Awards

Angie’s List Super Service Award, January 1, 2009
For achieving and maintaining a superior service rating on Angie’s List throughout 2008 as determined by Angie’s List members in the category of Financial Planning in the Indianapolis chapter. Less than 5% of all the companies rated on Angie’s List receive this award.


Press Coverage and Publications

Los Angeles Times, November 1, 2009 – Money Makeover: Widow is Ready to Move On Financially.
Jennifer and the Los Angeles Times help a stay-at-home mom manage her finances three years after her husband's death from colon cancer.

Investment News, July 19, 2009 – Fund Liquidations, Mergers on Rise
Nearly 300 mutual funds have shut down already this year, along with 411 in 2008. Kathleen suggests minimum asset levels necessary for a fund to survive.

Money Magazine and CNNMoney.com, July 2009 – 10 Ways to Beat the Rising Cost of Healthcare.
Should you switch to your employer’s high-deductible plan or pay more each month for traditional insurance? Jennifer helps employees choose.

Consumer Reports Money Adviser, May 2009 – Have Fun on a Shoestring.
Fresh tips for lean times from Jennifer, including ushering in order to see performances for free and swapping video games, toys, or services with friends.

Los Angeles Times, April 19, 2009 – Your Money: Makeover Redux.   Finding a Financial Road Map.
The Times revisits a makeover volunteer. Jennifer’s advice helped Alicia Cardenas stave off foreclosure, manage a budget, and find peace of mind.

Yahoo! News, April 1, 2009 – Allowance 101.   How to make your kids money savvy.
If you want your child to become a saver, not a spender, Jennifer counsels parents to use a careful, structured approach.

Dow Jones Newswire, March 27, 2009 – Practice Management.   Some Advisers Try Changing Fees.
For those on a strict budget, Kathleen describes Greenleaf Financial Group’s new, fixed-fee, 2-hour planning session.

Investment News, March 24, 2009 – Has the Dow Found the Floor?   Depends Who You Ask.
The Dow had its fifth largest one-day rally in its history, which may be the start of a rally or not. Jennifer notes that market movements aren’t predictable, but a solid strategy will see investors through market ups and downs.

The New York Times, March 20, 2009 – With Eyes Bigger Than their Wallets, Homebuyers Are Forced to Revisit Old Rules.
How much of your income can – or should – you spend on your home? Jennifer describes her process for helping clients find the right number.

Syndicated AP article published in the New York Post and elsewhere,
March 19, 2009 – 3 winning ways to help your teen find a summer job.
Teenagers and out-of-work adults are competing for a small pool of summer jobs. Jennifer provides ideas for those who may instead prefer to launch their own business.

Angie's List magazine March, 2009 – Nurturing Your Nest Egg.
Three financial planners, including Kathleen, answer the "comp shopper's" questions about developing investment goals in an uncertain market.

Investment News, February 15, 2009 – Small fund groups faring better in slump.
Some small, little-known funds are attracting new investments. Kathleen suggests that managers’ personal investments in their funds have led to better results in poor markets.

Indianapolis Star, February 15, 2009 – I’ve just lost my job.   What options do I have for health insurance?
For the unemployed, Kathleen provides choices for finding and holding health insurance based upon your health, time frame, and budget.

WISH TV 8, January 5, 2009 – Angie’s List: Getting Financially Fit
As individuals resolve to start saving in the new year, Kathleen offers pointers and encouragement.

Indianapolis Star, November 9, 2008 - How can I help my child establish credit without co-signing a card or loan?
To help you children establish an excellent credit history, Kathleen discusses important first steps, along with mistakes to avoid.

Day To Day, October 7, 2008 – How to Plan Your Finances
Many Americans are worried about their investments due to the economic downturn. National Public Radio’s “Day to Day” host Madeleine Brand talks to Jennifer about her clients’ concerns and what they should consider doing.

Pasadena Star-News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune, October 19, 2008 – Expert’s Advice: Don’t Panic in Downturn
Jennifer discusses the best and worst ways to cope with a falling stock market and a bad economy.

KNBC Channel 4, October 9, 2008 – Financial Survival Tips
Economic and stock-market fears are on people’s minds every day. Jennifer provides tips for investing and getting through difficult times.

Money, September, 2008 – Living Well on a “Flexible” Income.
Jennifer recommends that families with irregular income build up to a year’s worth of living expenses. Besides home repairs and medical costs, these savings will help during years when business earnings fall below the family’s budget.

Investment News, September 15, 2008 – Investors should not panic in downturn, study says.
Data shows that long-term gains are often substantial after bear markets. Jennifer points out the drawbacks associated with selling in response to a market decline and attempts to time the market.

BusinessWeek, August 8, 2008 – 25 Ways to Save More Each Month.
Jennifer helps curb emotional spending by suggesting you wait 48 hours before making purchases over a certain amount, such as $50.

