What Is a CDFA® And Why You Might Need One More Than You Think
By Donna S. Cates, CDFA® CRPC®
If you’re going through a divorce or entering retirement…
You’re probably thinking about your finances a lot.
Maybe you’re wondering:
Am I making the right decision with my settlement?
Will my retirement savings last?
Can I afford to live the way I want now that everything’s changed?
You’re not alone. These aren’t just emotional milestones—they’re financial turning points. And most women don’t get the guidance they truly need during these moments.
That’s where a CDFA® comes in.
What is a CDFA®?
CDFA® stands for Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®—a financial professional trained specifically to help clients navigate the financial side of divorce and other major life transitions, like retirement.
Most people think their lawyer, accountant, or investment advisor has it all covered.
But those roles only cover parts of the puzzle.
A CDFA® looks at the whole picture—helping you make smart financial decisions today that protect you for years to come.
What Does a CDFA® Actually Help With?
If you’re dealing with divorce, retirement, or any kind of life shift, a CDFA® helps you:
Divide assets strategically (not just evenly)
Project long-term outcomes of financial choices
Create a sustainable cash flow plan
Reduce tax exposure from settlements or withdrawals
Protect your estate and legacy
We don’t just look at your balance sheet—we help you understand how each decision affects your lifestyle, your peace of mind, and your financial independence.
Why This Matters More for Women
Let’s be real:
Women often live longer, earn less over time, and are more likely to take breaks from their careers for caregiving.
Add in a divorce or a sudden shift into retirement—and you’ve got a high-risk situation if you’re not planning properly.
Without the right guidance, this can lead to:
Settling for less than you deserve
Draining your savings too fast
Making emotional decisions that hurt your long-term security
I’ve seen it too many times to stay quiet about it.
I’ve worked with women who:
Thought their divorce settlement was fair—but didn’t realize the long-term tax impact
Retired early—only to realize they were overspending without a plan
Never managed money before—but now have to
They didn’t need more “advice.”
They needed clarity. Strategy. Confidence.
And that’s what I help them build.
A Smart First Step: The Ultimate Divorce Toolbox
Before you dive into negotiations or legal meetings, invest in yourself. The Ultimate Divorce Toolbox is packed with checklists, planning tools, and educational guidance to help you make empowered decisions. It’s where clarity begins—and peace of mind follows. Get a copy at www.moneymatterswealth.com.
You don’t have to face this alone. With the right support and strategy, you can come through this chapter financially prepared and emotionally stronger. Remember: divorce may be the end of one story—but it’s the beginning of a new one. And in this next chapter, you get to be the author.
Ready to take the next step toward clarity and confidence?
Join us for our Second Saturday Divorce Workshop—a safe, supportive space where you’ll get guidance on the legal, emotional, and financial aspects of divorce.
🗓️ Held the second Saturday of every month
👥 Open to anyone considering or going through divorce
📍 Join us virtually
✨ You don’t have to go through this alone. Click here to reserve your spot today!
Disclosures
Money Matters Wealth Solutions is a dba of The Wealth Boutique, a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Wealth Boutique and each of the DBAs are not under common ownership but owned and operated separately. All financial planning and advisory services are provided by The Wealth Boutique. All investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a tax professional before implementing any investment strategy.| Full Disclosure | CRS
This content was generated with AI assistance. While we strive for accuracy, AI may not capture all current laws and market conditions. This information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial advice. Always consult a licensed financial advisor for decisions tailored to your unique situation and goals. AI is used to enhance insights, not replace professional guidance.
Estate Planning Services are offered by Estate Gurus, an unaffiliated third party. The Wealth Boutique may engage third-party service providers to assist with the tax and estate planning portion of the services provided to clients. In addition, The Wealth Boutique may use third-party software to analyze a client’s information to help with the provision of estate planning services. Women's Wealth Boutique is not a law firm, nor are any employees acting in the capacity of an attorney or providing legal advice as Women’s Wealth Boutique is not a law firm and therefore not permitted to practice law. Fees for third-party estate planning services are in addition to the financial planning fees charged by The Wealth Boutique and are collected directly by that third party based on the client’s direct relationship with the third-party estate planning vendor.
Donna Cates is a licensed insurance agent. From time to time, she will offer clients advice or products from those activities. Clients should be aware that these services pay a commission and involve a conflict of interest, as commissionable products can conflict with the fiduciary duties of a registered investment adviser. This conflict of interest is addressed by supervision of insurance recommendations and by not recommending insurance products unless there is a documented insurance need. These products are separate from the investment advisory services provided by The Women’s Wealth Advisor, DBA Money Matters Wealth Solutions