The Parenting 411

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