The Planning Divas

4/30/2007

Media Notice

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Martin Keller, Media Savant Communications Co.
612-729-8585

 

TWIN CITIES - April 30, 2007 - The Planning Divas are here to help: It’s a sobering but true fact that many women will outlive their spouses and may not be prepared to deal with the complexities of their finances or estate planning issues. Now two area professional women who call themselves The Planning Divas and are well versed in the legal and financial matters that can dramatically alter women’s lives want to address this very serious issue in a responsible but also fun and friendly setting. The Divas, Lommen Abdo Estate Planning Attorney Jennifer O’Neill and Raymond James Financial Services Advisor Erin Tomlinson, have planned a series of monthly educational events at area social settings to help women smartly manage and plan for their financial futures. 

The first 2007 Planning Divas event, "Things Your Mother Didn’t Teach You - The Basics Every Woman Should Know About Money and Estate Planning" will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2007, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Garden Divas (N7789 State Road 65, River Falls, Wisconsin). 

"Hope for the Best; Plan for the Worst – Planning for Serious Health Issues" is set for Thursday, June 14, 2007, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Garden Divas in N7789 State Road 65, River Falls, Wisconsin. 

The events are casual, fun and free. Seating is limited, however. Register by calling 715-381-7110 or email to joneill@lommen. Among the related topics being planned for future events are these occasions:

  • Financial Fitness-No Sweat Involved (women will be encouraged to come in their sweats or workout clothes) at an area fitness center.
  • Summer Fun: Slim Down Your Wallet (held in an outdoor setting where lessons on lessening credit card debt and other financial baggage will be explored).
  • Halloween: Does Your Future Look Like A Trick or A Treat? (slated for an appropriately haunted setting, new issues for women to face as they face their financial futures). And others…
"Women have not traditionally been educated about basics of finances and the impact saving and investing can have on a secure future," notes Planning Diva O’Neill. "Likewise, the opportunities to learn about estate planning and other life planning choices are often boring, intimidating, and over- populated by men. Women like to talk to other women - that’s why we are making these otherwise serious discussions fun and informal! No sterile meeting rooms and flourescent lighting for these girls! We want to give them a comfy setting, maybe some candles; great food and a little wine, and we will take the time to tell women everything they want and need to know."

 "We believe women have so much to learn from each other," explains Planning Diva Tomlinson, "by sharing information in casual and fun settings, including things like retirement planning; paying for education; tips for those everyday purchases; paying for long term care; funeral planning; insurance and other issues we all face. You name it, the Planning Divas will make it understandable, comfortable and fun."

About Women and Their Finances 

According to author Liz Perle in her new book, Money, A Memoir: Women, Emotions and Cash," even many successful women are far less prepared than their male counterparts when it comes to retirement. Perle found these alarming statistics:

  • One in four women is broke within two months of their husbands’ deaths.
  • On average, women live seven years longer than their husbands.
  • More than three-quarters of all women are widowed at an average age of 57.
  • Finally, more than 58 percent of female baby boomers have saved less than $10,000 in a pension or 401K plan.
Perle looks at what tends to happen to women, finding that "we often let our emotions rule our spending. Many women let their husbands control the finances without any oversight or participation." 

The Planning Divas hope to educate women to take responsibility so they can make informed and insightful choices about their financial futures - and their lives.

Jennifer A. O’Neill has practiced law in western Wisconsin for 13 years. Intelligent, insightful and understanding, Jennifer brings a warm personality to the sometimes difficult process of planning for the future. An attorney with Lommen Abdo in Hudson, Wisconsin, Jennifer has a strong base of knowledge, a classic education and a wealth of personal and professional experience that allows her to understand complex concepts and explain them in easily understandable language. Jennifer has a B.A. from University of Wisconsin - Madison and a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law, cum laude. As individuals and families change, so do their legal needs. A keen awareness of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and long-term care planning helps Jennifer guide clients through a wide range of options to give them precious peace of mind. Please refer to Jennifer’s website at www.lommen.com or call 715-381-7113 for more information.

Erin Tomlinson has been in business in River Falls, Wisconsin, since 1989, concentrating in the financial services business since 1979. She is currently affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member NASD/SIPC. Erin has a B.A. from Metropolitan State University, as well as certificates from Raymond James for financial and retirement planning. Raymond James was founded in 1962 and is one of the largest financial services firms in the U.S. Erin works with high net worth individuals, businesses and motivated savers to plan for, achieve and maintain financial independence. Erin’s website address is www.raymondjames.com/erintomlinson. Please see her website or call 715-425-6611 for additional information. 

For more information – or to interview The Planning Divas – please contact Martin Keller at Media Savant Communications Co., 612-729-8585, mkeller@mediasavantcom.com.