For many women, Social Security represents their largest retirement asset. Join host Kirsten Schlumbohm and guests Ash Ahluwalia, CFP®, MBA, NSSA®, CSSCS, head of Security Planning at OneTeam Financial, and Julie Manning, RICP®, CFF, a top advisor at C2P and the founder and CEO of Keystone Wealth Management, as they unveil essential strategies for maximizing Social Security benefits for women. Learn practical approaches for incorporating Social Security planning into your practice, discover valuable resources for mastering this specialty, and gain insights into marketing these services to women clients. Whether your female clients are married, divorced, or widowed, this episode provides the knowledge you need to enhance your retirement planning services and grow your practice.Resources:* Software Referenced: Social Security Solutions (https://www.socialsecuritysolutions.com/)* Certification Mentioned: NSSA (National Social Security Advisor (https://nationalsocialsecurityassociation.com/)* Government Resources: Social Security Administration (https://www.ssa.gov/)Statistics:* Middle-income couples can receive approximately $1.4 million from Social Security over a 20-year retirement (https://www.cnbc.com/select/when-should-you-collect-social-security/)* Single women can potentially receive $700,000 to $1 million in lifetime benefits (https://www.cnbc.com/select/when-should-you-collect-social-security/)* 80% of Social Security benefits come from tax receipts, not the trust fund (https://www.pgpf.org/blog/2024/08/9-facts-about-social-security-and-the-need-to-strengthen-it#:~:text=Employers%20and%20employees%20each%20pay,more%20than%20it%20takes%20in.)

70% of women prefer to work with female advisors. * Learn how to serve your female clients and their complex needs by creating a supportive and welcoming environment where female advisors can thrive. Join host Kirsten Schlumbohm and guest Sheryl Hickerson, CEO of Females and Finance and a pioneer in promoting diversity in financial services. Together they explore Sheryl's unexpected journey into the industry and her mission to empower women in finance and fintech. Throughout their engaging conversation, Sheryl offers valuable insights on building inclusive communities, effective strategies for engaging women in finance, and the future of the industry. She also shares her perspective on marketing to women clients and the importance of allyship in advancing diversity. Tune in to hear Sheryl's unique insights on creating change, embracing discomfort, and the bright future for women in financial services.*Source (https://c2pe.info/4cQI9F7)Resources:* Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam* Females and Finance website (https://femalesandfinance.com/)Statistics:* Women and Wealth: How Advisors Can Address a $30 Trillion Opportunity (https://c2pe.info/3WAATXW)* Deloitte study: More women are reaching the C-suite in financial services, but progress is slow (https://c2pe.info/4bQbE8A)

How did an aspiring physical education teacher become a top-performing financial advisor with a thriving practice? Join host Kirsten Schlumbohm and guest Julie Manning, RICP®, CFF, a top advisor at C2P and founder and CEO of Keystone Wealth Management. Together they discuss Julie’s unexpected journey into financial services and how she built a successful practice focused on empowering women clients. Throughout their engaging conversation, Julie offers valuable insights on building client relationships, the power of empathy in financial advising, and the rewards of helping women achieve financial clarity. She also shares insights on maintaining work-life balance and advice for the next generation of women in the financial industry. Tune in to hear Julie's unique perspective on success, work-life balance, and the bright future for women in financial services.Resources:* Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your LifeStatistics:* Advisorpedia: Why 80% of Women Leave Their Advisors When They Lose Their Husband (https://c2pe.info/3zCMtZI)* Statista: Share of women in leadership positions in the financial services industry in the United States in 2021, with forecast for 2030 (https://c2pe.info/3S3hmNo)

