We Don't Cry Over Numbers: Finding Financial Clarity in Divorce

In this episode of A Year and a Day, Jaime Davis talks with Donna Jean Kendrick, a certified financial planner, to unpack the financial side of divorce that the legal side can overshadow. Donna, author of The Divorce Money Map, walks listeners through building a clear picture of assets, debts, and expenses before negotiations even begin. She explains why financial preparedness isn't about being a numbers person; it's about knowing where to look and who to ask.In this episode, Jaime and Donna dig into some of the thorniest financial decisions divorcing couples face:How to map out what you own, what you owe, and what you need to ask for during discoveryThe difference between basic living expenses and lifestyle expenses, and why it matters for negotiationsWhat to weigh before deciding to keep or sell the family home, including equity, maintenance costs, and capital gains exposureWhy alimony and child support aren't as guaranteed as people assume, and how to protect against the gapsHow to rebuild a sustainable financial life after the divorce is finalWhy assembling a trusted team of professionals is essentialDonna draws on her own experience as a widow who discovered just how costly it can be to not ask enough questions about a spouse's investments, offering a candid look at why financial literacy matters. Practical, empathetic, and refreshingly jargon-free, this episode is essential listening for anyone trying to protect their financial future during, and after, divorce.