Ask Kim

Dear Kim,  Five years ago, when I was 50, I chose to take a large buyout ($100,000) when my company was downsizing. I’m still working at another job now, but I’m single, and I invested that money so that it could hopefully… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’ve received a life insurance payout following my mother’s death, and while it’s a blessing, it feels heavy to handle alone. It is a six figure amount that I know will be helpful for my future.  What should I be… Read more »

Dear Kim,  After my husband died, I discovered accounts and investments I didn’t even know we had. Needless to say, I was shocked – and sad he didn’t trust me enough to keep me in the know. How do I make sense… Read more »

Dear Kim,  My husband passed away a few months ago.  He had always handled our finances and met with our “money people”, and I trusted him to take care of it, which he did. I’m not hurting for anything … but money… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I divorced my husband last year after 15 years of marriage. It’s been a roller coaster to say the least – and I’m just now getting to the point where I can even hear the thoughts in my own head… Read more »

Dear Kim,  My husband passed away unexpectedly 3 months ago.  We did not have any children, and I’m now working to readjust some of my accounts. We previously had our accounts held jointly, and I didn’t have to worry about beneficiaries.  What… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’ve been divorced for over two years now, after 21 years of marriage.  It took me the first year after divorce to realize that I was finally free from my former husband’s controlling tendencies. I feel like I’m a new… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’m widowed, 63 years old, and have two adult sons, ages 36 and 33.  They are each married and have full-time jobs.  One of my sons, however, has a child who has major medical issues, and the cost of special… Read more »

Dear Kim,  My husband passed away last year at the age of 60. I’ve finally worked through all of the financial changes that happened after losing his income and getting all of my benefits in place. At the age of 58, I… Read more »

Dear Kim, I’m 32 years old and getting married for the first time.  My mother went through a financially harsh divorce with her second husband while I was a teenager, so I’ve seen how marriages can end and leave a woman in… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’m in the middle of divorce negotiations with my husband of 22 years.  He is offering a lump sum settlement instead of ongoing spousal support.  What are the financial questions I need to ask/consider before taking any further steps in… Read more »

Dear Kim,  My parents both passed away a year ago. I am an only child.  In the midst of settling their estate and selling their property, my spouse filed for divorce.  He had been supportive during my parents’ illnesses, but I recently… Read more »