Kelly Duitsman Loschen is mom to two daughters, Avery (8) and Annie (6) Loschen, who both attend Robeson Elementary School. Kelly is a graduate of the University of Illinois, a CPA, and has been with Martin, Hood, Friese & Associates for over 13 years. She is a member of Windsor Road Christian Church and an active volunteer in the community. Kelly recently joined the Board of Directors of Champaign-Urbana Schools Foundation where she is able to share her passion for financial literacy while supporting public schools. Kelly is a native to the area, grew up in St. Joseph, and currently resides in Champaign.
Be flexible! Just about the time I think I have found the perfect balance . . . something changes. Learning to adapt to life changes is important in maintaining a healthy balance. A color-coded calendar, prioritized to-do list, great mentors, and monthly massages help too!
Growing up with “The Chief” gave me a great sense of pride in supporting the University of Illinois, especially as an alumni. I wish my daughters were able to experience those same traditions.
Their dad and I both played several sports growing up and as adults, and have been involved with coaching at various levels. My daughters have grown up around sports their entire lives. We live an active lifestyle and our family activities include attending various Illinois and other local sporting events. Our birthday parties have included an Olympics and a Homerun Derby. I like that my daughters are trying activities that their dad and I were never involved with, it adds variety and is fun to learn something new.
Q: You and your daughters’ dad are great examples of how to co-parent. What tips can you pass along to other parents who may be in the process of divorce and will be co-parenting with their ex?
Communication, cooperation, and a commitment to make decisions that are in our daughters’ best interest. I know this sounds very cliché and it is sometimes easier said than done. We have been divorced for three years and are still finding ways to improve the process. It is our desire to work together so that our daughters receive the highest level of love and support we have to give. I would highly recommend the following Bonus Families resources:. Ex-Etiquette for Parents: Good Behavior After a Divorce or Separation
. Bonusfamilies.com
. Ex-Etiquette newspaper column
I see a need to improve financial literacy across all ages. Ninety one percent of college students have at least one credit card with half of college students carrying four or more cards with an average debt in the thousands of dollars on top of thousands of dollars in student loan debt. An extremely low percent of those turning 65 have adequate retirement savings. When you add this to historically high unemployment rates, low college graduate job placement, and rising housing and healthcare costs, it creates the perfect storm for financial hardship that can last a lifetime.
I believe good financial habits can be taught at a young age. I practice the spend/save/give theory with my daughters (as Sesame Street calls it, “for me, for you, for later”). I try to include them in everyday financial discussions and create opportunities for them to practice making financial decisions.
I have participated in various training courses and bible studies, such as Crown Financial Ministries, and have a passion for sharing this information with others. I am actively working with organizations such as C-U Schools Foundation, Windsor Road Christian Church, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the YMCA to organize programs to support this effort. If you have ideas or see an opportunity to collaborate, please feel free to contact me atkelly@mhfa.net.
A perfect day with my girls includes spending time together no matter where we are or what we are doing. Their rooms are clean, teeth brushed, laundry put away, homework done, and they are doing everything the “first time asked” . . . ok, that is not a perfect day, only a dream. 🙂
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