The Divorce Money Map: Financial Clarity Through Life’s Hardest Transitions with Donna Kendrick

When life changes in an instant, the decisions that follow can feel impossible, and some conversations about finding your way through those moments stay with you long after they end. This episode with Donna Kendrick, CFP®, CDFA®, is one of them. Donna understands what it means to stand in the middle of life-altering change and not know what comes next. After becoming a young widow with three children, Donna rebuilt her life one decision at a time. Today, she uses that experience, along with her financial expertise, to help others navigate divorce, widowhood, and major life transitions with greater clarity, confidence, and support. In this heartfelt episode of *Dishing on Divorce*, Mandy and Deanna sit down with Donna Kendrick, CFP®, CDFA®, founder of Sephton Financial, co-host of the *Widow Wisdom and Wealth* podcast, and author of *The Divorce Money Map*. Donna shares the personal story that shaped her work: becoming a young widow in 2013 after the sudden loss of her husband, Greg, while raising three young children. Through grief, uncertainty, and the overwhelming financial decisions that followed, Donna found support from a financial advisor who helped her slow down, understand what needed immediate attention, and begin rebuilding her life. That experience ultimately inspired Donna to become a Certified Financial Planner and later a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, helping others navigate major life transitions with both financial clarity and deep compassion. Together, Donna, Mandy, and Deanna have an honest conversation about widowhood, divorce, blended families, mental health, financial planning, and the emotional weight of making major decisions during crisis. Donna also shares insights from her newest book, *The Divorce Money Map*, a practical workbook designed to help people organize their finances before, during, and after divorce. In this episode, they discuss why not all assets are equal, the importance of understanding the “quality of money,” why people need the right professionals in the right roles, and how financial clarity can help reduce costly mistakes. This conversation is tender, wise, practical, and full of heart. Donna reminds us that while we cannot control every part of life’s hardest transitions, we can focus on our next best minute, lean into the right support, and move forward with greater strength, clarity, and hope. Connect with Donna: https://sephtonfinancial.com/ Connect with Deanna and Mandy: concierge@vestadivorce.com