Description:  Divorce made simple sounds like an oxymoron but it’s possible with financial and emotional guidance! Host Kirsten Schlumbohm lets special guest, Amy Colton, MBA, CDFA, financial advisor and CEO and founder of Your Divorce Made Simple, explain how in this comprehensive episode. Amy shares her journey from the technology and aesthetics industries to becoming a financial advisor and divorce mediator. Passionate about advocating for women, she discusses the unique challenges women face during major life transitions such as divorce, and how her innovative approach helps them navigate these changes efficiently and amicably. Tune into this compelling conversation that also covers the importance of financial planning, tax implications, and emotional support during a divorce. Resources: * Your Divorce Made Simple (https://yourdivorcemadesimple.com/) 

Supporting the advancement of women is crucial for making jobs in finance more accessible to women and being able to better serve the evolving needs of female clients. Join host Kirsten Schlumbohm and special guest, Wendy Young, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at F&G, for an inspiring conversation about championing women's success in financial services. From aspiring genetic counselor to Chief Risk Officer and eventual CFO, Wendy shares her unique leadership perspective on mentorship and fostering an inclusive culture that empowers women to thrive. She reveals strategies implemented at F&G to promote women into leadership, build supportive communities, and drive industry-wide diversity initiatives. Don't miss Wendy's empowering insights and advice for creating a more equitable future for women in this male-dominated field.Resources:* F&G Life Insurance (https://www.fglife.com/)

Learn about the evolution of annuities from the "Annuity Rockstar" herself — Sheryl Moore, founder, creator, & CEO of Wink, Inc. and Moore Market Intelligence. Join Kirsten Schlumbohm, VP Head of Annuity Sales at C2P, as she interviews Sheryl, who draws from her trailblazing career in competitive intelligence to reveal how annuities transformed from restrictive policies in ‘grandma’s’ day into flexible retirement income vehicles for many today. Sheryl also dispels outdated myths, discusses how to navigate the new DOL fiduciary rules, and providers predictions on taxation and portability trends. Don't miss these annuity insights and more from one of the industry's most respected thought leaders. Resources:* Wink, Inc. Life Insurance & Annuity Intelligence (https://www.winkintel.com/)* Moore Market Intelligence (https://www.mooremarketintelligence.com/) * DOL’s Proposed Retirement Security Rule (https://c2penterprises.com/blog/the-dols-proposed-retirement-security-rule-what-financial-advisors-need-to-know/) blog by C2P * National Annuity Awareness Month (https://nafa.com/education/national-annuity-awareness-month/#:~:text=In%202010%2C%20the%20National%20Association,a%20secure%20retirement%20savings%20plan.)Statistics:* https://finance.yahoo.com/news/woman-world-survey-finds-women-150013815.html (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/woman-world-survey-finds-women-150013815.html) * https://www.annuity.org/annuities/fees-and-commissions/#:~:text=Commissions%20can%20vary%20depending%20on,from%201%25%20to%203%25 (https://www.annuity.org/annuities/fees-and-commissions/#:~:text=Commissions%20can%20vary%20depending%20on,from%201%25%20to%203%25). * https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/industry-trends/2024/limra-why-fixed-rate-deferred-annuity-sales-tripled-in-two-years/ (https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/industry-trends/2024/limra-why-fixed-rate-deferred-annuity-sales-tripled-in-two-years/)

Women being more likely to outlive their husbands1 but less likely to be in charge of the finances in the relationship2, is a recipe for disaster. Help your female clients better plan for their future and well-being by empowering them to become active, informed participants in their financial lives. Join host Kirsten Schlumbohm, and special guest, Lisa Chenet , CFF®, BPC®, Vice President of Operations at CLP Financial Group, as they discuss Lisa’s holistic approach to coaching female clients with candor and real examples from her practice, Lisa strongly recommends factoring in retirement, health costs, legacy planning and more when developing comprehensive financial plans. She provides strategies for overcoming challenges like the gender pay gap and the need for women's money to last longer in retirement. Lisa also offers savvy tips for finding the right financial coach and getting the whole family on board with financial literacy. Listen in to help your clients get proactive about securing their financial present and future.Resources:* The Bucket Plan®: Protecting and Growing Your Assets for a Worry-Free Retirement* Prosperity Capital Advisors (https://thebucketplanbook.com/) National Association of Certified Financial Fiduciaries (https://www.nationalcffassociation.org/) Statistics:* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1523476/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1523476/) * https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5279946/#:~:text=In%20American%20households%2C%20men%20are%20usually%20primarily%20responsible%20for%20household%20finances.&text=In%20the%20Cognitive%20Economics%20Study,knowledgeable%20person%20in%20the%20household (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5279946/#:~:text=In%20American%20households%2C%20men%20are%20usually%20primarily%20responsible%20for%20household%20finances.&text=In%20the%20Cognitive%20Economics%20Study,knowledgeable%20person%20in%20the%20household). 

