In this episode, we sit down with Ruchita Shah, Senior Director at CBIZ Forensic Consulting Group, to uncover how forensic accounting can bring truth and clarity to complex divorces. With years of experience tracing hidden assets and analyzing marital finances, Ruchita reveals how a forensic CPA helps ensure fair settlements and financial transparency when trust has broken down.

We discuss what red flags may signal the need for a forensic expert, how lifestyle analysis shapes spousal support, and why documentation and early action are key to protecting your financial future. Through real-world examples and practical advice, Ruchita shows how understanding your numbers can be one of the most empowering steps in your divorce journey.

Key Topics Covered:

○ Forensic accounting 101

⁃ Understanding the role of a forensic CPA in divorce litigation

⁃ Differences between traditional and forensic CPAs

⁃ How financial investigations help achieve transparency and closure

○ Lifestyle analysis and marital standard of living

⁃ How lifestyle assessments shape spousal support and property division

⁃ Income-based vs. expense-based lifestyle methods

⁃ Why clarity about marital expenses helps both spouses

○ Spotting financial red flags

⁃ Common signs that a forensic investigation may be needed

⁃ When income and lifestyle don’t align

⁃ Evaluating if an investigation is worth the cost and peace of mind

○ The forensic process

⁃ Step-by-step breakdown of how CPAs review disclosures, tax returns, and records

⁃ How assumptions are made when data is incomplete

⁃ Working under an attorney's direction and collaborating with opposing experts

○ Protecting yourself during a divorce

⁃ What to gather early: tax returns, bank statements, and key financial documents

⁃ Why you should file a support order as soon as possible

⁃ Importance of transparency, responsiveness, and involving a financial advisor early

“It’s not just us accountants who learn from lifestyle analysis — it’s the clients too. They realize, often for the first time, what their true expenses are and what their life really costs.” - Ruchita Shah

Connect with Ruchita Shah:

Website: https://www.cbiz.com/about/people/ruchita-shah

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchita-shahcpa/

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com

In this episode, I’m taking you on an adventure to uncover what a divorce team really is—and why having one can make all the difference in your journey.

Divorce is not just a legal process; it’s an emotional, financial, and often spiritual transformation. And unless you’ve walked through it before, this stage—the “D” step—can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed, like a deer caught in the headlights.

Today you’ll learn who should be on your team, what roles they play, and how each person can help you move forward with more clarity and confidence. By the end of this episode, you’ll see why you don’t have to face this alone.

Key Topics Covered:

• Divorce Team

- What it looks like

- Why do you need a divorce team when you decide to go through with a D word

• Who should you approach first?

- Let’s talk about the order in which it is best to contact the team

- What roles do each expert play in the divorce saga?

• Common misconceptions

- My attorney is all I need.

- I just know stuff, and I can handle it.

- It is not going to be that bad.

• Results

- Proactive vs reactive

- More money in your pocket

- More time in your day for:

• You

• Your family

• Your dream life/career

“Abuse can be very insidious. It’s not always visible. It doesn't always leave bruises.” - Ksenia Muench

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com

Have you been feeling burned out, stuck, or unfulfilled? Have you ever wondered why everything around you seems to start falling apart when you seem to do everything right?

In this episode, our guest Shadi Sadeghi, a transformational Coach and Energy Practitioner with 17 years of experience, will walk us through what it means to align with your deeper purpose and awaken to your True Self. Using tools like shadow work, dream interpretation, and active imagination, Shadi will show us how to boldly step into the next chapter of our lives with confidence and clarity.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is energy work?

- How does it affect your mind, body, and soul?

- What does it look like when you are out of alignment?

• Tools and practices to rebalance

- Easy practice to reconnect with your True Self.

- How to differentiate intuition from ego.

- Mindset shifts and lifestyle changes to help you tune into your Higher Self.

• Meditation

- We are doing a live meditation and an active imagination session you don’t want to miss.

• Misconceptions about Transformation Coaching and Energy Work

- How to respond to nay-sayers or better yet, don’t respond at all.

- Things you wish people understood better about this type of work.

• Expert advice

- What to do when you feel stuck or lost.

- When to engage a Transformational Coach and how to determine if YOU are ready.

Connect with our guest:

Instagram: @ThisLifeFulfilled

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com

In this gripping episode, a seasoned criminal law attorney, Fred Thiagarajah with Right Choice Law, breaks down what happens when relationships take a dangerous turn. From warning signs of abuse to the legal steps victims can take, the episode explores how the justice system responds to domestic violence. The lawyer shares real-world cases, explains the difference between protective and restraining orders, the role of law enforcement, and offers guidance for those trapped in toxic or violent relationships. It’s an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the legal and emotional complexities when love becomes a threat.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding Domestic Violence

- What is legally defined as DV?

- Common types of charges

• Legal Process

- Reasons for arrest and what happens after

- Can charges be dropped if a victim doesn’t want to press charges?

- Understanding the difference between:

• Protective order and restraining order. How effective are they?
• No contact and protective order

- Roles of a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney in a DV case

• Challenges in the legal world of DV

- How are false accusations handled?

- How does the legal system handle the victim’s fear of participation?

- We discuss instances when DV cases involve children and custody during divorce.

- Common misconceptions about DV.

• Closing thoughts

- Advice for people seeking help.

- Guidance for people accused of DV

- Connect with our guest

“False accusations are handled the same way actual accusations are handled. We have to go through all the evidence.” - Fred Thiagarajah

Connect with Fred Thiagarajah:

Website: https://www.fredthia.com/

Phone: (949) 265-7005

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com

Is your stuff stressing you out? In this episode, we dive into the powerful connection between physical clutter and mental overwhelm. You’ll learn how the things you hold onto might be holding you back — and how creating physical space can open the door to emotional clarity, focus, and peace of mind.

