Intentional Divorce Insights

In the final episode of Season 6, Leah Hadley explains why financial support often disappears after divorce, why friends and family may not be the right source for money decisions, and how to build a support system around four distinct roles. In this episode: Why friends and family may give sincere advice based on their own marriage, household income, and financial risk tolerance  Why financial support from family can make certain conversations more difficult  The difference between someone who can recommend financial products and a fiduciary who is legally obligated to put your interests first  Why a room of women with no history of your marriage can provide perspective, scale, and a place to ask questions without editing  Why knowing someone a little ahead of you can help restore your sense of what’s normal after divorce The warning signs of financial communities that promise certain investment returns What distinguishes a trustworthy room: real answers, healthy disagreement, and people who are comfortable saying, “I don’t know” 14:50 The four roles in a post-divorce money support system: A fiduciary professional for decisions that are expensive to get wrong. A room of women with no personal history involving your marriage. An honest friend who can listen without judgment or pressure to fix everything. A woman who is a little ahead of you and has already navigated the stage you’re entering. How to spot a healthy financial community - Look for a space where: Questions receive information, not only encouragement. Members can disagree without being shut down. People take practical details, such as beneficiary forms, seriously. No one promises certain investment returns. Someone can comfortably say, “I don’t know.” Resources mentioned: Access The FREE Divorce Recovery Guide This guide is intended for people in the rebuilding stage after divorce.  The Empowered Sisterhood offers a community for women working on their money together, including women who are divorced, married, widowed, or have never been married  Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/  YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

Birthdays and holidays can make the financial and emotional challenges of divorce collide. In this episode, Leah Hadley examines guilt spending, the fear that a child’s other household has more to offer, and the long-term cost of using purchases to soften disappointment. Key takeaways: Why financially capable parents may spend beyond their means during holidays or birthdays  How comparison with the other household can fuel guilt spending  Why waiting, tolerating disappointment, and building self-trust matter for children What parents can control when the other household spends more  The difference between an occasional purchase during a hard season and spending that consistently replaces presence  Three practical ways to interrupt guilt spending: Separate the purchase from the feeling driving it  Stay consistent with ordinary household routines and expectations  Acknowledge that the season looks different while reassuring your children that you will be okay  Remember: “How much you spend on your kids has nothing, nothing to do with how much you love them or how strong your relationship is with them.” Leah Hadley explains why consistency, honesty, and presence can offer children a deeper sense of safety than matching another household’s gifts. Resources mentioned: Schedule a Divorce Financial Consultation: Intentional Divorce Solutions  Free divorce checklist and other resources: Getting Divorced Checklist Intentional Money on Substack: "The Question My Son Asked That Surprised Me, But It Shouldn't Have" Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/  YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

In this solo episode, Leah Hadley, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Financial Counselor, explores the complex emotional and financial decision of whether to keep, sell, or rent after divorce. Addressing the deep feelings often attached to the marital home, Leah Hadley helps listeners unpack what’s really at stake—and why the decision goes far beyond dollars and cents. Key Topics Covered:  Emotional Attachment to the Marital Home- Why the house often holds memories, hopes, and a sense of stability after divorce  Unpacking the Beliefs Behind Homeownership- How owning a home can represent identity, success, and security—and why selling can feel like another loss  Financial Realities of Keeping the Home- What "affording the house" really means: mortgage, taxes, insurance, repairs, and more  The Trade-offs: Equity, Liquidity, and Flexibility- Evaluating what you may have to give up—including retirement and emergency savings—in order to keep the home  Renting as an Intentional Choice- The benefits and potential downsides of renting after divorce, including flexibility, ease of transition, and time to plan your next steps  Important Questions to Ask Before Deciding- Leah Hadley shares six essential questions to consider when deciding whether to keep, sell, or rent, covering cash flow, future plans, true motivations, and risks Practical Must-Dos If You Want to Keep the House- Guidance about refinancing, buying out equity, and building a realistic post-divorce budget  Empowered Decision-Making- Encouragement to make your choice for the right reasons—not pressure, fear, or outside expectations  Featured Resources: Empowered Sisterhood Community:- Join a supportive group discussing financial decisions and transitions during divorce. Learn more at https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood

