First Divorce, Then Lawsuit: After a harrowing year, I know something about helping clients in duress chart a course toward financial health

After working as an institutional equity salesperson and financial advisor, as well as saving for 21 years, and being married for five, I handed over a third of my net worth to my ex-husband. While enduring the divorce process, I found myself in a waiting area at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where I had taken taking my then- 5-year-old son for therapy to manage this major change. When I meet clients, we talk about life first - and what's important - not portfolio strategy or retirement income.