Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™: Thriving in Career and Parenthood After Loss

In this episode of Widow Wisdom and Wealth, we dive deep into balancing career and parenthood after experiencing loss. Donna introduces business professional Audrey Faust, a CFO with unique methods that blend financial expertise and personal development. Audrey shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, from the importance of separating personal and business finances to strategies for scaling a business. Alongside discussing key financial strategies, Audrey highlights the role of money mindset and manifesting success, revealing how she integrates these concepts into her coaching. The episode is packed with practical advice and empowering stories for sole parents, aspiring entrepreneurs, and those navigating major life transitions. 00:00 Introduction to Widow Wisdom and Wealth Podcast 00:39 Meet Audrey Faust: CFO with a Unique Approach 01:15 Balancing Career and Parenthood After Loss 02:37 Financial Tips for New Entrepreneurs 03:41 Understanding Business Finances 06:40 The Importance of Keeping Business and Personal Finances Separate 13:13 Scaling Your Business: A Case Study 19:26 The Power of Money Mindset and Manifestation 28:53 Personal Stories and Practical Tips 32:36 Exciting Announcements and Future Plans More about our guest Audrey! Audrey Faust is a CFO, financial strategist, and the creator of Profitable Business Academy, where she helps women entrepreneurs master their financials, pricing, and business strategy to build sustainable, scalable, and profitable companies—without burning out. Links: Website: www.audreyfaustconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyfaust/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessfinancialliteracy/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfY8RjyfArU1m14acmR3-Lw Buy 'She Grows Rich' Book: https://a.co/d/32IXRAl Join the Profitable Business Academy: https://www.audreyfaustconsulting.com/profitable-business-academy _______________________________ CONNECT 🤝 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnajeankendrick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-kendrick/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnajeankendrick _______________________________ CONTACT ☎ Website: https://sephtonfinancial.com/ Phone: (215) 948-3945 Complimentary Consultation/Contact Us: https://calendly.com/donnakendrick/10-minute-phone-call?month=2024-05 Downloadables and Resources: https://sephtonfinancial.com/resources/ _______________________________ Donna Kendrick is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and owner of Sephton Financial located at 8200 Flourtown Ave Suite 1B in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, 19038. If you'd like to contact Sephton Financial you can do so online at SephtonFinanical.com or by calling 215 948 3945 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Sephton Financial. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Sephton Financial nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

In the last episode you met Jim, my co-host and husband. Now, Jim is sharing his unique experience of navigating the emotions and responsibilities after his ex-wife, who he had a child with, passed away. There is no “title” for this unique situation in life. A widower… but without the title. We discusses the complexities Jim faced as an ex-husband and a remarried man losing the mother of his 3 children and the implications for our family. How the three older kids helped their younger step siblings through a path they had walked years prior. This episode aims to shed light on the varied forms of widowhood and the importance of supporting those dealing with such loss. This is the NEW Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ podcast for widows and widowers balancing career, family, and loss. Hear and learn from those thriving in career and parenthood after loss. Through heartfelt stories and practical advice, this podcast offers hope and guidance from those who have walked this path before you. If your financial life feels unclear or uncertain, then listen to the episodes of this show to gain confidence and clarity. Interested in being a guest? Submit a request to join us and share your story: https://widowwisdomwealth.com/be-our-guest/ Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/ https://www.donnajeankendrick.com/ Check out the video version of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@sephtonfinancial

In this episode of Widow Wisdom and Wealth, I, Donna, will introduce my co-host and husband, Jim. We’ll discuss Jim's experience as a widower, his divorce, and the recent passing of his first wife and we’ll also explore our own unique journey, including how we met and how we have balanced careers and family life. This is the NEW Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ podcast for widows and widowers balancing career, family, and loss. Hear and learn from those thriving in career and parenthood after loss. Through heartfelt stories and practical advice, this podcast offers hope and guidance from those who have walked this path before you. If your financial life feels unclear or uncertain, then listen to the episodes of this show to gain confidence and clarity. Interested in being a guest? Submit a request to join us and share your story: https://widowwisdomwealth.com/be-our-guest/ Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/ https://www.donnajeankendrick.com/ Check out the video version of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@sephtonfinancial

Feeling overwhelmed with your finances or just want to get and be organized for you and your loved ones? Here we have 5 simple steps for you to get your financial house in order. These are the steps that helped me get my life in order after the loss of my first husband when I entered widowhood. I feel it's important to share becuse it is truly the foundation the set me on my journey. If you'd like to join the 6-week email challenge and have each step delivered to your inbox each week to help you get your financial house in order, then sign up here: https://www.donnajeankendrick.com/challenge-financial-house-in-order This is the NEW Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ podcast for widows and widowers balancing career, family, and loss. Hear and learn from those thriving in career and parenthood after loss. Through heartfelt stories and practical advice, this podcast offers hope and guidance from those who have walked this path before you. If your financial life feels unclear or uncertain, then listen to the episodes of this show to gain confidence and clarity. Interested in being a guest? Submit a request to join us and share your story: https://widowwisdomwealth.com/be-our-guest/

