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Kara Duckworth, CFP®, CDFA®

Managing Director of Client Experience, Mercer Advisors

Kara Duckworth has provided comprehensive wealth management services to high-net-worth clients since 1998. In addition to her role as Managing Director of Client Experience at Mercer Advisors, she leads the company’s InvestHERs program, focused on providing planning to serve the specific needs of women. Prior to joining Mercer Advisors, she was a principal at Duckworth Wealth Advisors. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Kara is the co-chair of the board for the Center for Investment and Wealth Management for the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine. She is a frequent public speaker, including presentations at Barron's Top Financial Advisors and national Financial Planning Association conferences. Kara has been quoted in US News & World Report, Investment News, WealthManagement.com and Financial Planning magazine.

A stressed-out woman points at her watch.

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tax filing

Top Tax Issues to Watch Out for This Year

One major recommendation for all taxpayers is do NOT procrastinate on your 2021 tax return. It’s more important than ever this year.

March 16, 2022

A grandpa and grandson share a sandwich on a park bench.

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retirement planning

Sandwich Generation: How Do You Decide Whose Needs Come First?

Your parents need your help right now, and so do your adult kids. But what about saving for your own retirement? If you’re stressed and stretched, it’…

November 27, 2021

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personal finance

No Jitters Here: How to Deal with 3 of Life’s Big Transitions

A new school year comes with anticipation – and anxiety. But those jitters don’t end at graduation. The transitions that adults go through, including …

September 30, 2021

A senior mom and her adult daughter smile together.

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personal finance

Finally Visiting Aging Parents after the Pandemic? What to Do If They’ve Declined

After being apart for so long, it isn’t uncommon to see some signs of a mental or physical decline. Take advantage of your happy reunion to help get y…

July 26, 2021

A mom pulls her empty pocket inside out.

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personal finance

Keeping the ‘Bank of Mom or Dad’ From Being Overdrawn

Of course you want to help your adult children, but don’t let that ruin your retirement, or your relationship. Here are some things to consider before…

June 21, 2021

A quizzical-looking woman takes a sip of coffee.

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Divorce

The Consequences of Gray Divorce

Divorce has financial consequences for everyone, no matter what your age. But for those 50 and up, there are some special circumstances that make divo…

May 2, 2021

An unhappy businessman wearing a suit sits cross-legged inside a box.

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happy retirement

Help! I’m Afraid to Retire, Even Though I Can Afford to

Actually retiring may be the hardest part about retirement. It’s not unusual to get cold feet. But you don’t want to work forever either, so what do y…

March 26, 2021

A couple link their pinky fingers together.

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personal finance

Yours, Mine … and Maybe Ours? Advice for Couples on How to Handle Money

Picking the right money-handling strategy for your family – separate finances, a joint account or something in between? – can make a big difference on…

February 23, 2021

A dad and his little girl clean the kitchen together.

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estate planning

Planning for a Non-Traditional Family (Which Is Probably Yours)

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Here’s how to make sure yours is financially protected regardless of who’s part of it.

January 12, 2021

One black sheep in a flock of white sheep

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estate planning

Estate Planning for ‘Black Sheep’ Beneficiaries

Every family has one – or maybe more – black sheep. They’re people who march to their own drum, and handing them an inheritance could be problematic. …

December 8, 2020