By Denise French, ABV, EA, CVA/MAFF, CDFA, CRPC
Newly divorced women face a period of profound change and vulnerability, but this season can also be a time for renewed thankfulness and personal growth—both emotionally and financially. Protecting your mindset and finances are intertwined steps toward a more secure and hopeful future.
Embracing Thankfulness and Resilience
Divorce often brings unexpected challenges and emotional turbulence, but intentionally focusing on gratitude can help shift your perspective from loss to opportunity. Practicing thankfulness means acknowledging the lessons learned, the strengths uncovered, and the support received throughout your journey. Even small moments of gratitude—such as a peaceful evening or encouragement from a friend—can significantly bolster your resilience and foster a renewed sense of purpose.
After my divorce I made a list of items I was grateful for – I was so surprised how long this list was. Included on the list were a group of real friends, incredible strength I didn’t realize I possessed and the freedom to move past the pain and onto my next chapter.
For a time period I even made a daily gratitude list and I found that very helpful to my mindset. That helped me remember no matter what I was going through there are things to be grateful for – even as simple as a roof over my head, running water and healthy food to eat. I also found a mindset rooted in thankfulness and gratitude built my capacity to dream anew and imagine a life I really enjoyed – even as a single mom with a young child.
First Steps to Financial Safety
Financial security, like peace of mind, after divorce requires proactive steps and time. A deliberate approach will help safeguard your future independence. The following actions are essential:
- Build a new, realistic budget that reflects your actual income, fixed expenses, and updated goals.
- Reassess your financial accounts, retitling or closing those held jointly, and ensure beneficiary information is current on insurance and retirement plans.
- Meet with a financial advisor or a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst to clarify your asset inventory, updated liabilities, and best next steps.
A focus on liquidity—the cash you have available—is especially important during and after divorce. Keep accessible funds in a separate high-yield savings account, and work toward building an emergency fund with three to six months of living expenses.
Long-Term Planning: Retirement, Insurance, and Estate Updates
Now is the time to reassess and reset your long-term planning:
- Recalculate retirement goals and make use of “catch-up” contributions to IRAs or 401(k)s if you’re in your 50s or older.
- Update your will and other estate planning documents to reflect your new situation.
- Review your health, life, and property insurance coverage, and adjust or obtain new policies as needed.
If you were married for at least 10 years, evaluate your eligibility for Social Security benefits based on your former spouse’s record to further strengthen your future security.
Guarding Against Common Financial Pitfalls
Women often lose over 20% of their income following divorce, so careful management is critical. Mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t prioritize keeping the family home without fully understanding the ongoing costs and your ability to sustain them.
- Don’t rush to liquidate retirement funds, as tax penalties may apply. Your future self will also thank you!!
- Keep your own credit strong; establish new credit cards in your name, and ensure your ex no longer has access to shared lines-of-credit.
Harness the Power of Thankfulness and Protection
Divorce ends one chapter, but it also opens the door to healing, clarity, and a more secure future. When you focus on gratitude and take intentional steps to protect your finances, you give yourself the power to rebuild with stability, confidence, and a renewed sense of independence.
We love working with women after divorce. We are Certified Divorce Financial Analysts and Fiduciary level financial advisors. Our divorce work is through Divorce Strategies Group and our investment and financial advisory services are through Intentional Wealth Partners.