Meeting with your divorce attorney can feel overwhelming. You're asked for details about your finances, assets, and future needs - often at a time when emotions are running high. Without preparation, it's easy to feel lost or to leave important things unsaid.

Divorce may be over, but the financial decisions you make afterward are just as important. Many women underestimate how much their money habits, expenses, and future planning change once the papers are signed.

The first 90 days after divorce can feel like a blur. Between legal documents, living arrangements, and adjusting to your "new normal," it's easy to let financial details slip through the cracks. But these early steps matter - they lay the foundation for your long-term security.

For many women, deciding whether to keep or sell the marital home after divorce is one of the most emotional - and financially complicated - choices they face. A house can feel like stability, but it also comes with big financial responsibilities.

Divorce isn't just a separation - it's often a financial reset, a moment of clarity, and sometimes the start of an entirely new chapter. As we step into 2025, the landscape of divorce in the U.S. is shifting in ways that directly impact women's lives, finances, and futures.

Divorce changes a lot, but one truth never changes: kids are expensive. For moms, navigating shared expenses with an ex-spouse can feel like a second full-time job. Even with child support in place, the "extras" pile up-sports fees, orthodontics, summer camps, and those last-minute school supply runs that always seem to happen when your budget is already stretched.

Yesterday, I was on the phone with my Ex discussing the kids and making some decisions together. He said that "parenting adult children is really hard," and I answered that I preferred it way more than parenting toddlers. He then made the comment that he can't seem to get away from the young ones--that his girlfriend has a 7-year old, but she was on the long-term plan. I asked him if he was going to get married again (he's going through a second divorce), and he said "not for awhile." That's when I said it. I said, "You know, if you want to do some financial planning to protect our kids' legacies, then okay." He agreed that might be a good idea. Ya'll--this was a HUGE moment. It marks the occasion where we've healed and recovered enough from our divorce to be able to talk on the phone without me hanging up on verbal abuse. It marks the occasion where he's comfortable even CONTEMPLATING discussing his finances with me. And it marks the occasion where we've been able to discuss something future-oriented again because we have kids together. Once again, we share a common goal. It's been a really long time.

Divorce can shift everything-your day-to-day life, your relationships, and your financial future. As overwhelming as it may feel, this new life chapter is also an opportunity to build strength, clarity, and control. When it comes to retirement, the steps you take now will help protect your independence for years to come.

When navigating the financial challenges of divorce, many women overlook one critical piece of the puzzle: Social Security benefits. Understanding how divorce impacts your benefits can help you make smarter decisions now - and better prepare for your financial future.

Last week, I met with a woman in her early 50s who was preparing to separate from her husband. They share three children-two are grown and out on their own, and their youngest still has two years of high school to go. Like many women I work with, her biggest concern was understanding the financial side of the divorce. She's been a stay-at-home mom for nearly 20 years, having left a promising career to raise her family. Now, she finds herself financially dependent on her husband-and completely in the dark about their finances.

Divorce marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another - especially when it comes to your finances. For many women, managing money independently after divorce can feel overwhelming, but taking control starts with getting organized. At Smart Divorce Decisions, LLC, we help women build strong, confident financial futures after divorce. Here's the essential financial checklist every woman needs to move forward with clarity, stability, and financial confidence.

When you're going through a divorce, it's easy to focus on immediate concerns - like dividing the house or setting up a new budget. But one of the most significant financial issues often gets overlooked: your retirement accounts.

Filing for divorce is not just an emotional decision - it's a financial one too. The more you organize your finances before the divorce process begins, the better prepared you'll be to protect your interests, negotiate from a position of strength, and move forward with confidence. At Smart Divorce Decisions, we help women navigate these crucial early steps.

Divorce is one of life's most emotionally and financially challenging transitions. For women, the financial implications can be even more significant - impacting everything from daily cash flow to long-term retirement. At Smart Divorce Decisions, LLC, we work with women every day to help them avoid costly mistakes and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Now, it's time to take a few important steps to begin this next chapter with clarity and confidence.

