Episode 3: Season 2: "Am I Going to Be Okay?" with Donna Kendrick. Taking Control of Your Finances After Loss or Divorce

Guest:Donna KendrickDonna Jean Kendrick discovered her husband Greg had passed away suddenly in 2013 and found herself navigating widowhood with three young children. After settling into their new normal she went back to school to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and made it her mission to support families in transition. She co-hosts the Widow, Wisdom and Wealth Podcast and is the author of the Life Stages Financial Guides series. Donna, along with her blended family of six kids, raise funds for causes such as Safe Harbor, a grief counseling program for children. Website: Donna's WebsiteConnect with Donna Kendrick Here:@donnajeankendrick on InstagramDonna on YouTubeDonna's Facebook pageReinventing Resilience: Donna Jean Kendrick's Journey Through Widowhood, Divorce, and Financial EmpowermentDiscover how Donna Jean Kendrick transformed her life following tragedy into a mission to empower women navigating divorce and widowhood. This episode covers practical financial strategies, emotional resilience, and finding purpose through adversity.In this episode:Donna shares her story of sudden widowhood at age 40, raising three young children, and rebuilding life financially and emotionallyThe importance of controlling what you can—organizing finances, creating roadmaps, and leaning into professionalsHow affirmations like "I can and I will" foster resilience during difficult transitionsPractical steps for managing finances during divorce or widowhood, including pulling credit reports and interviewing financial advisorsThe concept of compartmentalizing emotions to function at high capacity while honoring white space for self-careThe value of scenario planning with financial advisors to explore future options and reduce fearDonna’s book resources: A Guide to Widowhood, A Guide to Blended Families, and The Divorce Money MapThe significance of community, support, and leaning in to kindness during personal upheavalsHow purpose and passion turn challenges into opportunities for impactTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview01:00 - Donna’s story of widowhood and detours02:05 - The emotional and financial impact of sudden loss03:15 - The mantra "I can and I will" for resilience07:15 - Practical financial steps for those going through divorce and widowhood10:08 - Building control through organization and professional support15:37 - Reframing detours into opportunities with intentional planning18:41 - Donna’s journey from emotional hardship to financial planning career22:19 - The importance of purpose and passion in building a new life26:08 - Living in the present minute and controlling what you can30:20 - Supporting others with kindness and service34:39 - Scenario planning and managing fear around financial futures39:50 - Donna’s resourceful books for navigating grief and transition43:21 - Connecting with Donna and her practice in 13 states44:25 - Growing the Better Than Bitter community and moving forward with empowermentResources & Links:A Guide to Widowhood by Donna Jean KendrickA Guide to Blended Families by Donna Jean KendrickThe Divorce Money MapDonna Jean Kendrick - WebsiteCertified Financial Planner - CFPCertified Divorce Financial Analyst - CDFADan Sullivan, "Who Not How"Better Than Bitter CommunityConnect with Donna:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTikTok