Money gets messy when life changes. Divorce, loss, and career pivots can turn confident spenders into second-guessers who feel stuck. We sit down with Cindy Locker and Carol Van Fossen of Next Chapter Finances to unpack a kinder, smarter way to rebuild control: start with the real numbers, get clear on your goals, and make a plan that lets you spend without guilt.

Carol shares how she moved from managing her family’s money to feeling “clueless” after major life shifts, then back to confident through structure and support. Cindy brings an accountant’s eye for detail, translating statements and cash flow into choices you can actually live with. Together, they show how a compassionate process—gathering data, naming priorities, and scheduling regular check-ins—turns chaos into clarity. No shame. No overwhelm. Just honest math and aligned tradeoffs.

We cover what a first engagement looks like, from mapping income and expenses to identifying leaks that don’t add joy, then redirecting dollars to what does: a vacation, a safety net, a child’s milestone, or retirement. You’ll hear why starting today beats waiting for the first of the month, how frequent touchpoints keep progress on track, and how their work bridges clients to financial planners, CPAs, attorneys, and insurance pros with everything organized and ready. If you’ve ever wondered whether your spending matches your values—or wished you could feel good about your choices—this conversation lays out a path.

If this resonates, connect with Next Chapter Finances through the link in the show notes to book a free consultation. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more women find their financial footing.

For more information contact Cindy or Carol:
Cindy Locker:
614-440-2315
cindy@nextchapterfinances.com

Carol Van Fossen:
614-284-2783
carol@nextchapterfinances.com

https://www.nextchapterfinances.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556088472295

Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce.

Sarah Thress
614-893-5885
Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com
Thrive and Decide Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799
https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/

Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604

Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

Divorce ends a marriage, not your role as parents. We sat down with co-parenting coach and author Teresa Luse to unpack a practical, compassionate way to raise kids across two homes without burning out or blowing up. Teresa shares the mindset that changed everything for her: stop trying to repair the past relationship and start designing the parenting relationship you’ll live with for decades. That shift opens the door to calmer exchanges, clearer expectations, and a childhood your kids will remember as steady and kind.

We dig into Teresa’s core tools, including her Three Lists exercise: must agree, ideal to agree, and concede. By keeping the “musts” tight—safety, life-or-death health, and legal compliance—you lower friction where it counts and reduce needless fights elsewhere. She explains how to respond when your co-parent is hostile or even narcissistic, using concise, child-focused communication, boundaries that hold, and strategies that reduce, diffuse, and redirect conflict. You’ll also hear why collaboration doesn’t have to mean shared vacations or holidays, and how different parenting styles can actually enrich a child’s world when handled with intention.

Teresa traces her path from lived experience to two books, including Combative to Collaborative: The Co-Parenting Code, and describes her coaching approach. Sessions are virtual, practical, and forward-looking—no therapy, no legal advice—just plays that work in real life, reviewed and adjusted over time. She shares details on her small-group coaching model designed for access and safety, with topics tailored from participant surveys and strict boundaries that keep co-parents out of the same room.

If you’re ready to trade texting wars for a workable plan, this conversation gives you the language, tools, and courage to start. Check the show notes for Teresa’s books and links to connect. Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick five-star review to help more parents find calm.

To find out more and connect with Teresa:

https://teresaluse.com/

Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce.

Sarah Thress
614-893-5885
Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com
Thrive and Decide Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799
https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/

Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604

Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

Money, divorce, and the family home collide in ways that are emotional and expensive—and they don’t have to be. We sit down with certified financial planner and certified divorce financial analyst Amy Kelly to unpack the decisions that matter most, from whether to keep the house to how to split retirement accounts without triggering avoidable taxes. Amy brings decades of experience and a calm, practical lens to a season of life that often feels anything but calm.

You’ll hear how a divorce-savvy plan goes beyond basic budgeting. We dig into document readiness, fee transparency, and why projections are the only honest way to decide if you can afford your current home. We talk marital balance sheets, child and spousal support modeling, QDROs for retirement plans, and the tax traps that can turn a fair-looking settlement into a long-term setback. If you’re in Ohio, we also touch on dower rights and what they mean for title, equity, and sale decisions. The result is a roadmap for aligning your goals—stability for kids, a clean financial slate, on-time retirement—with the numbers that have to support them.

Whether you’re contemplating divorce, actively negotiating, or rebuilding after loss, this conversation gives you tools to move forward with clarity. Gather your key documents, define your priorities, and build a team that includes a family law attorney, a CDFA, and a real estate pro who understand the stakes. Ready to make confident choices about your home and your future? Follow the show, leave a quick review to support the work, and share this episode with someone who needs a little steadiness right now.

Reach out to Amy to get started on your financial plan today!
Amy Kelly, CFP, CDVA
Amy.kelly@prudential.com
614-383-3778 (office)
614-619-3160 (cell)

Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce.

