North Bay Woman

S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 43 getting long-term disability insurance and term life insurance. She points out that some people are uncomfortable discussing money, but says, "It's part of our lives and we need to spend time figuring out how to work with it." When women in partnerships are the major earners, Hollander finds it's important for couples to talk and decide what's realistic for them to spend—for example, whether they can afford a trip to Europe or should go camping instead. "If you make it a family decision, everyone gets to participate. It takes the sting out of who is actually earning the paycheck," she says, observing that whoever is staying home doesn't want to feel obligated to have to ask for money. Lisa Brookes Kift, MfT, of Marin Therapy and Counseling in Larkspur, doesn't see many cou- ples in which the woman is the main bread- winner, but she says it's a growing phenome- non resulting from a new way of thinking that allows for different possibilities. Sometimes a woman has a greater passion for her work, and it's a conscious decision to put her career first, but she could simply be in a profession that pays more. Regardless of the reason, "It's a situation that can cause challenges in the relationship dynamic and making adjustments in roles," she says. Those challenges can be external as well as internal. "Not everyone is comfortable with the paradigm shift," says Kift, explaining that people who believe in more traditional roles — perhaps parents, in-laws or even peers — might find the new family structure perplexing and pass judgment. She believes that good communication in a relationship is the crucial element. "It's important for both to feel safe in expressing their feelings about their situation, what works and what doesn't and [to have] a willingness to make modifications if needs be," she says. As sole earners for their families, single mothers have different issues, and Kift recom- mends that they get support and find time to take care of their own needs. As the role of the woman as breadwinner changes and evolves, Kift believes that it's beneficial for children to see a different model and learn that women can be the primary earners for their families. "It's not about the man 'bringing home the bacon' anymore," she says. "More options are available. The structured black-and-white thinking we used to have around what family looks like is fading away into the past." n "The majority of our client base is women, and more often than not, we're talking about their lives as opposed to money. You try to bridge what they want with their financial situation, and then try to connect the two." –Jill Hollander, MBA, CfP, financial Connections Group Incorporated Your MARIN Window and Door Replacement Specialists! FREE In-Home Estimates 415.924.3300 Co-owners Rachel Blum and Jaclyn Blum-Guelfi are avialable in the showroom to help you! 2100 Redwood Hwy., Larkspur, CA 94904 www.bayareawindowfactory.com Windows • Patio Doors • Entry Doors THE ART OF ROCK 'N ROLL April 18 - May 31 Iconic photographs and posters from the 60's and 70's, listening stations, Live music and more. Dual exhibition with the IceHouse Gallery. Visit the Upcoming Events page on our website for music and more. EDGAR DEGAS: THE PRIVATE IMPRESSIONIST June 20 - July 26 Works on Paper by the Artist and His Circle. The private collection of curator Robert Flynn Johnson, collected over 40 years. Degas Events: PAC Members - Only Preview - Thursday June 18, 5:30-7:30 pm. $25 Gala Preview Event - Friday June 19, 7-10 pm, $75 Members, $100 General Exhibition Tickets - June 20 - July 26, $10 230 Lakeville Street Petaluma, CA 94952 In the Historic Railroad Station Center Hours 11-5 pm. (707) 762-5600 Extended hours during Degas exhibit. Saturdays until 8 pm Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Join Volunteer Donate ENJOy THE ART IN THE HEART OF PETALuMA Visit the Exhibitions and Education pages on our website for details about the upcoming season.

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