Divorce later in life is not just a legal event; it is an emotional and financial turning point that reshapes identity, confidence, and long-term planning.

In this episode, I sit down with Mardi Winder, a strategic divorce consultant and founder of Positive Communication Systems, to discuss what really happens before, during, and after a gray divorce.

We explore why so many women feel stuck in fear, how financial uncertainty can drive costly decisions, and why clarity must come before action. I also share how retirement planning and divorce strategy need to work together so women can move forward with confidence, not confusion.

Key Takeaways:

• Why high-conflict divorces often create a loss of identity after the process ends
• How fear around money keeps women stuck or leads to poor settlement decisions
• Where strategic divorce coaching fits alongside legal and financial professionals
• Why financial clarity should come before hiring attorneys
• How early guidance can prevent costly mistakes in the first months of divorce
• And more!

Resources:

• Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roadmap
• Tax and Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet (updated for 2026)

Connect with Eric Blake:

• www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com
• Join the Simply Retirement Newsletter
• Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast
• Blake Wealth Management
• YouTube

Connect with Mardi Winder:

• LinkedIn: Mardi Winder
• Website: Positive Communication Systems
• Podcast: The D Shift: Redefining Divorce and Beyond
• Instagram: @divorcecoach4women
• Facebook: Divorce Coach 4 Women
• Facebook personal: Mardi Winder
• YouTube: @divorcecoach4women

About our Guest:

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and trusted authority for high-achieving individuals navigating separation and divorce. She is known for helping clients reduce the emotional and financial costs of the process by strengthening decision-making, communication, and conflict management during high-stakes transitions. With more than 30 years of experience, Mardi brings deep expertise in high-conflict, complex, and high-asset divorces. Her background spans mediation, executive and leadership coaching, conflict resolution and mediation, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication, allowing her to support clients in maintaining clarity, confidence, and control throughout divorce and beyond.