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Keeping Cool When It Counts: How Emotional Intelligence Impacts Your Divorce Decisions

Divorce is often described as one of the most emotionally overwhelming life experiences—right up there with death and major illness. And yet, we’re expected to make huge decisions about our finances, homes, and children in the middle of all that chaos.

In our recent We Chat Divorce episode, we sat down with Jenny Stevens, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and divorce coach, to talk about something rarely discussed but deeply powerful: how to keep your cool when your world is falling apart—and why your financial future depends on it.


The Truth About Triggers

When you’re divorcing, triggers are everywhere. As Catherine said in the episode, “Your spouse knows your triggers, just like you know theirs. It’s hard not to react.” Jenny’s insight? You will be triggered. The real skill is learning how to respond instead of react.

“Our job in life isn’t to avoid triggers. It’s to know how to respond to them in a way that keeps us anchored in our integrity and aligned with our goals.” – Jenny Stevens


Change is Hard—but It’s Also Inevitable

Jenny’s own story includes navigating a divorce, single motherhood, a career shift, a cancer diagnosis, and the loss of her ex-husband—all within a few short years. What stood out was her unwavering belief that life’s hardest moments can also become the most transformative.

“I didn’t want my divorce to be the worst thing that happened to me or my kids. I made it my mission to build something better from it.” – Jenny Stevens

This is the heart of emotional resilience: not suppressing the pain, but choosing how you will move through it.


Mindset + Money = Power

When emotions run high, smart financial decisions can take a back seat. That’s why Jenny encourages clients to focus on two lists:

  • Start Doing List: simple, supportive habits like movement, journaling, or saying “no” to toxic conversations.
  • Stop Doing List: things like scrolling late at night, overdrinking, or re-engaging with a combative ex.

In divorce, finances are deeply emotional. Many people feel shame about not knowing their financial picture or fear about what lies ahead. Jenny and the MDS team agree—clarity is the antidote.

“Being brave enough to know the financial truth is a huge step. But when you know, you can make good decisions for yourself.” – Karen Chellew


Divorce Is a Trigger—But It Doesn’t Have to Be a Trauma

With the right support, you can choose knowledge over fear, calm over chaos, and power over panic.

“You don’t need to overhaul who you are. You just need to tweak the behaviors and habits that no longer serve you.” – Jenny Stevens


Ready to Listen?

Catch the full conversation with Jenny Stevens on the We Chat Divorce Podcast: anywhere you listen to podcast, or watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/3pePtn_QP7s

And when you’re ready to take back control of your divorce finances, start with our Free Financial Assessment. It’s your first step toward clarity, confidence, and a better financial future.