Where there’s money, there are often
disagreements.
Sarah Asebedo, Edina, Minn., a student
in Kansas State University’s online personal
financial planning Ph.D. program, wanted
to examine the role of conflict resolution
techniques in the financial planning field.
As a financial planner with Accredited
Investors, Inc. for nearly a decade, Asebedo
advises clients through all aspects of their
financial life, including career changes and
retirement transitions. Major life transitions
and money decisions typically cause
disagreements between couples to surface
throughout the financial planning process.
Asebedo has found that she can utilize conflict resolution techniques as a third party to help couples see eye to eye and move forward.
“Financial planning draws on elements of various disciplines and skills such as conflict resolution, communication, therapy, finance, psychology, economics, sociology and counseling,” Asebedo said. “The various disciplines need to be more fully integrated into practice, research and theory development to optimize financial planning recommendations and consumer decision making.”
Asebedo’s doctoral program is the first of its kind in the nation to be offered primarily
online. She says K-State faculty provide ongoing support and guidance to doctoral
students throughout their research and publication process.
“Conducting research while at a distance from Kansas State University is seamless
with the technology and access to academic journals available through the university,”
Asebedo said.
In her latest research, Asebedo participated in a study with Jaime Blue and Dr. Sonya
Britt. They found a preliminary link between an individual’s excessive work habits and
reduced physical and mental well-being. The study, titled “Workaholism and Well-Being,” was published in Financial Planning Review.
K-State also offers an online master’s degree and graduate certificate in personal financial planning. Learn more about personal financial planning programs.