We're getting deep in a discussion full of heartbreak, radical life changes, and tackling the fear of being alone. In today's podcast episode, Dannie Vann from Pennies to Wealth and I discuss my newest chapter in life: ending a 6-year relationship.

Although my recent partner and I weren't married, we still built a life together and were on the way to marriage, which made the process of separation painful. Just 2 years ago, Dannie was in a similar situation, but even deeper: she was married for almost 10 years.

Dannie's story has been an inspiration to me ever since I first followed her last year, but I never thought that one day my story would follow the same path. We both stayed too long in relationships that were no longer serving us; however, pulling the plug was the best decision for us. Dannie's story of making it out on the other side of heartbreak and becoming financially stable once again serves as a beacon of hope for many other women just like me who've just begun the healing journey.

In this episode, Dannie and I spill the tea on both of our stories of navigating through heartbreak while balancing the more practical side of separation: learning how to financially survive transitioning from a 2-person household income down to 1. We talk about grief, the financial strategies we've used to rebuild ourselves, learning to love ourselves again, dating post-breakup/divorce, and what's in store for us moving forward.

 In This Episode: 

• Dannie’s life before the divorce (2:30 )
• When Dannie knew it was time to leave (5:08 )
• How culture enables women to become codependent in relationships (6:08 )
• Dealing with grief and loss (8:06 )
• How Dannie discovered her relationship was holding her back (9:23 )
• Losing your identity in an unfulfilling relationship (11:34 )
• What Dannie's healing journey looked like (13:11 )
• The cost of being single in this economy (16:19 )
• How to retain your independence in a relationship (18:42 )
• Why people avoid discussing money in relationships (21:51 )
• There is never a "right" time to leave a relationship (23:00 ) 
• Focusing on financial strategy when leaving (25:39 )
• Discussing the breakup with your partner (29:22 )
• Finding support outside of the relationship (31:28 )
• Learning to be comfortable being alone (32:32 )
• Where we are settling outside of our relationships (36:37 )
• Getting into "situationships" after a serious relationship (39:05 )
• Dating when you're financially insecure (44:08 )
• Toxic men who prefer women who are struggling  (47:05 )
• How financial stability ensures healthier dating  (49:56 )
• What are our future plans for ourselves (53:19 )

Where you can find Dannie Vann:

• Instagram: @penniestowealth
• www.penniestowealth.com
• Get access to Dannie's free resource library including her budgeting spreadsheet