Jessica M Garcia CDFA

Hi, I'm Jessica.  I spent many years in a banking career learning about personal finances, credit, investments. The 20 years I spent at Bank of America and predecessor banks prepared me for the work I do today - and I had not idea.  Because it didn't exist.   

Over the last 10 years, since I starting BrainstormingWomen, I have gained experience specific to divorce and using those financial skills to help clients divide what their marital estate.  As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), Certified Divorce Coach, and Family Financial Mediator, I specialize in guiding individuals through the complex financial landscape of divorce. With my own personal journey through divorce, and my perspective as a mom, I offer a unique blend of professional expertise and empathetic understanding coupled with a depth and breadth of financial knowledge.

Wherever you're in the divorce journey, my mission is to empower you with the financial knowledge and confidence you need. I understand that divorce isn't just about dividing assets—it's about reconfiguring your family in a way that supports everyone's well-being. I work closely with you to:

• Identify and value your marital estate
• Develop strategies for equitable distribution
• Provide expert financial analysis and guidance
• Offer mediation services to help reach fair financial agreements
• Consider the long-term impact on family dynamics

My approach combines rigorous financial analysis with compassionate support and a family-centric perspective. I'm comfortable addressing uncomfortable topics, always with empathy and dignity, because I know these conversations are crucial for achieving the best outcomes.

While I often work with women, I welcome male clients who approach the process with a collaborative, cooperative mindset. My goal is to provide unbiased analysis and guidance, not to simply confirm preconceived notions. Together, we'll create a roadmap for your financial future that aligns with your long-term goals, preserves your financial interests, and supports your family's new structure.

My commitment to providing exceptional service is backed by a robust educational background and specialized credentials. These qualifications, combined with my personal experience navigating divorce, equip me with the knowledge and skills to effectively guide you through the complexities of divorce financial planning. Below, you'll find details about my education and professional certifications that underscore my expertise in this field:

Education

• Masters in Business Administration from the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte
• Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Business from Queens College (now Queens University of Charlotte)

Divorce Credentials & Affiliations

• CDFA®️ Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
• CDC®️  Certified Divorce Coach
• Collaborative Family Law Training IACP
• Family Financial Mediation Training - Carolina Dispute Settlement Services
• Association of Fraud Examiners - Associate Member
• NC Association of Professional Mediators

Additional Credentials for specialized Divorce Coaching and Dispute Resolution Coaching
• DFC™ Divorce Financial Coach• CDFC™ Certified Divorce Financial Coach

• CDP™   CDP Divorce Practitioner™ 

• CDRC™ Certified Dispute Resolution Coach

Licenses previously held, no longer active:

• NC Real Estate Salesman License  
• NC Health & Life Insurance License  
• FINRA Series 6, 63, 65, 66 and 7​​

Speaking and Teaching Engagements

• Women & Money Women's Financial Literacy Workshop at Cary Chamber of Commerce 2024
• Working with CDFA Podcast with Jamie Milam 2024
• Age Slayer Podcast with Traci Butz 2021
• CDC College of Divorce Coaches - Changing Your Relationship with Money 2021, 2022
• CDC College of Divorce Coaches - Getting Organized for the Process 2023, 2024
• Second Saturday, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
• Being a Divorce Coach interview with Christian Noguera Spectrum News January 2021
• The 4 Paths to Divorce article with Nicole Quallen, JD Two Families Law 2017
• How a CDFA Help You During Divorce video with Elizabeth Stephenson, New Direction Law 2016