When life forces us to rebuild, we quickly discover that transformation requires more than inner strength—it demands the right team of professionals who understand our unique journey. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Debbie Ash, Financial Advisor, CDFA®, who exemplifies the kind of specialized support that can change everything for women in transition.
Debbie’s path to financial planning wasn’t traditional. After moving to Raleigh and needing a fresh start, someone recognized her natural gift for helping others navigate money matters. Years earlier, working for a construction company, she’d noticed they were losing valuable employees. When she asked why, she discovered the company lacked basic benefits—no health insurance, retirement plans, or life insurance. Debbie approached the owner with a solution: if they wanted to retain staff, they needed to become competitive.
Suddenly, Debbie found herself coordinating with insurance companies and brokerage firms, then sitting down with each employee to help them budget for the company’s new 401k match. For some workers, contributing that 3% was a stretch, but Debbie insisted they think about their future. Looking back, she realized she’d been doing financial planning for years without recognizing it. That experienced financial planner saw her experience and passion—and was absolutely right about the fit.
What draws me to Debbie’s approach is how she discovered her true calling: working with women who find themselves suddenly responsible for finances they’ve never managed. This isn’t always about financial abuse—often, it’s simply that one partner handled all the money decisions. When separation, divorce, or death occurs, these women face an overwhelming learning curve at an already vulnerable time.
Debbie’s recent certification as a CDFA® (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®) gives her specialized tools to evaluate a woman’s complete financial picture. Although Debbie is not a divorce attorney, she now brings knowledge of North Carolina divorce law to conversations about what’s truly in her client’s best interest. She helps clients understand asset division, weighs the pros and cons of keeping a house versus taking cash or retirement funds. Sometimes her comprehensive assessment reveals the need for a private investigator or financial audit.
What sets Debbie apart from traditional financial advisors is her understanding that rebuilding requires more than spreadsheets and investment strategies. She recognizes that people often have unhealthy relationships with money—and that you don’t need to be a trauma-informed therapist to help someone reset those patterns. Her role is to provide support, information, and tools that help women develop a healthier relationship with their finances.
One story particularly moved me. Debbie worked with a woman whose husband had surprised her with divorce papers. Even before earning her specialized certification, Debbie sensed something was off in the family’s finances. With some investigation, they discovered the husband’s affair—information that completely changed the divorce settlement in the woman’s favor. Because of Debbie’s advocacy, this client received far more than a “fair” settlement.
Another case involved a widow struggling with grief so profound that her substantial life insurance payout felt like a burden. She spent the money recklessly, not from addiction or poor judgment, but because the money represented everything she’d lost. All she wanted was her husband back, and the insurance money felt wrong. Debbie helped her work through the complex emotions around money during grief, understanding that financial recovery involves so much more than budgeting.
This is why building the right support team matters so deeply. At Ava’s Pathways, we’ve always believed in staying in our lane—coaching and community—while partnering with professionals who specialize in other crucial areas. Financial literacy and planning represent one of the biggest tools in rebuilding a life, yet too many women hesitate to seek help.
Debbie’s message resonates with our phoenix rising philosophy: even successful working women aren’t automatically financially literate. That knowledge takes time and education. Financial planners aren’t a luxury or a sign of weakness—they’re advocates for your success in managing your own money. They provide tools and long-term perspective that can positively transform your life.
For women facing transition—whether through divorce, loss, or simply wanting to take control of their financial future—remember this: asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. The right financial advocate can mean the difference between surviving your circumstances and truly thriving beyond them.
Debbie Ash, Financial Advisor, CDFA®, Owner of Ashbridge Financial Solutions in Cary, NC. She’s licensed in multiple states and can be reached at debbie@ashbridgefs.com or 919-275-0754. Website: www.ashbridgefs.com