Sarah Thress
614-893-5885
Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com
Thrive and Decide Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799
https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/

Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604

Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

What happens when the “right thing” steals your voice? We sit down with Sam Leeson, who grew up in a small town where reputation came first and casual homophobia kept her hidden. She married a friend because it felt safe on paper, became a parent she adores, and built a career helping others advocate for themselves in birth and early parenting—while feeling unsafe and unheard at home. A panic attack at a school drop-off cracked the facade, linking past trauma to a present she could no longer tolerate. By 2010, Sam chose to leave, come out, and face the grief, doubt, and judgment that followed.

Sam explains how honoring her children’s needs—letting them live where they felt safest, even with her ex—became the cornerstone of healing. We explore missteps, estrangement, and repair: the son who went quiet, the conversation in a parked car, and the choice to answer every question with honesty when they were ready. She shares the difference between co‑parenting from control versus respect, and how modeling happiness teaches kids to set their own bar. We also unpack family of origin dynamics: a mother who equated parenting with sacrificing joy, the protection of low contact, and the moment a cancer diagnosis reshaped how Sam wanted to move forward. Boundaries, chosen family, and deliberate forgiveness play leading roles.

This conversation is frank about abuse, why survivors don’t “just leave,” and the messy aftermath—financial fear, lonely nights, and the long tunnel toward a brighter life. If you’ve ever felt trapped by expectations or terrified to disappoint people you love, Sam’s story offers a map: choose safety, tell the truth, and let time do its work. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more listeners find stories that make brave choices feel possible.

Sam Leeson:

Sam is the founder of babyREADY and has spent over 25 years supporting individuals and couples—especially 2SLGBTQIA+ families—on their journey to parenthood. Through education, coaching, and hands-on care, she’s helped thousands navigate fertility, pregnancy, and early parenting with confidence. A trusted voice in the field, Sam has been featured on international podcasts, national radio programs, and in top parenting publications. Her engaging approach empowers clients to feel seen, supported, and more informed than they ever expected.

website: www.babyREADY.info

Check out her podcast: https://www.babyready.info/becomingpodcast

all socials: @babyREADYlgbtq

Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce.

Sarah Thress
614-893-5885
Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com
Thrive and Decide Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/thrive_and_decide/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799
https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/

Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604

Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

When someone says “I think I want out,” most couples are shoved into panic, not a plan. We sat down with Dr. Becky Whetstone—marriage crisis manager, author of I Think I Want Out, and long‑time advocate for evidence‑based help on the brink—to unpack what actually works when a relationship feels like it’s collapsing in real time. Becky explains the missing piece in traditional training, why so many therapists go quiet at the worst moment, and how to guide a couple through the most volatile ninety days without making things worse.

We explore her cornerstone idea of the “decider” and the “leaning‑in partner,” and why stabilization is the first intervention. You’ll learn how to choose a directive, credentialed professional who will name patterns, teach skills, and spot underlying mental health issues that can shape every decision. We get real about faith‑based counseling, the difference between licensed care and well‑meaning coaching, and the damage done by shaming or simplistic advice. From there, Becky maps two structured paths: a time‑bound, therapist‑guided separation that tests real change, or a clear route to an amicable divorce that protects kids, finances, and dignity.

We also dig into the everyday forces that push couples apart—parenthood’s chaos, identity shifts, deferred dreams—and how to rebuild connection with practical, teachable skills. Becky shares resources for co‑parenting, blending families, and keeping communication sane, plus why support groups and short, intentional “wallow” windows can speed healing. If you’re contemplating a breakup, fighting to repair, or helping a friend through the fog, this conversation offers a calm, smart roadmap for making the next right move.

If this episode helped you think or breathe easier, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review—your feedback keeps these conversations going.

Dr. Becky Whetstone's Info:

Website | https://marriagecrisismanager.com/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/relationshipcrisismanager/
X | https://x.com/DoctorBecky
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/doctorbecky/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-whetstone-ph-d-33866211/
Medium | https://medium.com/@doctorbecky

Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce.

Sarah Thress
614-893-5885
Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com
Thrive and Decide Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799
https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/

Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604

Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

Feeling trapped in an unhappy marriage because you don't understand your finances? You're not alone. Many women stay in challenging relationships simply because they can't see a clear path forward financially. In this powerful crossover episode from "Come to Find Out," host Sarah Tress interviews divorce attorney Ashley Garrison about the crucial first steps women should take when considering or facing divorce.

Ashley reveals what happens during that initial consultation with a divorce attorney and how it creates a foundation for moving forward. She shares insider tips that can dramatically improve your position before legal proceedings begin, including keeping a detailed journal documenting specific incidents related to finances or children. This simple practice of separating emotions from facts gives your legal team stronger evidence to present in court. Ashley also emphasizes the importance of educating yourself about your financial situation—understanding bank accounts, investments, and tax returns puts you in control of your future.

