SmartHER

Jennifer Berdell, CFP®, CDFA®

Meet Jennifer

Jennifer’s approach is marked by a commitment to comprehensive financial planning. This entails more than just blind investments; it encompasses a meticulous strategy covering investments, insurance, risk analysis, college and retirement planning, tax strategies, cash flow analysis (spending plan), savings, debt management and more. She tailors each plan to her clients’ unique needs, considering everything from monthly bills to creating a reliable stream of income. Jennifer understands how important consistency and reliability are, especially for those experiencing the turbulence of divorce or loss.

As an unbiased listener and unwavering support system, Jennifer aims to meet her clients on every level. She is committed to fostering a sense of community and combines insights from her own divorce with her expertise to provide guidance. Jennifer believes in the power of shared stories, providing sanctuary through the trauma of loss and understanding no one gets married with the expectation of divorce. She knows it’s a reality that can happen to anyone.

It is Jennifer’s mission to ensure that her clients know they’re not alone in their journey. She was recently awarded the 2023 RVA Power Women Awards for Banking and Finance and is dedicated to empowering each of her clients to financial strength.

Her Story

After experiencing her own divorce, Jennifer realized her life was like a window, waiting to be opened to new beginnings. Inspired by Natasha Bedingfield’s anthem about unwritten possibilities, she knew her own experiences could serve as a guiding light for women facing similar challenges.

Jennifer expanded her 25 years’ experience as a financial professional by earning her CDFA® designation. Today, she dedicates herself to providing essential financial coaching to women experiencing divorce or loss. Through SmartHER, she offers a team of experts, long-term support, and sometimes even friendships.

During such life-altering and often unexpected events, Jennifer helps newly independent women take charge of their financial world.

Licenses & Certifications

Registered Investment Advisor

Certified Financial Planner®

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®

VA Insurance License

VA Real Estate Agent

Talley Barakta

Talley Baratka provides personalized financial analysis and coaching for SmartHER clients. Talley uses her financial expertise and her life experience — having walked with her mother through the specific challenges faced by women in financial transition — to serve SmartHER clients with compassion. She sees the incredible strength of women dealing with loss and seeks to use this strength for their benefit. Talley is also the guardian of her adult disabled brother and understands first-hand how to ford deep waters. Talley realizes that no one goes through life without pain, and she has learned how to cheer on clients and colleagues to keep going for the high ground. While it’s important to be present for hard moments, Talley believes it’s equally as important to bring joy and laughter into her work whenever possible.

She has worked for over 25 years in business, across diverse industries. Talley is passionate about supporting clients to develop full financial strength and partners with SmartHER’s team of professionals to offer exceptional service to women.

Licenses & Certifications

VA Real Estate Agent

SmartHER Happy Clients

TravelHER

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