Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™: Thriving in Career and Parenthood After Loss

In the last episode you met Jim, my co-host and husband. Now, Jim is sharing his unique experience of navigating the emotions and responsibilities after his ex-wife, who he had a child with, passed away.   There is no "title" for this unique situation in life. A widower… but without the title.   We discusses the complexities Jim faced as an ex-husband and a remarried man losing the mother of his 3...

In this episode of Widow Wisdom and Wealth, I, Donna, will introduce my co-host and husband, Jim. We'll discuss Jim's experience as a widower, his divorce, and the recent passing of his first wife and we'll also explore our own unique journey, including how we met and how we have balanced careers and family life.   This is the NEW Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ podcast for widows and widowers balancing c...

Feeling overwhelmed with your finances or just want to get and be organized for you and your loved ones? Here we have 5 simple steps for you to get your financial house in order. These are the steps that helped me get my life in order after the loss of my first husband when I entered widowhood. I feel it's important to share becuse it is truly the foundation the set me on my journey.  If you'd lik...

On this episode, I am my first guest. Me, Donna Kendrick, and how I went from widowhood to business owner to blended family - I'm sharing my story to help others thrive in carrer and parenthood after loss.  This is the NEW Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ podcast for widows and widowers balancing career, family, and loss. Hear and learn from those thriving in career and parenthood after loss. Through heart...

Welcome to the NEW Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™!  The podcast for widows and widowers balancing career, family, and loss. Hear and learn from those thriving in career and parenthood after loss. What does it mean to rebuild a life that feels whole after loss? Rebuilding after loss is not about forgetting—it's about finding new strength, purpose, and balance for yourself and your family. Through heartfel...

As the year comes to a close, many of us are making resolutions moving into 2025. So why not focus on our money mindset as well? Whether you're overwhelmed by debt, stuck in a savings rut, or simply stressed about money, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you think differently and achieve financial comfort. We'll address common negative thoughts about money, and Donna will s...

It's hard to believe the holiday season is here! While you're stuffing stockings for your loved ones, don't forget to stuff your own financial stocking with tips that can bring you closer to a secure retirement. Today, we're unwrapping 10 bite-sized, actionable ideas to help you save smarter, invest better, and plan for the future you deserve. Here are the points we discuss in today's show:   0:00...

Navigating the transition of divorce can be challenging, especially when it occurs right before or during retirement. That's why this week on Wisdom and Wealth , we're going to share 3 immediate steps you'll want to take during this pivotal time: first, understanding your flow of income; second, evaluating your net worth; and third, updating your beneficiary designations. In moments like divorce,...

Are you making decisions about your money with a clear mind? Or are you financially 'impaired?' December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, so with that right around the corner, we're exploring the surprising parallels between dangerous driving habits and risky financial choices.   Here are the points we discuss in today's show: 0:00 – Intro 3:16 – Clouded judgment in financial decisio...

In the recent celebration of Halloween, we're bringing you some real-life cautionary tales in today's episode. Donna and Jim will share a few spine-chilling financial horror stories that could happen to anyone without proper planning. As you listen, take a moment to consider your own financial situation. Have you updated your estate and beneficiary documents? Are both you and your partner plugged...

Are you curious about what retirees wish they had done differently? A random, retired YouTuber did a simple video exploring the top 5 regrets of other retirees he interviewed (all in their 70s). It blew up to almost half a million views (and counting). Let's see what regrets made the list and, more importantly, explore what proactive steps you can take to avoid having the same regrets when you ret...

Remember when you were a kid, always asking 'How do you know?' about everything, like why the sky is blue or where the sun goes at night? That curiosity doesn't go away as we get older; it just turns into different questions, like the ones we face when planning for retirement. Today, we're digging into the 'How Do You Knows' of retirement planning.   Here are the points we discuss in today's show:...

In the second part of this two-part series, we continue to explore the important role that children and grandchildren play in shaping financial and retirement plans. If you missed our previous discussion, be sure to give it a listen! This week, we'll explore more common financial planning scenarios and offer practical advice to help families handle their finances with ease and confidence.   Here a...

Kids and grandkids play a crucial role in shaping financial plans. In this two-part episode, we'll dive into the most common scenarios where future generations influence retirement planning. Whether you're a parent with adult children still on the payroll or a grandparent wanting to help out with college education costs, we'll explore how to balance your retirement goals with the needs of your fam...

We're all guilty of telling ourselves lies from time to time. But are you telling yourself financial lies? In this episode, Donna and Jim dive into some common financial lies that could be holding you back.   Here are the points we discuss in today's show: 0:00 – Intro 0:50 – The YOLO mentality 3:51 – Catching up after falling behind 5:48 – Cutting back on expenses 9:00 – Getting on the same page...

Paying for college has become increasingly challenging due to rising costs, particularly for blended families. But no matter your situation, early planning for your child's or grandchild's education can make a big difference and reduce the need for excessive borrowing later on. In this episode, we'll cover the key aspects of college financial planning from various perspectives.   Here are the poin...

Insurance- it may not be the most exciting subject, but it plays a super important role in financial planning. Listen in as Donna, Jim, and Marc discuss the value of having a safety net, especially in a blended family, where both partners bring in assets and responsibilities from previous relationships. If you haven't given much thought to your insurance policies lately, this episode will give you...

Talking about finances in a dating relationship can be daunting, but it's an important part of building a strong, transparent, and trusting partnership. So, when is the right time to discuss money matters with your partner? Should you discuss your financial status early on or wait until the relationship is more serious? Donna and Jim are here to share tips from their personal experiences and a fin...

Choosing a financial advisor can feel daunting, especially when you're not sure what to look for or what questions to ask. In today's episode, we're going to cover some of the critical mistakes people make when they're on the hunt for the perfect match. Listen in as Donna shares her personal experiences as a widow searching for a financial advisor and offers valuable insights for anyone in a simil...

Donna and her husband, Jim, have both navigated the path of stay-at-home parenting and are no strangers to what it looks like to manage finances during family transitions. We're excited to officially welcome Jim onto the podcast for the first time in today's episode. Together, Donna and Jim will share their unique perspectives on the emotional and financial implications of stepping away from the w...

Just like an annual checkup is important for maintaining good health, performing regular financial checkups is an essential part of planning for a healthy and successful retirement. In today's episode, Donna gives us a glimpse at what financial wellness checkups look like at Sephton Financial.   Here are the points we discuss in today's show: 0:00 – Intro 1:02 – Reviewing your goals 3:04 – Checkin...

As much as any other threat, recognizing and avoiding scams has become an essential skill, particularly for retirees. Join us as we explore crucial steps you can take to safeguard your financial well-being against the growing tide of scams and identity theft. Learn from real-life stories and gain practical advice to keep your finances secure in this digital era, all from the perspective of a seaso...

As International Women's Day approaches (March 8), it's the perfect time to reflect on the progress women have achieved in the financial realm over the past century. Despite this, the path to retirement is not without its unique challenges for women, and it's important to recognize the financial hurdles that they continue to face. From career interruptions to the impact of higher debt burdens, thi...

This episode might be a bit counterintuitive. We're going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial actually working in your favor?   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Ignoring account statements can be beneficial in avoiding overreactions to market fluctuations, but it's important to periodically check them to stay informed ab...

Have you ever wondered what questions to ask your financial advisor, or why those questions are crucial? In today's episode, we're tackling exactly that. We're discussing the vital questions that bring transparency and depth to your financial advisory relationship.   Here are some of the questions we talk about in today's show: "How do you get paid?" "What does your typical client look like?" "Wha...