On this episode, I am my first guest. Me, Donna Kendrick, and how I went from widowhood to business owner to blended family - I'm sharing my story to help others thrive in carrer and parenthood after loss. This is the NEW Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ podcast for widows and widowers balancing career, family, and loss. Hear and learn from those thriving in career and parenthood after loss. Through heartfelt stories and practical advice, this podcast offers hope and guidance from those who have walked this path before you. If your financial life feels unclear or uncertain, then listen to the episodes of this show to gain confidence and clarity. Interested in being a guest? Submit a request to join us and share your story: widowwisdomwealth.com

Welcome to the NEW Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™! The podcast for widows and widowers balancing career, family, and loss. Hear and learn from those thriving in career and parenthood after loss. What does it mean to rebuild a life that feels whole after loss? Rebuilding after loss is not about forgetting—it’s about finding new strength, purpose, and balance for yourself and your family. Through heartfelt stories and practical advice, this podcast offers hope and guidance from those who have walked this path before you. If your financial life feels unclear or uncertain, then listen to the episodes of this show to gain confidence and clarity. Interested in being a guest? Submit a request to join us and share your story: https://widowwisdomwealth.com/be-our-guest/

As the year comes to a close, many of us are making resolutions moving into 2025. So why not focus on our money mindset as well? Whether you’re overwhelmed by debt, stuck in a savings rut, or simply stressed about money, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you think differently and achieve financial comfort. We'll address common negative thoughts about money, and Donna will share ways to reframe those limiting beliefs. Tune in and let’s transform our money mindset in 2025! Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 2:33 – Donna’s tips for changing your mindset 3:47 – “Debt is ruining my life” 4:46 – “I don’t earn enough to save or invest” 8:03 – “Taxes are so complicated and eat up my income” 10:28 – “I’m terrible with money because I made bad choices” 14:19 – “Investing is too risky and complicated” 17:08 – “I’m too late to start saving for retirement” Resources for this episode: Donna’s book, A Guide to Widowhood + other resources https://www.donnajeankendrick.com/a-guide-for-widowhood Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is here! While you’re stuffing stockings for your loved ones, don’t forget to stuff your own financial stocking with tips that can bring you closer to a secure retirement. Today, we’re unwrapping 10 bite-sized, actionable ideas to help you save smarter, invest better, and plan for the future you deserve. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 1:40 – Maxing out your retirement contributions 3:39 – Diversifying your investments 5:42 – Reviewing your Social Security strategy 6:24 – Consolidating old retirement accounts 7:59 – Revisiting your estate plan 9:07 – Boosting your emergency fund 10:30 – Scheduling a financial checkup 11:23 – Considering Roth conversions 13:39 – Automating bill payments and savings contributions 15:08 – Reviewing your insurance coverage gaps or overlap Resources for this episode: Donna’s book, A Guide to Widowhood + other resources https://www.donnajeankendrick.com/a-guide-for-widowhood Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

Are you making decisions about your money with a clear mind? Or are you financially ‘impaired?’ December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, so with that right around the corner, we’re exploring the surprising parallels between dangerous driving habits and risky financial choices. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 3:16 – Clouded judgment in financial decisions 5:01 – Losing sight of long-term goals 9:50 – The danger of an inconsistent approach 11:49 – The importance of a roadmap Resources for this episode: Donna’s Books https://www.donnajeankendrick.com/books Donna’s Website https://sephtonfinancial.com/ Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

In the recent celebration of Halloween, we’re bringing you some real-life cautionary tales in today’s episode. Donna and Jim will share a few spine-chilling financial horror stories that could happen to anyone without proper planning. As you listen, take a moment to consider your own financial situation. Have you updated your estate and beneficiary documents? Are both you and your partner plugged into your financial picture? Let’s discuss how to be ready for any twists and turns so your financial future doesn’t turn into a scary story. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 1:14 – Financial horror stories 3:48 – The importance of beneficiary designations 5:30 – Construction work horror stories 7:11 – How unexpected expenses impact retirement plans 10:38 – Preparing for the unexpected as a couple Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

Are you curious about what retirees wish they had done differently? A random, retired YouTuber did a simple video exploring the top 5 regrets of other retirees he interviewed (all in their 70s). It blew up to almost half a million views (and counting). Let’s see what regrets made the list and, more importantly, explore what proactive steps you can take to avoid having the same regrets when you retire. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 1:24 – Not retiring earlier 2:55 – Not spending enough 6:16 – Health care neglect 9:52 – Not taking up a hobby 14:10 – Not traveling more Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

