Maryann Ruck, a resident of Highland Meadows, is a passionate wealth manager who has been volunteering her time and expertise to empower women facing the challenges of divorce. As the President of Integrated Wealth Strategies, Inc., Maryann spearheads a monthly workshop known as Second Saturday Divorce Workshop, a program designed to provide non-biased financial, emotional, and legal advice to women navigating the intricate process of divorce.

 

For over four years, Maryann and her team of professionals have been offering these complimentary workshops, becoming a beacon of support for those in need. The program comprises a comprehensive approach, with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), an attorney, a therapist or divorce coach, and a mortgage consultant all contributing their insights to address the multifaceted aspects of divorce.

 

The workshops commence with an introduction to the Second Saturday program, tracing its roots back to San Diego in 1989. Launched by the non-profit Women’s Institute for Financial Education (WIFE.org), the program has been pivotal in providing individuals with the knowledge, support, and resources necessary to navigate divorce confidently. Each session unfolds with participants sharing their stories and goals, followed by informative presentations from the experts. The floor is always open for questions and discussions, fostering a collaborative environment.

 

Maryann Ruck's dedication to this cause stems from her profound passion for education and the economic self-sufficiency of women. Witnessing women facing divorce without adequate information and support drove her to actively participate in the Second Saturday Divorce Workshop. Maryann states, “Divorce can be a whirlwind and I’ve seen too many women experience a more negative outcome than I believe they would have if they were properly equipped with information and insights to make good decisions.” She aims to guide women through the divorce process with knowledge, power, and grace, aligning perfectly with her broader goals of aiding women in making informed decisions for themselves and their families.

 

Volunteering with this organization is not just a one-way street for Maryann. The rewards she reaps are the heartfelt expressions of gratitude from women who leave the workshop feeling better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. The testimonials often highlight the newfound knowledge, the sense of community, and the preparedness gained during the workshop. “Furthermore, they tell us that they feel like they are not alone and know where to go for help and how to develop the right team to work with them through the divorce process”, says Maryann.

 

Beyond her altruistic efforts, Maryann has been a resident of Highland Meadows for over five years. She says, “The time has flown by! Our move-in coincided with the year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we felt immense gratitude for the wonderful outdoor spaces that became a source of joy and connection with friends and neighbors.” They also love the accessibility to golf and biking trails. Her husband, Mike, supports her endeavors and actively contributes by coordinating their travels around the workshop schedules.

 

Maryann extends an invitation to all who may be interested in participating in the Second Saturday Divorce Workshop. By sharing information about this invaluable resource, together, the community can change the way people approach divorce, fostering a more collaborative process with less conflict, lower costs, and better outcomes for everyone involved. Maryann wants women to know…“You’ve come to the right place!”

 

For those interested in registering for the workshop, visit www.iwsadvisors.com/events. Additionally, Maryann is available for private discussions at maryann@iwsadvisors.com or 970.214.2460.