When children are involved, divorce requires even more care. Ashley and Sarah discuss their shared philosophy of keeping children out of parental conflicts and making decisions based on what truly benefits them rather than using them as pawns. This "high road" approach not only protects your children emotionally but strengthens your position in court. Ashley also explains why comparing your situation to friends' divorce outcomes can be misleading, as each case depends on specific facts and varies by county in Ohio. Her personal connection to family law, stemming from her own family's experiences with divorce, drives her passion for helping clients transform from financial uncertainty to independence.

Ready to take the first step toward clarity in your divorce journey? Connect with attorney Ashley Garrison or explore the Thrive and Decide program for comprehensive support during this challenging transition. Remember, understanding your options is the first step toward reclaiming your power.

Ashley Garrison
ashley@aacolpa.com
614-565-7508

Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce.

Sarah Thress
614-893-5885
Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com
Thrive and Decide Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799
https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/

Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604

Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

What if the path to transformation wasn't through grinding harder, but through being gentler with yourself? Emily Phillips discovered this truth during her remarkable journey from military veteran to manifestation coach.

After 12 years of military service, Emily found herself struggling with self-doubt and a chaotic mind. The tight-knit camaraderie she'd experienced with fellow female service members seemed impossible to replicate in civilian life. "I thought that I was so damaged from the military that I would just be unlovable," she shares with raw honesty.

Everything changed when she began exploring meditation and personal development. The simple yet profound practice of sitting with her thoughts revealed how much negative self-talk was driving her decisions. "You don't know how much you actually hate yourself until you sit and think about it," Emily explains. Through consistent meditation and powerful "I am" statements, she gradually transformed her identity and outlook.

Perhaps most revolutionary is Emily's approach to physical transformation. After years of heavy lifting and intense workouts, she discovered that gentleness yielded better results. "I can't be hard on my body and gentle on my mind," she realized. This shift toward yoga and listening to her body's needs led to losing 25 pounds while feeling better than ever. Her coaching now helps women envision their ideal selves in vivid detail – not just setting goals but embodying the person who has already achieved them.

This conversation challenges the dominant narrative that suffering is necessary for success. Emily's journey proves that meditation, self-compassion, and celebrating small wins creates more sustainable transformation than hustle culture ever could. Connect with Emily for her life-changing daily affirmations and discover how manifestation might be the missing piece in your own journey.

To connect with Emily-

emily@theuniquebalance.com

https://www.instagram.com/meditate.with.emily/

Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce.

Sarah Thress
614-893-5885
Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com
Thrive and Decide Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799
https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/

Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604

Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/

Michelle Murphy joins us to share her transformative approach to mental health that goes far beyond traditional talk therapy. As a holistic wellness mental health therapist, Michelle integrates the connections between mind, body, and spirit to help clients elevate their entire life experience, not just address mental health symptoms.

The conversation reveals a powerful framework that examines three essential components of wellbeing. The physical aspect invites clients to become attuned to how different foods, movement patterns, and environmental factors impact their energy and mood. Rather than prescribing rigid regimens, Michelle positions her clients as the experts of their own bodies, guiding them to discover what genuinely nourishes them. The mind component builds on traditional therapy by acknowledging past trauma work while focusing forward on strengths and possibilities. Most revolutionary is the spirit component—that witnessing consciousness that helps us recognize when we're caught in unhealthy patterns.

Michelle brilliantly deconstructs how many women have internalized harmful beliefs that constant productivity and self-sacrifice are prerequisites for worthiness. "For whatever reason, we've been raised with this idea that if I put pressure and guilt and expectation on myself, I'm somehow going to get more done," she explains. "Does that ever happen? No." By developing awareness of how stress manifests physically—shallow breathing, racing heart, muscle tension—clients learn to pause, question their approach, and make conscious choices aligned with their authentic values rather than external expectations.

Whether you're struggling with burnout, navigating a major life transition, or simply seeking a more integrated approach to wellbeing, Michelle's insights offer a refreshing perspective on healing and personal growth. Don't miss her powerful recommendation for establishing personal rituals that create safety during times of chaos and change—even something as simple as a mindful cup of tea can help regulate your nervous system and provide an anchor amid life's unpredictability. Listen now to discover how holistic wellness counseling might be the missing piece in your journey toward true wellbeing.

To connect with Michelle:

Michelle Murphy, MC, LPC

Holistic Wellness Counseling

614.233.1834

www.holisticwellnesscounselor.com

@hollisticwellnesscounselor

on instagram

Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce.

Sarah Thress
614-893-5885
Sarahthressrealtor@gmail.com
Thrive and Decide Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559936633799
https://www.facebook.com/SarahThressRealtor/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_thress_realtor/

Real Estate Podcast Come To Find Out:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-to-find-out/id1704949604

Real Estate First Time Home Buyers course: https://sarahthress.graphy.com/