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Divorce & Money: Who’s in Your Corner?
Financial Advisor Amy Begnaud guides clients through divorce and beyond with compassion for brighter financial futures.

by Matt Cosentino

Like many who experience divorce, Amy Begnaud faced moments of doubt, wondering if she could ever pick up the pieces. But after emerging stronger personally and professionally, she could have easily closed that chapter. Instead, she chose to remain an open book, driven by the desire to help others walking the same difficult path.

“I don’t know how not to be open about divorce,” she says. “It would seem selfish because I’ve been able to help so many people. I don’t care how smart or financially savvy you are, divorce has so many moving parts. I have extensive experience navigating the financial aspects of a divorce, but none of us want to become professionals in experiencing one.”

With over 50 years of combined experience in financial planning, investment management and estate planning, the advisors at Begnaud Wealth Management Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC are highly skilled in guiding clients through complex financial matters. In 2015, both Amy and her partner/father Gary Begnaud earned the rare Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation. South Jersey Magazine spoke to Amy about why this is such a meaningful aspect of the practice to her and how it helps her support those navigating divorce.

Why did you choose this specialty and become a CDFA®?
Before I even got this designation, people were coming to me frequently through family and friends, seeking resources and asking how I got through my own divorce. Of course, I wanted to help, so when I discovered that there was a professional designation and I could be formally trained to help people at a whole new level, that was a perfect next step.

Who is best suited to work with you?
I get inquiries from people throughout the continuum: people who are contemplating divorce, starting the divorce process, in the middle of a divorce process or have just completed one. In our initial phone call, I’m typically able to determine within 20 minutes if it’s going to be a match and if I can make a difference for this person. If I see that there’s a more optimal route, then I have resources I can provide instead. I always want to leave someone in a better position than when they first came to me.

What is covered in the initial consultation call?
I start by asking, “Where are you emotionally right now?” The first part of our call is often an emotional download, which is crucial. Jumping straight into finances would be insensitive as well as leaving out vital background information. After that, we discuss financial details like the house, mortgage, retirement accounts and other assets.

What if they don’t have those answers?
Many smart, educated people, particularly women, reach out to me and feel embarrassed about their lack of knowledge on marital finances, especially if their spouse handled them. I reassure them that all financial details will be disclosed, and I’m here to help them understand the pieces. An attorney must wear every hat possible in a divorce, but they don’t specialize in finance. That’s where I come in, and I work alongside most of my clients’ attorneys throughout the process in any way that I can.

What are some of the common pitfalls you see?
Keeping the marital home at all costs is a common mistake I see. This can be an emotional decision but not necessarily in their financial best interest. I also hear people tell me that they are willing to give up their share of the retirement or investment accounts so they can keep the house, or they’re willing to take on the college expenses or college debt for their children when they really can’t afford to. This is where a wrong choice could severely affect their financial well-being and retirement.

What do clients appreciate most about your approach?
Clients may initially seek me out for my credentials, but it’s my long-term, personal approach that sets me apart. I treat every client like family—I use the same judgment I would for my own mother or best friend. Many clients have shared how comforting it was to have someone they could trust guide them through such a complex, emotional time. Others have told me that my experience provided comfort and empowered them during a time when they felt powerless. Knowing that my work can provide clarity and confidence during such a challenging life event is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.

 

Begnaud Wealth Management Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC

Amy Begnaud, CFP®, CDFA®
Financial Advisor, First Vice President

Gary Begnaud, CRPC™, CDFA®
Financial Advisor, Executive Vice President

Mount Laurel
(856) 291-5032

BegnaudWealthManagement.com

 

Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC, Member: NYSE, FINRA, SIPC


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Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 21, Issue 10 (January 2025)

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