Trying to move up the ladder as a woman in financial services or offer support to those who are by fostering a more inclusive environment? Join Kirsten Schlumbohm and Lindsey Lewis, MBA, CHFC®, CFP®, Executive Director and Chair at The American College for the Center of Women in Financial Services, as they continue their insightful conversation about empowering women and minorities in the financial industry. In part two of this episode, she emphasizes the importance of education, mentorship, and understanding the diverse landscape of financial services roles. Lindsey also discusses her personal definition of success, which involves balancing different aspects of life and surrounding herself with a supportive "village." With wisdom and authenticity, she offers advice for women considering a career in financial services - know yourself, find a mentor, and claim your seat at the table. Resources:* The American College of Financial Services* State of Women in Wealth Management Report 2023Statistics:* Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell* The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban* Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Whether you’re a woman trying to find your footing in the financial space or a firm looking to become more inclusive to female clients and employees, consider this: small changes lead to big results! Host Kirsten Schlumbohm engages with Lindsey Lewis, MBA, CHFC®, CFP®, Executive Director and Chair at The American College for the Center of Women in Financial Services, to shed light on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the financial sector. They explore Lindsey's journey from a finance professional to an academic leader, her innovative work at The American College, and the pressing need for more women in financial services. The discussion offers insights into overcoming systemic barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment. They also touch on Lindsey's contributions to curriculum development aimed at representing diverse financial needs. Don’t miss this episode on the future of financial services and the role of women in shaping it!Resources:The American College of Financial Services (https://www.theamericancollege.edu/)State of Women in Wealth Management Report 2023 (https://resources.carsongroup.com/women-in-wealth-report-2023)Statistics:* Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell* The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban* Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Explore the crucial role of women in finance and how to better serve female clients from one successful businesswoman to the next! Join host Kirsten Schlumbohm, VP of Annuity Sales at C2P, and 2023 Philadelphia Business Journal Woman of Influence winner, Amber Williams, CFA®, SVP. Williams, the Senior Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Head of Client Investment Strategies at Lincoln Financial Group, as they share empowering advice for women entering or navigating the financial industry. Amber’s story, from early career shifts to her current impactful work, offers valuable insights on embracing diverse paths in the financial services industry. She also discusses advocating for women's inclusion in finance and the importance of self-care and mentorship for personal and professional development.Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and insurance company affiliates, including The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and in New York, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY. Variable products distributed by broker-dealer/affiliate Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., Radnor, PA. Securities and investment advisory services offered through other affiliates.

Women have made significant contributions to the financial services industry, and we hope that through increased recognition and support, even more women will follow. In celebration of International Women’s Day, host Kirsten Schlumbohm, VP of Annuity Sales at C2P, chats with Mary Sterk, CFP® CPFA, CEO, owner, and founder of Sterk Financial Services. Together they discuss Mary's journey from facing personal and financial challenges to founding Sterk Financial Services and getting where she is today — being named the #1 financial advisor in South Dakota by Forbes in 2024 (https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-women-advisors/?sh=a2171ba1d113). Mary shares the key factors, strategies, and lessons that have led to her success. Tune in for practical ways to continuously improve your personal and professional development as an advisor and empower women in the financial industry. Top of FormResources:* Episode 1 of A Woman’s Clarity: Empowerment Through Mentorship (https://c2penterprises.com/womans-clarity/empowerment-through-mentorship/) * SmartOffice (https://www.ebixcrm.com/): Cloud-Based CRM and AMS for Advisors and Insurance Agents* Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones book* The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy book* Outlive: The Science & Art Of Longevity book* Ladies Get Paid: The Ultimate Guide to Breaking Barriers, Owning Your Worth, and Taking Command of Your Career book

