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Hey Olivia:I'm Watching Myself Sink Into Debt in Real Time
A reader asks how to survive a high-conflict divorce when her ex has all the resources — and all the leverage.
So You Want to Be a Registry Fairy
A Registry Fairy is exactly what it sounds like: a person who occasionally receives a Fresh Starts registry link and decides, on their own terms, whether to purchase something from it. No formal training. No monthly commitment. No pressure. You sign up, you get added to the list, and when we have a registry to share, we'll send it your way.
The Registry Fairy: A Small Act That Lands Hard
The Registry Fairy started as something we just quietly did. We kept a list of people who wanted to be that stranger, and when registries came in, we supported them. No fanfare, no formal launch. Just people taking care of other people in a real and tangible way.
Fortune Teller
We made you a fortune teller because we can pretend it’s middle school again but leave all the bad parts in the past.
Hey Olivia: Am I Allowed to Ask for Help Starting Over?
When you’re divorcing and staring at your bank app, it can feel like the floor is dropping out from under you. You’re not lazy, you’re not behind—you’re in survival mode, trying to keep everyone fed and the legal plates spinning.
Divorce 101: M Is for Mediation (and May)
May is a month of growth and possibility. It’s when things begin to open, stretch, and soften after a long winter. That makes it a fitting time to talk about one of the most effective—and often misunderstood—paths through divorce: mediation.
Jenny Says So: I’m not okay, but I’m also not up for sharing
Divorce makes you a subject. Suddenly everyone wanted the story — neighbors, relatives, the well-meaning acquaintance sliding into your DMs. And every time someone asks, it's like being pulled back into the worst chapter and forced to summarize it in 30 seconds.
You're not obligated to satisfy curiosity in order to be "nice." Polite doesn't mean porous. You don't owe a recap of your pain to earn your place in the room.
Hey Olivia: Realistic Ways to Make Money Fast From Home While You’re Divorcing
When you’re divorcing and staring at your bank app, it can feel like the floor is dropping out from under you. You’re not lazy, you’re not behind—you’re in survival mode, trying to keep everyone fed and the legal plates spinning.
Jenny Says So: The Group Hang After the Breakup
Shared friend group post-divorce? You’re allowed to ask for a softer landing. It’s not rude to request some events without your ex—or at least a heads-up for smaller gatherings. Lead with clarity + generosity: you’re not demanding, you’re helping friends host thoughtfully. If they can’t accommodate, opt out guilt-free—with love and manners.
Divorce 101: M Is for Marital Assets (and March)
March has a way of waking us up—windows open, closets emptied, life quietly asking: what are we carrying forward? That’s why this month, in our Divorce 101 A to Z series, M is for Marital Assets. Marital assets are the things built during the marriage—sometimes obvious (the house, savings, retirement), sometimes surprising (stock options, points, miles)—and understanding them matters because you can’t protect or divide what you don’t even realize exists. This isn’t about being combative; it’s about getting clear, gathering what’s real, and making intentional choices as you step into what’s next.
Hey Olivia: Where Do I Even Begin the Divorce Process?
Olivia responds to a reader who’s been living with daily rejection for years—trying to stay for the kids and the cost of life, while hoping to avoid attorneys if possible. With warmth and clarity, Olivia offers a gentle, beginner-friendly roadmap: start with safety, quietly gather key documents, understand your real numbers, explore non-court options, and take one small next step (with Fresh Starts Registry there to help you map it all out).
Jenny Says So: The Divorce Announcement Dilemma
You’re not obligated to make a public “divorce announcement” — you can share quietly, selectively, and in whatever format feels safest. Jenny offers a simple boundary-first approach that reduces emotional labor and keeps you from over-explaining. Using the VASE Method (Validate, Acknowledge, Support, Express), you can tell the truth with warmth, clarity, and a built-in “no details” line that protects your peace.
Divorce 101: F Is for Financial Disclosure (and February)
February has a reputation for being about love—roses, chocolates, grand gestures. But in the world of divorce, February often marks something quieter and far more practical: clarity. That’s why this month, in our Divorce 101 A to Z series, F is for Financial Disclosure.
Divorce 101 A–Z: The Plain-Language Guide Everyone Deserves
Most divorce resources assume you already speak the language—leaving you overwhelmed when what you really need is clarity. Divorce 101 A–Z was created to explain divorce one letter at a time, using plain, compassionate language that removes fear instead of adding to it. In this episode, we share how this 26-part mini-series breaks down common terms and experiences without jargon, pressure, or worst-case spirals. Think of it as the Schoolhouse Rock of divorce: short, supportive lessons designed to meet you exactly where you are and help you start fresh.
What Is a Divorce Resource Consult—and Why It’s the Best Place to Start
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by divorce—or quietly wondering where to even begin—you’re not alone. Divorce Resource Consults were created to offer a calm, judgment-free starting point when everything feels heavy and unclear. In this episode, we explain how these free, confidential 15-minute calls with Olivia Howell provide clarity, direction, and real support without pressure or a sales pitch. Because divorce isn’t just legal—it’s deeply human, and you deserve a steady place to land as you start fresh.
The Dreaded “Where’s Dad” Question
When a simple question like “Where’s dad?” turns a public moment into an emotional landmine, what’s the polite way to respond? Jenny shares calm, confidence-building language that protects your privacy, models emotional safety for your kids, and reminds us that good etiquette never requires overexplaining.
I'm Divorced, and Now What? 10 Essential Steps to Get Your Life in Order After Divorce
Divorce is a life-changing event that often comes with a whirlwind of emotions, decisions, and adjustments. Once the paperwork is finalized, you might feel a sense of relief, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter that requires careful attention to some essential administrative tasks. Whether it’s updating your financial documents, revisiting your estate plan, or managing joint accounts, this is the time to take control of your future and set yourself up for stability and success.
OMG: How Do I Take Care of My House?!
OMG: How Do I Take Care of My House?! by Holly Martins founder of Holly Martins, NJ Real Estate, Real Estate Agent
My Spouse Moved Out: how do I make this place feel like home again?
My Spouse Moved Out: how do I make this place feel like home again? by Holly Martins founder of Holly Martins, NJ Real Estate, Real Estate Agent