Geneva Living recently sat down with Alexis Benson who recently gained the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, or CDFA ®, Designation:
Alexis, Congratulations on her recent CDFA ® designation! Can you tell us what this designation means and about that process?
Thank you! I was excited to add this designation to my professional credentials.
While I serve a wide variety of families and individuals, some of the most rewarding work I do is helping people navigate the financial complexities of divorce, regardless of what stage they are in. Pursuing the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® designation was a natural next step for me because I knew it would allow me to better support my clients and our community during what is often a very challenging life transition.
Is this a newer designation and was it created based on improving support for clients going through a transition?
At Edward Jones, each financial advisor develops a specialty or “sweet spot” based on their interests and the needs of the clients they serve. Pursuing the CDFA® designation allowed me to deepen my knowledge in an area where I am particularly passionate about helping people.
While the designation is voluntary, for me it felt like a necessity. I became an early adopter because I recognized the growing need for specialized financial guidance during divorce and other significant life transitions Knowing that many of my clients face the complex financial decisions that come with these transitions, I wanted to ensure I had the knowledge needed to help guide them with confidence and clarity.
How important are the initial financial decisions made while navigating divorce?
The financial decisions made during a divorce can have long-lasting consequences. While it is natural to focus on immediate concerns, it is equally important to understand how decisions made today may affect your financial security years down the road.
Do you coordinate with your client’s family law attorney?
Absolutely. One of the valuable aspects of the CDFA® designation is the ability to work collaboratively with family law professionals.
I can help individuals evaluate important financial considerations such as post-divorce budgeting, renting versus purchasing a new home, retirement planning, and the financial impact of proposed settlement options. By modeling different scenarios, clients can gain a clearer picture of what their financial life may look like after the divorce is finalized.
This often helps individuals make more informed decisions throughout the negotiation process and better understand the long-term effects of various settlement options.
Lastly, if an individual is contemplating divorce, are you accepting new clients and how do they go about finding more information?
Yes, I am accepting new clients. While much of my work begins after the divorce process has been completed, I want people to know they do not have to navigate these challenges alone.
No matter where someone is in the process, it’s important for them to know they have someone in their corner.
My goal is to be a resource during a difficult time and to leave people better than I found them. I am passionate about providing education, guidance, and resources that empower individuals to make the best decisions for themselves and their families, whatever that may look like.
The best way to connect with our team is on our website: Alexis D Benson, Financial Advisor | Edward Jones
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