Imposter syndrome definition: The pattern of doubting one's own skills, talents, or accomplishments.In this episode of A Woman's Clarity, host Kirsten Schlumbohm is joined by Kelly Barnard, Life coach and recovering workaholic to discuss Imposter Syndrome, specifically, is it real and can we overcome it? Tune in as Kirsten and Kelly uncover the layers of this mental phenomenon for a real conversation on how it can affect our mindset and self-esteem as a working professional.

What does successful networking look like for those in the financial services industry, and why does it matter? It’s more than just attending a mixer and collecting business cards! Join Kirsten Schlumbohm, Vice President of Annuity Sales at C2P, and special guest Julie Pinkerton, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF®, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Member of Evozen. They discuss the importance of networking, becoming referable, and the unique challenges within the industry, particularly for women and minorities. Pinkerton shares her journey from starting in financial services to founding the ClientFirst™ platform, aimed at enhancing the visibility and success of financial professionals by fostering a more inclusive and supportive community. Tune in for insightful strategies to grow your practice and make impactful connections in the financial industry.Resources* ClientFirst™ (https://clientfirst-evozen.com/) — Digital community platform for financial professionals* Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) (https://wifsnational.org/conference-2023/conference) conferenceSources https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2021/10/14/your-professional-image-starts-great-headshot/5797101001/

It’s been one year of A Woman's Clarity and while there have been many esteemed guests sharing their expertise, we thought the best way to celebrate this milestone was to go back to the beginning. Kirsten Schlumbohm, VP of Annuity Sales at C2P, is joined by Mary Sterk, CFP® CPFA, CEO and owner of Sterk Financial Services, and Karin Alvarado, CFS, CPFA, Managing Partner at New Aspect Financial Services. Listen to discover how these guests found their unexpected paths to success in the industry and why they champion mentorship as a means to grow. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with wisdom and encouragement for anyone looking to thrive in the world of finance.

In a world of constant comparison and where many believe their self-worth is determined only by their net worth, it’s easy to feel like you can never measure up enough. Host Kirsten Schlumbohm, BPC, , is joined by Manisha Thakor, MBA, CFA, CFP®, founder and author of MoneyZen: The Secret to Finding Your “Enough," to challenge this problematic mindset and offer a liberating solution. Sharing insights from her book, Thakor emphasizes the importance of financial health and emotional wealth and how they can intersect to create a state of "MoneyZen." Through her journey of overcoming a “never-enough” toxic mindset in her own life, she identifies the profound impact traumas, cultural influences, societal pressures, and evolutionary biology have on our financial behaviors. Tune in to discover Thakor’s powerful framework for living a more balanced and healthier life.

Most financial advisory firm owners plan on an internal succession, but many delay the planning process, losing out on substantial profits and time saved both immediately and in the long run. Host Kirsten Schlumbohm, BPC, Vice President of Annuity Sales at C2P, and special guest, Kathryn, “Kem” Taylor, CBEC™, consultant at FP Transitions, team up to discuss the critical topic of timely succession planning. From G1 (founders) to G2 (next-generation owners) and even G3 advisors, they cover the challenges and opportunities of setting up a firm for lasting success. Taylor also highlights the importance of creating a clear career path and cultivating a culture that fosters growth and diversity in the industry. Tune in for practical advice and strategies for empowering the next generation of financial advisors and creating a thriving, inclusive industry for all.

