Why Small Businesses Matter in New Canaan: Jen Kane Paterson, CDFA ®, Financial Advisor

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

You're IT Jen Kane Paterson, CDFA ®, Financial Advisor!

Three questions with Jen Kane Paterson, founder of Jen Kane Paterson, CDFA ®, Financial Advisor.

Why did you start your business?

I started my business because I noticed a pattern that many local women were getting taken advantage of before, during, and after divorce, which is a crucial transitional time from a financial perspective. Despite the fact that there is so much wealth in our community, I found that women were often not getting the settlements and ongoing financial support that they needed to thrive financially after a divorce.

I also found that many women are not financially prepared to protect and take control of their finances to grow their own wealth, during this critical time that could impact the rest of their (and their children’s) lives. Lastly, I also found that there were many usury divorce attorneys who charge excessive fees and ratchet up billable hours, with no real incentive to get a settlement done without breaking the bank.

How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?

Almost always when a woman goes through a transitional time, a few things happen. A home is often sold and/or purchased, a trust may need to be set up to protect their assets going forward from “predators” and creditors (often from within their own family), an insurance policy is needed to be established or updated to ensure the financial security, and a divorce attorney is needed to Sheppard the legal process. I regard the following professionals in town as best-in-class who I have worked with:

- Christine Saxe, Compass Real Estate (real estate agent and advisor)
- Michelle Beltrano, Esq., Beltrano Law, LLC (trust and estate work)
- Marianne Charles, Esq., Charles & Boni-Vendola, LLC (divorce attorney)

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

I have a long-term vision of establishing a business partnership with top-flight local woman professionals across real estate, legal, financial advisory, and estate planning so that women in transition can have a trusted “one-stop-shop” partner to help achieve the best possible settlements, ongoing financial support, and a plan that will enable them to grow and thrive financially for years to come.

Visit Jen Kane Paterson, CDFA ®, Financial Advisor online here, or give her a call at (475) 666-0550!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!