Indianapolis Star, July 27, 2008 - What are some of the new features in 401(k) plans being offered today?
To help you reach retirement security, Kathleen highlights automatic rebalancing, target retirement funds, and automatic savings increases.

Bankrate.com, July 14, 2008 - When to Terminate a Term Life Policy.
Term life insurance can provide significant coverage at a modest cost. Kathleen suggests a few reasons to keep or let go of a policy.

Los Angeles Times, May 11, 2008 - Money Makeover.
Jennifer helps a divorced mother decide if she can stay in her home by developing a budget and investigating the ramifications of refinancing.

Indianapolis Star, April 13, 2008 - If I buy a home, how much will the mortgage tax break help me?
Although it is helpful at tax time, Kathleen suggests the mortgage tax break is not as beneficial as some of its proponents suggest.

MSN Money, March 4, 2008 - Not Rich? You Still Need a Will.
You do need a will. Why and how to get it done, along with a quote from Jennifer.

Indianapolis Star, March 2, 2008 - Are Internet banks as safe as brick-and-mortar financial institutions?
Safety concerns are valid and checking on any bank is easy. Kathleen provides a quick solution for protecting your money against bank failures.

Investment News, February 25, 2008 - Writers' strike a wake-up call for L.A. advisers' clients.
With the strike over, Jennifer provides recommendations for recovering financial stability and planning ahead.

ABCNews.com, February 6, 2008 - Net Gains: Smart Plans for Your Rebate
Anticipating a check from the IRS? Jennifer suggests using it for key home repairs that can save you from costlier fix-ups in the future.

Investment News, November 12, 2007 - Planners are advising striking writers.
Jennifer’s entertainment industry expertise provides an insider’s approach to financial management during difficult times.

Indianapolis Star, November 9, 2007 - I need a ‘rainy day fund.’ How can I get started saving for it?
Whether for emergency expenses or unexpected household needs, a separate savings account is a savvy move. This column provides helpful information, including how much, where, and how to save.

DivineCaroline.com, October 2007 - Divorced Parents: Figuring Out the Finances.
With proper planning, divorcing parents can solve challenging current and future financial issues, such as education costs and child support.

DivineCaroline.com, October 2007 - When Your Child is Surrounded by Rich Kids – And You’re Not Rich.
How to turn the challenge of economic differences into a positive experience for the whole family.

DivineCaroline.com, October 2007 - You Want A Cell-Phone That Costs What? Kids and Gadgets.
Be careful: the expensive electronics craze can set your kids up for future financial problems.

Indianapolis Star, August 3, 2007 - My adjustable-rate mortgage is facing a sizable rate adjustment. What can I do?
Kathleen provides advice for understanding your ARM and how homeowners can cope.

Los Angeles Times, July 22, 2007 - Money Makeover.
Jennifer helps a couple in their 30s prepare to buy a home, save for college, and protect themselves as they look to the future.

Business Week, May 31, 2007 - Investing on the Cheap.
Tips for investors who want to keep costs low and invest wisely. Kathleen recommends credit unions for banking and loan needs.

Newsweek, April 15, 2007 - How to Make Money on Climate Change.
Jane Bryant Quinn looks at the many ways to invest in a changing world. Kathleen is quoted.

Indianapolis Star, April 13, 2007 - I'm Getting A Nice Raise This Year. What Should I Do With The Money?
Kathleen offers her suggestions for finding prosperity and inspiration among shelves full of financial books.

DivineCaroline.com, March 30, 2007 - Divorce: Cover Your Assets
Jennifer explores how an "equitable" divorce settlement may not seem as equitable years after the divorce.

Business Week, February 26, 2007 - Financial Pedigrees--Or Blarney?
Kathleen is quoted in this article about decoding the higher-quality credentials among the financial world’s many designations.

Indianapolis Star, January 5, 2007 - What Financial Advice Books Do You Recommend?
In this column, Kathleen provides a financial hierarchy for raises, refunds, or bonuses.

DivineCaroline.com, December 22, 2006 - How Wearing Leggings Is Like Planning for Retirement
Jennifer offers "Dos" and "Don'ts" for retirement planning at every age.

Indianapolis Star, October 1, 2006 - Is it a Good Idea to PrePay For My Funeral?
Kathleen describes the benefits and risk of funeral prepayments and offers better alternatives.

Investor's Business Daily, September 5, 2006
Some exchange-traded funds are acting more like actively managed accounts. Jennifer is quoted.

Indianapolis Star, July 2, 2006 - I have $2,500 to Spare. Should I Save it or Pay Down Credit Card Debt?
Ultimately, this question is about compound interest and Kathleen describes how to make compound interest work for you, rather than against you.

Indianapolis Star, March 6, 2006 - I have Disability and Life Insurance Through My Employer. How Do I Decide if I Need More Coverage?
Insuring your income in the event of death or disability should be a high priority for employees in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. Kathleen provides key pointers for checking your coverage at work.