Northwest Gardens

Preview the Northwest Flower and Garden Show and examine the growth of the landscape and nursery industries.

CEO Spotlight

Discuss the popularity of gardening in the Northwest and the industries it supports with Brad Siebe, general manager of Swansons nursery.

Scambusters

Attorney General Rob McKenna warns homeowners about home contractor scams.

Smart Money

Financial Adviser Kathleen Miller with the second of a two-part series on money and relationships.

When it comes to divorce and financial planning, divorce is like riding an escalator.
If divorce is inevitable, you begin a legal process that starts moving the day you file. There are dates set and timelines that begin so the whole process is like riding an escalator you cannot get off until it is over. When the ride does end you can either step off confidently if you have prepared, or get thrown off if you have not.

In my thirty years of working with divorcing couples, I know that preparing a financial plan during that time and learning to budget for your post- divorce life make the difference between stepping off the escalator to a new positive life, or getting thrown off with no direction.

To find help preparing your financial plan and budget:

• Talk with a financial planner who is experienced with divorce matters. The Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts has a website to help you find a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst in your area who is experienced with budgeting, planning and the divorce process.  https://www.institutedfa.com/
• Use the checklist at Fairsharedivorce.com to start gathering the documents and information you will need to prepare. Do this yourself so you do not have to pay your attorney to do it, and to help you build confidence and empower you to plan for a more positive future. http://www.fairsharedivorce.com/index.php/web/checklist/
• Find a career counselor and therapist who can help you determine your educational needs and support you emotionally during the process.