Today, we’re venturing beyond our usual interviews with widows or widowers, and exploring a different journey with our guest, Helen Bernie in Decisions of the Heart: Helen Bernie on Managing Finances, Family, and Blending Lives. Although she’s a divorcee and business owner, her story resonates with many of us navigating life’s various transitions. I’m eager to share her insights on managing personal and business finances while juggling a blended family and maintaining her career as a health coach.

A New Path: Divorce and Business Growth

Helen, the founder of Cultivate Health Coaching, has a compelling journey that exemplifies resilience and adaptability. As a mother, author, and partner in a blended family with four children and numerous pets, she has faced significant life changes. During our conversation, she highlighted the dynamics of her first marriage, how she transitioned into health coaching, and managed the financial aspects alongside personal growth.

Her first marriage was built on a foundation of shared ambitions and mutual support. After meeting in New York while working in media, Helen and her ex-wife navigated career shifts and the realities of parenthood together. However, a mutual decision to end the marriage eventually led them to an amicable divorce, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a supportive environment for their children.

Blending Families Through Love and Understanding

During her transition post-divorce, Helen met her current partner in a serendipitous encounter during a neighborhood running event. Their relationship blossomed during the pandemic, which Helen described as an unconventional but deeply meaningful way to connect. With patience and open communication, they successfully blended their families and began new chapters together.

Managing the nuances of a blended household isn’t without its challenges. The emotional aspects of moving children into a new environment are significant, but Helen and her partner tackled these changes with empathy and patience. Their approach acknowledges the individuality of each child, allowing for a smoother transition and a more harmonious living situation.

Balancing Finances and Emotional Decisions

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the distinction between financial arrangements and emotional decisions within a relationship. Helen navigated an 80/20 financial split in her new partnership, but discovered that open dialogue about financial concerns was crucial to maintaining a balanced and supportive relationship.

Having conversations about finances—understanding each other’s past and current financial perspectives—became vital for Helen and her partner. Regular discussions on this topic fostered mutual understanding and cooperation, enabling them to make informed decisions together.

Looking Ahead

As we wrapped up our conversation, Helen shared her aspirations for the future. Marriage to her partner is on the horizon, their children are growing up, and Helen foresees continued personal and professional growth in the years to come. Her business, Cultivate Health Coaching, aims to reach even more women, empowering them to achieve their health goals through sustainable, non-diet approaches.

Helen’s story is a testament to the power of community, adaptation, and continuous self-improvement. Her journey reminds us that while the path may be challenging, it is also rich with opportunities for growth, love, and genuine connection.

Thank you for joining us in this episode of Widow Wisdom and Wealth. Until next time, take care and continue embracing your journey!

Connect with our guest Helen!

Helen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.birney.2025

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-birney-cultivatehealth

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

Learn more about Helen and her mission at https://www.cultivatehealthcoaching.com

Interested in being our next guest?

Learn more about how to be a guest on the Widow, Wisdom and Wealth™ podcast here.