Our guest, Nancy Eaton with Inspired Living by Nancy Eaton, shares practical tips for decluttering, explores why we get so attached to things, and offers a fresh perspective on how letting go of excess can help you feel lighter — inside and out.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding decluttering

- The difference between decluttering and organizing.

- The struggle of letting go is real, and why.

• Mind and body connection

- Does physical space mess affect your mental well-being?

- We discuss the areas in your house that may impact your emotional state the most.

• Practical tips on DIY declutter

- How to get started.

- Have friends join you, but invite those who can give real feedback.

- Know when to engage a professional.

• Decluttering as a Self-Care

- Folding laundry can be a great meditating moment - say what?

- How can you achieve emotional freedom and energetic shift after letting go, especially during big life transitions?

- Habits to maintain a clear space and a clear mind long-term.

“Decluttering gives you an opportunity to take out the things that no longer serve you; it’s about letting go and opening space for you to grow.” - Nancy Eaton

Connect with Nancy Eaton:

Website: https://www.nancy-eaton.com/

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com

In this episode, we’re joined by a seasoned CPA, Allison Green with Green Zahn & Associates, to unpack the often-overlooked financial fallout of divorce—taxes. From filing status and alimony changes to hidden tax liabilities and asset division traps, we break down the key financial considerations that can impact your cash flow long after the divorce settlement is signed. Whether you're in the midst of a separation, thinking about filing, or supporting someone going through it, this conversation is packed with tips and insights to learn how to protect your finances, prepare for tax season post-divorce, and make informed decisions that set you up for a more secure future.

Key Topics Covered:

• Divorce and Taxes

- What makes taxes different during divorce

- Filings statuses and rules

- To TurboTax or Not To TurboTax

• Asset Division and Tax Consequences

- Is it tax-free?

- Asset equalization vs asset liquidation

- Transfers vs distributions

- How to create a tax-smart settlement

• Spousal and Child support during taxes

- Post-2019 rule changes on spousal support

- Child support vs. dependency exemptions

- What is the best filing status for you?

• Proactive Tax Strategies

- When should you involve a CPA?

- Common mistakes to avoid

- Importance of updating W4

“A little bit of planning in the beginning and having somebody there to talk to and to kind of tell you what to look at can make all the difference in the world.” - Allison Green

Connect with Allison Green:

Website: http://www.greenzahn.com/

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com

In this episode, Ksenia discussed the societal decline in humanity, prompted by the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10th. She condemns the celebration of his death, regardless of political views, and highlights the intolerance and violence it represents. She emphasizes the importance of kindness and tolerance, criticizing the focus on gun control as a solution to violence, arguing that it's people, not guns, that pull triggers. She draws parallels to the indifference shown in the stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee and the ugliness revealed in divorce, urging for a return to civility and respect for differences.

Key Topics Covered:

• The danger of intolerance

- Disagreements are escalating into violence rather than civil discourse.

- Society is becoming less accepting of differing opinions and beliefs.

- The inability to tolerate differences undermines the fabric of community.

• Recognizing violence as a human problem

- Guns and weapons are not the root cause; people are.

- Restricting access to weapons may not address the underlying issues of hatred and violence.

- True change requires addressing the mindset and motivations behind violent acts.

• Divorce doesn’t create ugliness; it reveals it

- The stress of divorce often brings out negative traits that were already present.

- Disagreements in divorce should be handled with civility and respect.

- The way people treat each other during divorce reflects deeper personal values.

• Restoring kindness and humanity

- Everyone should strive to treat strangers and loved ones with more kindness.

- Cherish family and relationships, as life is unpredictable.

- Self-reflection and compassion are essential for healing society’s divisions.

“The differences is what makes us beautiful, that’s what makes us human. When did it become that we cannot disagree with each other?” - Ksenia Muench

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com

In this episode, we tackle one of the most challenging parenting dynamics—co-parenting with a high-conflict ex. Whether you’re dealing with constant arguments, manipulation, or a lack of cooperation, this episode offers practical strategies to reduce stress and protect your children from the fallout.

Whether you're fresh out of a contentious divorce or years into a rocky custody arrangement, this episode is your toolkit for finding peace in the “co-parenting” chaos.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is High-Conflict Co-Parenting

- The traits of high-conflict co-parenting

- Why does it happen?

• “Monkey in the middle”

- Kids are used as pawns, but don’t let them be

- What your children feel and go through when they get sucked into this “game”

- How to protect your littles

• High-Conflict Parents’ New Boo(s)

- New “parent” or new partner? Power moves your ex may use by bringing a new person into the picture.

- It may feel as if there are now 2 people against 1, and the one being you.

• Gameplan to Survive the Ex Showdown

- Iron-clad co-parenting plan - nothing is left up to imagination.

- Not every fight is worth your time and energy - be selective in what you engage in.

- Keep your communications professional and focused on kids. Ensure everything is in writing.

- Involve help if needed, whether it is legal or from a co-parenting therapist - there is no shame in asking for backup.

- Radical acceptance, your ex might never change - approach this co-parenting journey as if you are a single parent and keep your focus on the kids.

- High-conflict co-parenting is extremely challenging, but set your boundaries, keep your cool, and put your kids first. You’ve got this — even if your ex doesn’t.

“Protect your sanity at all costs, walk away from fights. And I'm not saying, be a doormat, be the door. When you have control, you open it and you close it and say, ‘No, thank you. I am good.’” - Ksenia Muench

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com