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406 Science Drive Suite 310 Madison, WI 53711

(608) 287-3029
Carrie.Schmidt@LFG.com
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Financial Planning for LGBTQ+ Community

<strong>LGBTQ+ Financial Planning is Specialized</strong>

LGBTQ+ financial planning is specialized. We understand that there are unique characteristics involved that might make it harder for you to feel comfortable with your current financial picture. We are dedicated to helping both couples and individuals develop a plan that provides for the now, your future, and beyond. This includes an aerial view of your financial life addressing your investments, employer benefits, tax situation, and your estate plans. Together we will replace the lingering uncertainty with a better path, one that provides confidence and success.

We Are Committed

You can count on us being your Ally and your advocate. Our Founder, Carrie Waters Schmidt, recognized the various disparities and built her graduate degree thesis on the unique needs and planning differences of the LGBTQ+ community at the time. Shortly thereafter she became Madison's first Accredited Domestic Partner Advisor to better serve her clients. Since then marriage equality has been ratified and there is no longer an overwhelming difference in planning, though there are still unique issues to address. She has been published several times in Our Lives magazine discussing issues such as Long Term Care Insurance for women in same-sex relationships, optimizing Social Security for married couples, and simple financial fixes for domestic partners and unmarried couples. 

A few examples of our work

  • When a client was widowed, we identified that she could substantially increase her Social Security benefit by electing her spouse’s benefits instead of her own.
  • We have identified several life insurance companies that are committed to offering a positive applicaion experience for transgender and non-binary individuals, ensuring there will not be judgement or discrimination involved in the process.
  • We have secured guaranteed income strategies for both married and unmarried couples to better protect the survivor's standard of living. This is especially important for female couples due to their expected long lifespan.
  • We offer analysis showing the financial repercussions for unmarried couples debating whether or not to get married.

Read more on this topic with the articles and blog posts below

Are you being Underpaid by Social Security?

Are you being Underpaid by Social Security?

In Carrie's July 13, 2020 blog post she warns of how a recent audit report showed more than 15,000 widows and widowers were being underpaid by Social Security. The Social Security Administration is supposed to review all cases annually but obviously some slip through the cracks. What's more is, this could apply to divorcees as well, depending on how long your marriage was and whether or not you remarried.

Read the blog post here
The SECURE Act and Unwed Couples

The SECURE Act and Unwed Couples

In Carrie's blog post from February 25, 2020 she explores the ramifications of the newly passed SECURE Act for unmarried couples.

Read the blog post here
HOW TO INVEST IN LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY COMPANIES

HOW TO INVEST IN LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY COMPANIES

Learn how you can screen your investments to ensure you’re only investing in companies that align with your core-being, and why you might want to do that (financially-speaking).

READ THE BLOG POST HERE
Life Insurance and Investing for the Transgender and Non-Binary Community

Life Insurance and Investing for the Transgender and Non-Binary Community

 Knowledge is power, so read this to find a thorough step-by-step outline of what to know when you're applying for insurance, how different insurances are underwritten and what's needed to open an investment account. 

Read the Blog Post Here
Are You Passively Funding Hate Crimes?

Are You Passively Funding Hate Crimes?

In Our Lives Magazine's August 2016 issue Carrie was interviewed by Abigail Churchill, JD, regarding how investments can be passively funding firearms and therefore endorsing hate crimes. Read more on pages 58 - 60 in the article titled Are You Passively Funding Firearms?

Read the article here
Social Security Rules for Married Couples

Social Security Rules for Married Couples

Our Lives Magazine's April 2014 issue features Carrie's article titled Social Security Rules for Married Couples on pages 42-43.

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Read the article here
Long Term Care Risks for Same-Sex Couples

Long Term Care Risks for Same-Sex Couples

Our Lives Magazine's February 2014 issue features Carrie's article titled In It for the Long Haul can be found on page 46.

Read the article here
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Read more interesting articles

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

This article allows those who support LGBTQ+ interests to explore the possibilities of Socially Responsible Investing.
Learn More
How Women Can Prepare For Retirement

How Women Can Prepare For Retirement

Are women prepared for a 20-year retirement?
Learn More
Tax & Estate Strategies for Married LGBTQ+ Couples

Tax & Estate Strategies for Married LGBTQ+ Couples

Learn how to maximize your tax and estate strategy as a married member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Learn More