparts about building , creating investment portfolios, understanding protection products like insurance, and legacy planning.

Explore further in the article HERE: https://buff.ly/3QWsomZ

Let’s face it – when we’re looking for a , we’re often feeling scared and overwhelmed. 😶

Now, imagine yourself sitting with a financial advisor, wondering if they’re going to be friendly. Wondering if they’re going to judge you. Wondering if they’re an ally. 🏳️‍🌈

When I have a potential client in the + community come into my office, they might not automatically know that I am an ally until we start speaking.

I’m hopeful that they immediately understand that I am, but when I put myself in their shoes – walking into a stranger’s office not knowing if they will be welcome – it makes me cringe.

No one should be put in that position. 🚫

If you’ve been thinking that it’s time to talk to a financial professional, but you’re not sure where to start to find a trusted resource, here are some ideas.

❤️ Ask for referrals.
❤️Look for financial advisors who specialize in the q***r community.
❤️Ask the right questions (more about that in the blog below!)
❤️TAKE YOUR TIME!

If you have any questions about how I work with q***r clients and would like to know more about my process, I would love to have that conversation with you!

Money and Pride: Finding an LGBTQ+ Friendly Financial Advisor - Liz Windisch How can you find an LGBTQ+ friendly financial advisor? Liz Windisch gives you questions and resources to consider.

“At Ellevest, we spend a lot of time talking with women about : where they stand with money, how they plan, what money enables them to do.

As a natural result, we spend a lot of time talking about retirement with women: both how they picture their retirement and what they actually do when they’re retired.

And let’s just say that retirement — those supposedly somnolent last few chapters of life, in Florida, enlivened by golf, early-bird-special dinners, and cherubic grandkids — needs a rebrand. Because the essence of retirement is moving from that to something more dynamic, more energetic. Especially for women.

To look at the future of retirement, let’s look at it instead through women’s eyes, as they become the majority of retirees. After all, women live 6–8 years longer than men overall, and half of retired women expect to live in retirement a full 21 years."

Read on here! https://buff.ly/3xcV58K

Women Are Rebranding Their Retirement Eras | Ellevest Retirement is less about going at our careers hard for decades and then stopping, reminiscing, softening. It’s moving from that to something more dynamic, more energetic. Especially for women.

When it comes to women and , you’ll come across a lot of articles and self-help content that says we need to be more confident. 💪

But that’s not really the case.

According to the Equitable Women and Wealth Study, “Women control 💥 more than one-third of all U.S. household financial assets, 💥 a share that is likely to grow significantly in the years ahead. This trend has been occurring for decades as women continue to earn higher incomes, becoming the sole financial decision-makers in their households.”

And when it comes to the stats on women and investing, we’re looking pretty good: 👉 “More than half (51%) of women who invest in the market say they typically stay the course on their investments when the market experiences a dip, compared to 43% of men.”

Is there room for improvement? Sure. But studies are showing that confidence isn’t the issue.

So, what's the difference between feeling confident with your finances and feeling comfortable?

And why does it matter????

Turns out it can make a big difference. Check out the blog below. 👇

https://buff.ly/4chV81B

Women are Confident When it Comes to Money. But They Need to Get Comfortable. - Liz Windisch What's the difference between being confident with your money and being comfortable? Turns out it can make a big impact.