Introducing New Team Member Sam Secord: A Personal Journey into Divorce Planning

We are thrilled to introduce a new team member who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to BAS Capital Management. Please join us in welcoming Sam Secord, a passionate and dedicated divorce planning advisor with a unique perspective. Sam’s journey through divorce, combined with her background in interior design and financial planning, allows her to offer an empathetic and insightful approach to clients navigating their own transitions.

A Journey of Personal Growth and Professional Change

Sam’s professional background might surprise you. She spent six years as the interior designer at her ex-husband’s company, followed by time running her own bathroom and kitchen design business. After being recruited by a client into the tile industry, she was well on her way to a successful career in design.

But life threw her a curveball. In November 2022, while pregnant with her second child, Sam made the difficult decision to file for divorce. “It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” she shares. “I wasn’t financially stable, I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I wasn’t happy. And I hadn’t been for a long time.”

This decision began a journey of self-discovery and financial independence, and it ultimately led Sam to the field of divorce planning. During her divorce process, Sam met BAS Capital Management’s Founder Barb Shegog, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), who became an invaluable resource. “Barb not only helped me seek the truth in transactional history, but she also guided me in budgeting and planning throughout my divorce journey,” Sam notes.

Inspired by Barb’s support, Sam decided to help others who, like her, might feel trapped by the fear of financial insecurity during divorce. “I want to be that invaluable person for every woman out there who thinks they can’t leave because they don’t know how they’ll survive financially,” she explains.

A Hard Lesson in Litigation

The divorce process, particularly through litigation, was a difficult experience that shaped Sam’s perspective on the process. Her timeline of events is a stark reminder of the emotional and financial toll of a contested divorce.

From filing for divorce on February 14, 2023, to waiting for final orders in November 2024, the entire journey has spanned nearly two years, costing $39,000 in attorney fees alone. “It has been 681 days since I filed for divorce,” she says. “The litigation process was exhausting—emotionally, financially, and mentally. There were constant delays, rescheduled hearings, and motions. I can’t even begin to describe the stress it created in my everyday life.”

For anyone contemplating litigation, Sam offers this advice: “The litigation process is miserable. It takes more time, money, and stress than you could ever imagine. I wish I had understood the power of mediation sooner. It could have saved so much time and money.”

A New Mission: Helping Others Find Less Contentious Solutions

Having experienced the harsh realities of a litigated divorce, Sam is committed to helping others avoid the same pitfalls. She is especially passionate about offering alternative, less contentious options like mediation and collaborative divorce with the assistance of a financial professional. 

“What inspired me to join the team was knowing how much Barb and BAS Capital Management  can help someone navigate the financial struggles of divorce,” she shares. “I want to be that person for others. I’m a sleuth when it comes to uncovering financial transactions that could make or break a case. I found hidden transactions during my own divorce, and they played a large role in the final outcome.”

Her goal is simple: to help clients, especially women, understand their financial situation and move forward with confidence. “I want to empower women and put them in the best financial position to move forward with their lives as the strong, happy, intelligent people they are.”

The Power of Mediation and Collaboration

Sam is a strong advocate for the use of mediation and collaborative divorce as a way to reduce stress, time, and costs for clients. “Mediation is a very powerful tool. You save time, money, and stress, and you may even preserve an underlying friendship. The process can be much less tainted, and in the end, it’s often more satisfying for everyone involved.” With the assistance of a financial professional you have more confidence moving through the process. 

For those hoping for a more amicable divorce, she recommends starting with empathy. “Sit down and think about the current moment your soon-to-be ex is in. Understanding their point of view can help you negotiate better and move toward an amicable resolution.”

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Empowerment

Looking to the future, Sam is determined to make a lasting impact on her clients’ lives. She believes that with the right financial guidance, divorce can be a catalyst for empowerment and new beginnings.

“I want to help people move through this transition, not only with financial stability but with hope for the future. Divorce can be the first step toward a new chapter where you are in control of your life, your happiness, and your future.”

A Strong Partnership for Divorce Planning

By joining the team at BAS Capital Management, Sam is combining her personal experience, her financial expertise, and her dedication to helping others. “Together, Barb and I can guide both parties to the best outcome—one that’s fair to everyone involved and helps each person move forward without resentment.”

Through her work, Sam hopes to provide a guiding light for those who may feel overwhelmed by the divorce process, offering practical advice, emotional support, and financial insights to help them emerge stronger on the other side.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Navigating divorce can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We offer a complimentary consultation call where we can discuss your unique situation and explore how we can help you plan for a more secure and empowered future.

At BAS Capital Management, we work with clients throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, offering personalized guidance tailored to your needs. Whether you’re facing a contentious divorce or seeking a more amicable solution, we’re here to provide the financial insight and support you deserve.

Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a brighter future.