What happens when you suddenly become responsible for all the money — after divorce, the death of a spouse, or the discovery of a financial betrayal you never saw coming?

In this powerful and necessary episode of WTF Just Happened — Life Is Messy, Let’s Talk About It, Sada and Hilary sit down with Michelle Perry Higgins, Principal and Financial Advisor at California Financial Advisors and a Certified Financial Therapist, to unpack the emotional and practical realities of starting over financially as a woman.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Michelle works at the intersection of money and psychology, helping women navigate divorce, widowhood, financial trauma, and major life transitions. Her approach goes far beyond numbers — addressing why money can feel overwhelming, paralyzing, or terrifying after loss or betrayal, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What “starting over financially” really looks like after divorce or the death of a spouse
• Why money decisions feel impossible when you’re grieving or emotionally overwhelmed
• Financial infidelity and hidden debt — what it is and how to uncover it
• The shame, fear, and loss of trust that often follow financial betrayal
• Why so many women were never taught financial literacy
• How financial responsibility often shifts suddenly — and painfully — to women
• Why pulling your credit report is a critical first step
• The importance of knowing your accounts, logins, and full financial picture
• How to find a financial advisor who feels safe, clear, and supportive
• Why women often give up assets too quickly just to end the pain
• Understanding money trauma and financial PTSD
• Creating a “safety bucket” to feel secure during market uncertainty
• Common estate planning mistakes families don’t discover until it’s too late
• How to teach kids healthy money habits and break generational patterns

Hilary shares her lived experience of uncovering massive hidden debt and navigating financial betrayal during divorce, while Sada opens up about managing finances alone after the sudden death of her husband — including probate confusion and learning everything while deep in grief.

This episode is essential listening if you are:

• Going through a divorce
• A widow or newly single
• Recovering from financial infidelity
• Afraid of money or financial decisions
• Raising kids and wanting to break generational money patterns

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Michelle’s Website: https://www.michelleperryhiggins.com

Resources: https://www.michelleperryhiggins.com/

🔗 Connect With Us

🎙 Podcast: @wtf.lifeismessy
💛 Hilary: @hilary.mode
💛 Sada: @simplysadajames

If you’re navigating grief, midlife transitions, healing, or the messy middle and want deeper support, Sada offers RISE, an intimate 8-week mentorship container for women ready to feel held, seen, supported, and less alone. It’s for anyone craving community, clarity, connection, and a softer place to land through the hard.

We love you for being here. Subscribe, share, and stay messy with us. 💛

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views shared are based on personal experience and do not constitute medical, legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your individual situation. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or this podcast. Any products mentioned are not sponsored unless explicitly stated.