In this conversation, Karen McNenny interviews Jen Schimbeno, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), about the importance of financial planning in divorce. They discuss the collaborative divorce process and the role of a CDFA® in helping families navigate the financial aspects of divorce. They also highlight the need for logical decision-making and the potential pitfalls of getting caught up in emotional conflicts.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding a third way and working towards a settlement that meets the interests and goals of both parties. Karen and Jen discuss the differences between being a neutral CDFA® in the collaborative process and providing financial advising services to families. They also talk about the importance of preserving family resources during divorce and the need for affordable divorce options. Jen shares her passion for helping families navigate divorce with dignity and the impact it has on co-parenting relationships. They emphasize the importance of a supportive framework and proactive approach in divorce.
Season 1 Episode with Brandyn Roark Caires (Co-Founder of Parent Team; discussed in this episode): How to Have a Kid-Centered Divorce
Jen Schimbeno, CDFA®
Jen has over a decade of experience in financial planning with a focus on supporting individuals, businesses, and families. Jen’s focus is on helping clients modify behaviors to help them course-correct their financial paths. Additionally, Jen has found a passion for supporting families going through divorce and restructuring. Jen is a trained mediator and an accredited Financial Neutral for the Collaborative Divorce Process. To help further her knowledge and ability to support other professionals and clients, she obtained her CDFA ®
Jen is also the co-founder of Parent Team, an online resource and course for co-parents that helps them keep their kids out of the middle. Jen and her business partner, Brandyn, consult with parents all over the world, guiding them through co-parenting skills and financial decisions to best support children both during and after the divorce is finalized.
Through her work and co-creation of Parent Team, Jen has been awarded opportunities to train and educate other professionals on how to best support families who are navigating divorce. She is passionate about their work within Parent Team and believes when parents and their support systems are given the skills and tools to handle difficult changes in life, both they and their children are better equipped to navigate the challenges.
Additionally, Jen is on the Board of Directors for the Montana Collaborative Professionals Association and is passionate about working closely with mediators, mental health clinicians and attorneys.