In this episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Katie O'Toole Smith, also known as "Katie the Car Lady," to demystify the car buying experience—especially for those navigating big life transitions like divorce. Drawing on over 30 years of industry experience and her personal journey as a single mom, Katie shares how she empowers consumers to confidently approach car buying, avoid costly mistakes, and assert control over the process. Key Takeaways:  Katie O'Toole Smith's Backstory - How being a single mom led Katie to the car industry and inspired her consumer-first approach. Why Car Buying Is Relevant During Divorce - Leah Hadley emphasizes why understanding the car buying process is crucial during divorce due to the financial and emotional stress involved. Common Car Buying Misconceptions - Katie debunks myths about leasing, buying, and the supposed lack of transparency in car sales. The Power of Pausing - Why it’s vital to take your time, do your due diligence, and not let pressure influence your purchase. Steps to Prepare for Car Buying - Tips include making a checklist, knowing your overall budget (not just monthly payment), and narrowing choices to avoid overwhelm. Used Car Dangers & Due Diligence - Risks in the used car market and why it’s so important to get vehicles checked independently. Empowering Yourself Financially - Advice on self-advocacy, building your credit, and exploring financing options such as credit unions. When to Buy During Divorce - Leah Hadley discusses the importance of timing your purchase in relation to your divorce proceedings and communicating with your attorney and (if needed) your spouse. Katie O'Toole Smith's Unique, Stress-Free Approach - How her independent dealership provides personalized guidance, transparent pricing, and a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere. Remote Support & Free Resources - Katie outlines how she supports clients nationally and offers a free car buying guide on her website. Resources Mentioned: Free Car Buying Guide from Katie O'Toole Smith:Download at KatieTheCarLady.comIncludes checklists and must-asks for your next purchase. Listen to Intentional Divorce Insights Episode 104: Protecting Your Credit Through Divorce: What Nobody Tells You. Get a copy of our free credit protection guide at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/protect-your-credit Connect with Katie O’Toole Smith: Website: https://www.katiethecarlady.com/ IG: @katiethecarlady TT: @clevelandcarlady FB: Katie The Carlady Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this solo episode, Leah Hadley focuses on credit—why it’s so often overlooked during divorce, how your credit can be impacted, and the concrete steps you can take to protect and rebuild your credit during this transitional time. Whether you’re contemplating divorce, going through the process, or finalizing your split, this episode offers a practical roadmap for safeguarding your financial future. Key Topics: Biggest Misunderstanding About Divorce & Credit- Leah Hadley clarifies that divorce itself does not lower your credit score—credit bureaus do not track marital status. Instead, it’s the financial events and disruptions surrounding divorce (like missed payments or changes in income) that lead to credit issues. How Divorce Creates Credit Risk- Missed payments, increased balances, and joint accounts left unresolved can all negatively impact your credit—often through simple assumptions or lack of communication rather than malice. Understanding Joint Debt- A divorce decree might say your spouse is responsible for a debt, but lenders are not bound by your divorce agreement. Both parties remain liable until debts are paid off or properly separated. Step-by-Step Credit Protection, Based on Your Divorce Stage Addressing Financial Abuse or Purposeful Credit Sabotage- If your spouse is taking action to damage your credit, move quickly—provide full documentation to your attorney, freeze your credit, and if necessary, report identity theft. Small Debts Can Hurt Big Dreams- Seemingly minor bills—like gym memberships, utilities, or streaming services—when forgotten or overlooked, are some of the most common and damaging causes of credit woes during divorce. Free Resource: Get the free guide: Protect Your Credit Through Divorce (includes the full 12-step checklist and a joint account inventory worksheet). Download it at www.greatlakesdfs.com/protect-your-credit Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.