Remember when you were a kid, always asking 'How do you know?' about everything, like why the sky is blue or where the sun goes at night? That curiosity doesn't go away as we get older; it just turns into different questions, like the ones we face when planning for retirement. Today, we’re digging into the 'How Do You Knows' of retirement planning. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 1:52 – Income in retirement 5:34 – Money in savings account 7:42 – Risks in finance 10:06 – Nest egg longevity 12:50 – Tax efficiency in retirement planning Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

In the second part of this two-part series, we continue to explore the important role that children and grandchildren play in shaping financial and retirement plans. If you missed our previous discussion, be sure to give it a listen! This week, we’ll explore more common financial planning scenarios and offer practical advice to help families handle their finances with ease and confidence. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 1:56 – Life insurance policies and annuities 6:46 – Cultivating financial literacy 10:18 – Finances in blended families 13:00 – Family members with special needs 14:35 – Parents lending money to kids Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

Kids and grandkids play a crucial role in shaping financial plans. In this two-part episode, we'll dive into the most common scenarios where future generations influence retirement planning. Whether you’re a parent with adult children still on the payroll or a grandparent wanting to help out with college education costs, we’ll explore how to balance your retirement goals with the needs of your family. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 1:58 – Adult children still on the payroll 5:00 – Parents who had kids later in life 7:54 – Grandparents who want to help with education 9:46 – Planning for aging parents 14:09 – Intentional legacy planning Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

We’re all guilty of telling ourselves lies from time to time. But are you telling yourself financial lies? In this episode, Donna and Jim dive into some common financial lies that could be holding you back. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 0:50 – The YOLO mentality 3:51 – Catching up after falling behind 5:48 – Cutting back on expenses 9:00 – Getting on the same page 14:15 – Tackling finances alone Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

Paying for college has become increasingly challenging due to rising costs, particularly for blended families. But no matter your situation, early planning for your child's or grandchild's education can make a big difference and reduce the need for excessive borrowing later on. In this episode, we’ll cover the key aspects of college financial planning from various perspectives. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 1:20 – Where do you start? 7:01 – Cutting down on college expenses 8:17 – Best saving vehicles for college 13:30 – Tax implications when gifting college funds 15:30 – The blended family factor 19:16 – Retirement considerations Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

Insurance- it may not be the most exciting subject, but it plays a super important role in financial planning. Listen in as Donna, Jim, and Marc discuss the value of having a safety net, especially in a blended family, where both partners bring in assets and responsibilities from previous relationships. If you haven't given much thought to your insurance policies lately, this episode will give you some great items to consider and talk about with your advisor. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 0:42 – Donna and Jim’s experience with life insurance 7:55 – Different reasons for insurance 12:57 – Insurance for blended families Beneficiary Designations Episode https://sephtonfinancial.com/2023/11/easy-wins-in-personal-finance-part-2/ Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

Talking about finances in a dating relationship can be daunting, but it’s an important part of building a strong, transparent, and trusting partnership. So, when is the right time to discuss money matters with your partner? Should you discuss your financial status early on or wait until the relationship is more serious? Donna and Jim are here to share tips from their personal experiences and a financial planning perspective. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 2:33 – Donna and Jim’s personal experience 6:24 – When and how to start talking about finances 13:10 – Icebreakers, conversation starters, and observations 18:26 – When to involve a financial professional Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

Choosing a financial advisor can feel daunting, especially when you're not sure what to look for or what questions to ask. In today’s episode, we’re going to cover some of the critical mistakes people make when they’re on the hunt for the perfect match. Listen in as Donna shares her personal experiences as a widow searching for a financial advisor and offers valuable insights for anyone in a similar situation! Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 2:31 – Personal referrals and advisor specializations 7:00 – Asking how an advisor gets paid 11:11 – Communication style and succession plans 12:52 – Is bigger always better? 15:47 – Ethics and fiduciary responsibility Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube

Donna and her husband, Jim, have both navigated the path of stay-at-home parenting and are no strangers to what it looks like to manage finances during family transitions. We’re excited to officially welcome Jim onto the podcast for the first time in today’s episode. Together, Donna and Jim will share their unique perspectives on the emotional and financial implications of stepping away from the workforce to be stay-at-home caregivers. One of the episode's key takeaways is the importance of communication within relationships, particularly concerning finances. Open and honest conversations between partners are crucial whether it's discussing retirement savings or the day-to-day budgeting for a blended family. Donna and Jim's story is a testament to the fact that with the right approach and guidance, it's possible to find balance and build a solid financial foundation, even in the face of life's transitions. Here are the points we discuss in today’s show: 0:00 – Intro 2:09 – Donna and Jim’s experiences as stay-at-home parents 5:54 – Financial awareness and communication between partners 8:41 – Jim’s time as a caregiver 14:08 – Seeking professional advice and building financial literacy 17:46 – The life-changing advice Donna took from Jim Get additional financial information: https://sephtonfinancial.com/podcasts/ Check out the video version of the podcast: Sephton Financial - YouTube