For this conversation, I just had to bring Donna Cates back. You'll recall she's a financial expert and certified divorce financial analyst who knows her stuff. Our conversation is short but loaded with nuggets divorcing moms need to know. We talk about the emotional and practical impacts of divorce on children, focusing on how parents can manage financial disparities and communicate effectively to maintain stability for their kids.

Donna offers insights on handling alimony and child support, emphasizing the importance of predictability and creating positive experiences. The discussion highlights tools like Our Family Wizard to facilitate co-parenting communication. Tune in for valuable advice on leading with wisdom and fairness during challenging times.

Connect with Donna:

• Website: MoneyMattersWealth.com

• Social: Money Matters Wealth Solutions (and “Donna Cates”)

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome

00:33 Special Invitation: Ministry of Mom Experience

01:06 Introducing Financial Expert Donna Cates

01:53 Discussing Lifestyle Adjustments with Children

04:20 Understanding Child Support and Alimony

07:19 Ongoing Practices for Co-Parenting

08:44 Financial Truths Children Need to Hear

10:51 Connecting with Donna Cates

13:11 Final Thoughts

#KidsAndDivorce #CoParenting #EmotionalWellbeing #PeacefulParenting #DoItForTheKids

The Parenting 411: Motherhood can be beautiful and heavy at the same time. The Ministry of Mom Experience is a space for moms to breathe, connect, and be renewed—spiritually and emotionally. Learn more: https://www.ministryofmom.com

Ulta - Dermalogica: Moms can keep their skin refreshed with Phyto Nature Firming Serum by Dermalogica. Grab yours from Ulta with link: https://bit.ly/4nj6Ezd

**For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here: https://mave.ly/p411picks

#DivorceFinancialPlanning #DivorceSupport #WomenAndMoney #SingleMomSupport #CoParenting #ChildSupport #529Plan #FinancialEmpowerment #DivorceAdvice #TheParenting411Podcast

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Divorce can feel like the ground shifts under your feet—emotionally and financially. In this episode of The Parenting 411 Podcast, I talk with Donna Cates, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), about the money decisions that can shape your next chapter—and your child’s future. Donna breaks down the most common financial blind spots women face during divorce, what to gather before negotiating anything, and how to stay practical when emotions are running high.

You’ll also hear smart guidance around child-related expenses, child support realities, 529 college savings, lifestyle changes, and how to find support even when you feel you “can’t afford it.”

What You’ll Learn

• The #1 financial blind spot women face early in divorce

• Why the person who initiates divorce often has an advantage—and how to catch up

• The key documents to gather (and why doing it early can save attorney fees)

• How to manage emotions without letting them derail financial decisions

• Child support vs. “real life” kid expenses: extracurriculars, tutoring, trips, instruments, etc.

• How to protect your child’s future through smart planning (including 529 accounts)

• The truth about maintaining the same lifestyle after divorce—and what to do instead

• Practical ways to pay for professional support Key Takeaways

• Don’t negotiate in the dark. Knowing what you own, owe, earn, and spend changes everything.

• Divorce is emotional—but your decisions must be informed.

• Put kids’ extras in writing. Understand that child support often covers basics only.

• Plan for two households. Two fridges, two sets of clothes, duplicated costs—it adds up fast.

• Support exists. Donna shares resources, including a free virtual workshop for women.

Connect with Donna:

• Website: MoneyMattersWealth.com

• Social: Money Matters Wealth Solutions (and “Donna Cates”)

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Parenting 411 Podcast

00:33 Special Invitation: Ministry of Mom Experience

01:06 Navigating Divorce: Emotional and Financial Challenges

01:49 Introducing Donna Cates: Financial Guidance for Women

02:55 Understanding Financial Blind Spots in Divorce

06:16 Gathering Key Financial Documents

14:44 Protecting Your Children's Financial Future

21:18 Common Mistakes in Maintaining Lifestyle Post-Divorce

24:08 First Steps to Gain Clarity and Confidence

26:44 Resources and Support for Women

31:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out our brand partners for this episode:

The Parenting 411:

The Ministry of Mom Experience Motherhood can be beautiful and heavy at the same time. The Ministry of Mom Experience is a space for moms to breathe, connect, and be renewed—spiritually and emotionally. Learn more: https://www.ministryofmom.com

Ulta: Dermalogica Moms can keep their skin refreshed with Phyto Nature Firming Serum by Dermalogica. Grab yours from Ulta with link: https://bit.ly/4nj6Ezd

**For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here: https://mave.ly/p411picks

#DivorceFinancialPlanning #DivorceSupport #WomenAndMoney #SingleMomSupport #CoParenting #ChildSupport #529Plan #FinancialEmpowerment #DivorceAdvice #TheParenting411Podcast

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let's stay connected:

Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/

IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheParenting411

In this episode, I discuss navigating the complexities of modern motherhood and maintaining wellness in a technology-driven world. I share my personal experiences and offer valuable tips for parents on how to embrace technology without letting it overwhelm your lives. My key points include the importance of setting boundaries, leveraging technology as a tool for convenience, protecting family privacy, and balancing screen time with offline activities. By the end of the episode, you will gain insight into making technology an ally in their wellness journey.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Embracing Technology in Parenting

01:51 The Evolution of Technology in Our Lives

03:45 Managing Technology for Family Wellness

05:55 Setting Boundaries with Technology

08:07 Balancing Screen Time and Real Life

08:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out our Brand Partner for this episode:

Columbia: Columbia – Whether you’re bundling up or peeling a few layers. Columbia has you covered no matter the weather! You’ll find what you need right here: https://bit.ly/3K2fxiV

The Parenting 411: Join us for The Ministry of Experience on May 2 in Washington, DC.

Click here for more information: https://www.ministryofmom.com

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#WellnessinAWiredWorld #ParentingInTheDigitalAge #MentalHealth #SelfCare #TechLifeBalance #ParentingTips #TheParenting411 #TheParenting411Podcast