What if your biggest challenge isn’t meant to break you, but to show you just how strong you truly are especially as a mom? On this week’s episode of the Real Money Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Samantha Boss, a certified divorce mediator and coach whose personal story is nothing short of inspiring. Samantha turned a tumultuous four-year, $100K divorce—one that included over 300 court visits—into a mission to help empower moms facing high-conflict divorces.
If you’re feeling weighed down by the emotional and financial struggles of a difficult separation, this conversation is for you. Here are some of the most powerful takeaways from my interview with Samantha on turning fear into strength, building solid parenting plans, managing the toughest co-parenting situations, and avoiding common pitfalls.
Turning Fear Into Strength
Samantha’s experience is a testament to resilience. She shared with me that while high-conflict divorces can feel isolating, fear loses its power when you face it head-on with information and support. Samantha encourages every mom to educate herself about her rights and about the divorce process. As she puts it, “Knowledge is power.”
By getting informed and learning where you can take action, you move from a place of anxiety to a place of confidence. Samantha also stressed the value of self-reflection—using fear as a clue to focus on what you can control, whether it’s organizing documents, preparing finances, or simply asking for help. Most importantly, remember you don’t have to do this alone. Building a support network, both personal and professional, is essential.
Building a Rock-Solid Parenting Plan
One of the most important topics we tackled is the parenting plan. Samantha explained that a strong, detailed plan isn’t just about the basics—it’s a protective shield for both you and your children. She advises all moms to be thorough, covering everything from scheduling holidays and vacations to setting clear, enforceable boundaries that prevent misunderstandings.
Here’s what Samantha recommends:
- Be as specific as possible about schedules and responsibilities
- Set boundaries to minimize unnecessary interactions with a high-conflict ex
- Avoid vague language that can lead to future disputes
She cautions against rushing or agreeing to terms without proper advice. Spending the time to get this right, with the help of skilled professionals, can save you countless headaches down the road.
Mindset Shifts to Stay Grounded While Co-Parenting
Co-parenting with someone who thrives on conflict can feel overwhelming. Samantha shared some invaluable mindset shifts that can help you protect your peace. The first is to set realistic expectations—you can’t control your ex, but you can control your response and your boundaries.
A few approaches that stood out:
- Detach Emotionally: Don’t feel compelled to fight every battle. Choose your engagements wisely to conserve your emotional energy.
- Focus on the Kids: Let your children’s well-being always guide your decisions.
- Set and Enforce Boundaries: Agree on clear methods and times for communication to keep things businesslike and less stressful.
Remember, embracing the reality of your situation isn’t about giving up—it’s about taking your power back and making things as manageable as possible for you and your children
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Samantha also opened up about the traps many moms fall into—especially when exhaustion is high. Emotional decisions, poorly negotiated settlements, or lack of documentation can have long-lasting financial effects.
Her top advice:
- Work With the Pros: Lean on lawyers, mediators, and other experts who know the intricacies of custody and finance.
- Document Everything: Keep written records of agreements and conversations. It’s your best protection if complications arise.
- Think Long-Term: Avoid short-term fixes that may become costly mistakes. Make choices with the future in mind.
Taking your time and seeking guidance will help you avoid decisions you could regret—and bring lasting security for you and your family.
You’re Not Alone—and You’re Not Powerless
The heart of my conversation with Samantha—and the message I want every mom to take to heart—is that you are not powerless or alone. With the right tools, guidance, and mindset, what seems impossible now can be your biggest opportunity for growth. As Samantha so beautifully reminded us, “You’re not crazy, and you’re not alone.”
Whether you’re in the thick of a high-conflict divorce or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode inspires you with actionable advice and hope for a brighter path forward.
Samantha Boss shares even more strategies for reclaiming control, building strength, and protecting what matters most. Tune in to the Real Money Podcast to hear our full conversation and take your first step toward reclaiming your peace and power. Listen here.
Ready to Get Started?
I invite you to take action today. Reach out to Halcyon Wellness for a consultation and start your wellness transformation. You can learn more about their services and philosophy through their website or by scheduling a call.
Your best self—the one who’s energized, motivated, and thriving—is waiting. It’s time to meet her.
ABOUT LISA CHASTAIN:
Lisa also uses many tools that she used throughout her money journey and invites you to try them as well. As a first step, she recommends reading her book, Girl, Get Your $hit Together in which she helps women tackle their financial story and shares her entire story. After reading the book, she invites listeners to join the Stop Budgeting System– the very method she used to gain financial freedom and clarity.
ABOUT MY UPCOMING BOOK:
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you! My new book, “Stop Budgeting Start Living,” will be released this summer. This project has been a labor of love and represents years of working with women to transform their relationship with money.
In this book, I explore how our financial history shapes our beliefs about money. I’ve found that many women today are still operating under mindsets that were formed generations ago, when our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had little financial power or autonomy.
The book offers practical strategies for:
- Identifying the roots of your money mindset
- Breaking free from restrictive financial patterns
- Creating new pathways for financial success
- Moving from financial dependence to financial power
I believe that understanding where our money beliefs come from is the first step toward changing them. When we recognize that many of our limitations aren’t external “blocks” but rather pathways that haven’t yet been created, we can begin to build new financial futures for ourselves.
This summer release feels particularly meaningful during Women’s History Month, as we reflect on how far women have come financially and how much further we can go. I can’t wait to share this work with you and continue our journey toward financial confidence together.