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Published on:

23rd May 2023

Managing Your Children's Expenses After Divorce: An In-Depth Look at Onward App's Features and Benefits

Today we are joined by CEO and Founder of the Onward App, Jacklyn Rome. Jacklyn talks with us about the fantastic app that she has created and her vision behind it. She dives into the details that the app provides and how co-parents can use it to keep the financial stress away. With money and expenses being one of the biggest causes of disagreements in co-parenting situations her app can be a life saver when it comes to keeping the peace. Tune in today to learn more about Onward and the benefits for your co-parenting relationship. 

In this episode:

[1:35] What made Jacklyn want to start the Onward App? [3:18] How does Onward work? [5:43] What made Jacklyn stick with just the finances on the Onward App? [9:03] How would a shared debit card work as a future Onward App option? [11:55] What else is unique about Onward? [16:09] A piece of advice for co-parents.


Key Takeaways: 

Money and expenses are often a cause of stressful conversations. Onward eliminates the stress by allowing both parents to see what money is being spent, how it is spent, and even to put some limits around spending. There are a lot of apps available for calendaring and agreements, but finances seem to be lacking on those apps. Onward specializes on their focus of expenses and transparency. 


Quotes: 

If divorced parents can get along, it just does amazing things for their children. So I support anything thats going to help ease that and any little tips.” - Lesa Koski

Today most child support payments only cover 3 categories of food, shelter and clothing. And per the USDA thats 53% of the cost of raising a child. So everything else, the medical bills, extra curricular activities, math tutoring, summer cap etc. usually fall outside of that and people will agree on a child support payment while in the divorce process but then one they get divorced theres all these expenses that continue to pile up, very often the person whos the provider of funds doesnt understand why their being charged additional money for their kids.” - Jacklyn Rome

A lot of the companies I've seen out there in the divorce space create content that's very negative. And backwards looking like mostly focused around villainizing an ex or kind of bringing you back into the past. And the reason actually we're called Onward is really around bringing people into the future and getting them excited about that next stage of life as a co-parent. So we, you'll see a lot of content even integrated into our app around having the most effective co-parenting relationship and how to move on with your life.” - Jacklyn Rome


Guest Bio: 

Jacklyn is the CEO and Founder of Onward, an app that helps divorced and separated parents to track and manage shared expenses for their children more easily. Prior to starting Onward, Jacklyn worked on new product launches at Uber and Blue Apron and spent time in venture capital and entrepreneurial consulting. She's passionate about making a difference in people's lives and building new and innovative products.

Resources: 

Onward App Website

Onward App Instagram

Lesa Koski Website

Lesa’s Online Courses
To receive real-time alerts that your child is safe and to receive $50 off your Soberlink device, visit ⁠https://www.soberlink.com/partners/different⁠

The Onward app was made for divorced parents to help track, share, and split their children's expenses. Download The Onward App today for iOS or Android!

Mentioned in this episode:

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About the Podcast

Doing Divorce Different A Podcast Guide to Doing Divorce Differently
Divorce, co-parenting, menopause, marriage, and starting over after 40—Doing Divorce Different is your guide to a healthy, faith filled life transition.

Hosted by Family Law Attorney and Mediator Lesa Koski, Doing Divorce Different is a candid, empowering podcast designed to take the fear out of divorce and guide you toward peace—whether you’re navigating a split, working to stay married, or rebuilding a better life after a major transition. Each week, Lesa brings heart-centered legal insight, emotional support, and holistic wisdom to help you heal, grow, and thrive.

We cover everything from amicable divorce and co-parenting strategies to parenting plans that actually work and support kids in thriving through change. You’ll learn how to prepare for marriage with prenups, revisit your relationship with post-nuptial agreements, and understand what it really takes to stay married or rekindle love after a rough season. If you're in the midst of a grey divorce, wondering how to not get divorced, or questioning whether love can be found again, this show is for you.

Lesa also explores the emotional and physical changes that often accompany midlife and major life shifts. From navigating the impact of menopause on your health, marriage, and mood, to dealing with the loneliness that can come after divorce or empty nesting, you’ll find honest conversations that don’t shy away from real-life challenges. And for those of you in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you’ll discover what it means to truly build a better life after 40.

Health and wellness are deeply integrated into this journey. Lesa shares insights on the benefits of rest, joy, nutrition, fasting, protein, and bone health, along with the power of movement, community, and exercise to support mental clarity and physical strength. You’ll learn how to take care of yourself with intention—because healing isn’t just emotional, it’s also biological.

Mindset work and self-coaching are recurring tools offered in episodes to help you reframe your story and shift from fear to freedom. And through it all, the show honors the role of faith, spiritual surrender, and letting God lead you through every season. Whether you're leaning into your relationship with God for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, you’ll hear how surrender can bring peace even in the hardest moments.

You’ll hear real stories from people who have done divorce differently, saved their marriages, or found new love and purpose on the other side. Lesa also brings in conversations about marriages that have stood the test of time, co-parenting through complex seasons, and the realities of parenting after separation while maintaining stability for your kids.

This is not just a podcast about divorce. Doing Divorce Different is about taking back your life, rewriting your future, and trusting that you’re not starting over, you’re starting better. If you’re craving practical advice, soul-level encouragement, and real conversations about creating a healthy, joyful, purpose-driven life, you’ve found your community.

Subscribe now and join Lesa Koski for weekly episodes that will help you grow stronger in your relationships, your health, and your faith, no matter where you’re starting from.

About the Host:
I’ve spent over 25 years helping families navigate amicable divorce as a lawyer and mediator, always focused on protecting what matters most—your kids and your peace of mind. But my mission has expanded. Today, I support women over 40 not just through endings, but in building stronger relationships—and sometimes even saving their marriages. I’m a breast cancer survivor, a cowgirl at heart, a wellness advocate, and a follower of Jesus. My life and faith fuel my passion for helping women thrive.

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Lesa Koski