Although women live longer than men on average* meaning they have more retirement years to fund, they remain a significantly underserved group for financial advisors. Additionally, widows or divorcees have unique personal and financial circumstances that require a different approach. Host Kirsten Schlumbohm is joined by skilled professionals, Jeannette Bajalia, President, and Founder of Woman's Worth®, Sarah Soria, MBA, CFP®, Financial Planner and Managing Partner at Encompass Financial Planning, to discuss how to speak the language of women who are in these life transitions. Tune in to learn how financial advisors can cater their process to empower divorcees and widows to make strategic financial decisions on their own. Resources:* Journeying through Grief (https://www.stephenministries.org/griefresources/default.cfm/774) — Books to share with newly widowed clients* Wi$e Up Women: (https://www.amazon.com/Wi-Up-Women-Physical-Well-Being/dp/1517211107) A Guide to Total Fiscal and Physical Well-Being by Jeannette BajaliaSources:* https://www.fa-mag.com/news/don-t-give-female-clients-reason-to-leave-69978.html (https://www.fa-mag.com/news/don-t-give-female-clients-reason-to-leave-69978.html)

Most women will outlive their husbands, usually by the average age of 59.* Who is left to care for these primary caretakers when they need it as widows? Life insurance is key to protecting those we love and preserving their legacy. In this episode, host Kirsten Schlumbohm, Vice President of Annuity Sales at C2P, is joined by Tamara “Tammy” Taylor, Insurance Specialist at Hammer Financial Group, to discuss the importance of proactively purchasing life insurance. Together, they discuss how holistic advisors can approach these conversations within the Bucket Plan® framework and help educate their female clients on the benefits and functions of life insurance today.Episode resources and statistic sources:* https://www.forbes.com/advisor/life-insurance/life-insurance-statistics/#:~:text=Life%20Insurance%20Ownership%20Among%20Men%20vs.%20Women%201,very%20knowledgeable%20about%20life%20insurance.%20...%20More%20items (https://www.forbes.com/advisor/life-insurance/life-insurance-statistics/#:~:text=Life%20Insurance%20Ownership%20Among%20Men%20vs.%20Women%201,very%20knowledgeable%20about%20life%20insurance.%20...%20More%20items) * https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/602892/widows-move-forward-on-their-own-but-not-alone (https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/602892/widows-move-forward-on-their-own-but-not-alone) ** https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/long-term-care-statistics/ (https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/long-term-care-statistics/) * https://www.thestreet.com/retirement-daily/nextgen-money/widowed-too-soon (https://www.thestreet.com/retirement-daily/nextgen-money/widowed-too-soon)

So many lives are touched by someone with special needs. These families require advanced financial plans and considerations to ensure their affected loved ones will remain well cared for and financially supported through the unique challenges they may face. In this coffee break episode, Kirsten Schlumbohm, Vice President of Annuity Sales at C2P, and guest Betsy Larson, WMCP®, of Special Needs Advanced Planning, discuss how to help financial advisors approach and navigate this sensitive topic with their clients. You’ll also hear great questions from Dave Alison, CFP®, EA, BPC, Partner and President at C2P, inquiring about what financial strategies, accounts, and tools are best to support family members with special needs.Resources:ICE Key USB Flash Drive: https://c2pe.info/3Q1k7OLSpecial Needs Advanced Planning with Betsy Larson: https://c2pe.info/46yKsJf

Conversation Circles are a powerful tool any financial advisor can leverage to uncover the values of their clients and prospects to offer a more personalized experience. When you host one of these small-group events featuring a structured conversation, you can build years’ worth of rapport in a short period of time. Having held over 100 Conversation Circles, Ashley Ilardo, Regional Director & Vice President of Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), and Mia Hanson, Associate at DFA’s Global Client Group, provide a crash course on hosting these events and making them authentic to your firm. In this special edition of A Woman’s Clarity, we’re sharing an insightful webinar recording featuring this inspiring topic. Listen and follow along with the slides below as our special guests teach you how to add these intimate conversations into your business model for stronger client relationships and referrals. Resources Dimensional Fund Advisors Conversation Circles Presentation: https://c2pe.info/circles