I have seen firsthand the emotional and financial turmoil that can arise when proper planning is not in place. Today, I want to talk about the crucial importance of estate planning and prenuptial agreements, especially when children from a previous marriage are involved.

Life has a way of teaching us lessons in the most unexpected and often painful ways. Recently, I experienced a loss that has profoundly impacted me, both personally and professionally. I want to share this story with you not only as a means of processing my grief but also as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing your financial future, especially during and after a divorce.

Recently, I had the opportunity to assist a client in a mediation session. This experience highlighted the importance of mediation in maintaining stability during a divorce and the critical role of financial analysis in achieving a fair and equitable settlement. I want to share this story with you to show how mediation can be a powerful tool for ensuring a smooth transition and a stable future.

Hello, everyone! As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and financial advisor, I spend a lot of time helping women navigate the financial complexities of divorce. But today, I want to step away from the professional side and give you a glimpse into who I am, what brings me joy, and a little about my background.

In my practice, the most common type of abuse I see is financial abuse.

I've talked with many women going through abuse and I've seen some experience a mental paralysis around leaving the situation. Many clients report "feeling stuck" because they don't know how they can afford to leave. If they leave without the chance to prepare, they're left vulnerable to homelessness or reconciliation out of financial necessity.

Recently, I attended Bill Eddy's session on "Managing High Conflict Personalities," which I found extremely relevant not only for my clients, but also for myself. I've discussed a few contentious situations I've had with my ex in previous blog posts, and I wanted to share my key takeaways from Bill's session.

After my divorce, I rented a townhouse for a couple of years while I saved money to make a down payment on a new home. Unfortunately, the majority of the money I made selling the marital residence was spent paying the legal fees accumulated during the divorce--something I see commonly in my practice.

I'm taking this opportunity to discuss a topic close to my heart: empowering newly single women through financial education. Divorce can unsettle many aspects of your life, particularly finances. However, this period also presents a unique opportunity to take the reins of your financial future. I wanted to share a few insights into mastering the basics of personal finance, which helped me navigate my post-divorce world with more confidence and control.

May is a month of renewal, but for many, it's also a time to reflect on personal well-being as it aligns with Mental Health Awareness Month. Having gone through a divorce and helping many women as they go through their own, I know firsthand the tremendous emotional and financial strain it can place on anyone. Today, I want to talk about managing financial stress after a divorce-how to navigate this challenging time while prioritizing your mental health.

As Mother's Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the journey of motherhood intertwined with the challenges and triumphs of managing finances as a single mom post-divorce. It's a balancing act that requires patience, perseverance, and a lot of planning. Today, I want to share some financial tips that have empowered me to face the future with confidence and ensure financial stability for both myself and for my kids.

Divorce can feel like a shift in every aspect of life, not the least of which is your financial situation. I understand the unique challenges and opportunities this change presents. Rebuilding your financial future after divorce requires a careful reassessment of your current situation and a strategic approach to planning ahead. Here are key strategies for smart money decisions post-divorce.

Divorce marks a transition in life, not only emotionally but financially. Among its many challenges, one of the most significant is its impact on retirement savings. I understand the apprehension and uncertainty that come with the division of assets and the prospect of rebuilding financial independence. It's a journey I'm deeply familiar with, professionally and personally. My dedication to empowering women to regain control over their economic futures drives me to do what I do.

My commitment to this cause stems from a realization that financial abuse, a prevalent yet often overlooked form of domestic violence, leaves deep scars on its survivors. It's a silent epidemic I'm determined to combat by empowering women with the knowledge to recognize its early signs and the courage to seek help.

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I serve as a financial advocate for my clients going through divorce. It's a perspective informed by my personal experience, leading me to advocate strongly for engaging a financial advisor who specializes in divorce before negotiations are settled. Here's why this proactive approach can make a significant difference.

In my years of helping women navigate through and beyond divorce, I've encountered a deeply troubling yet often invisible issue: financial abuse.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of hearing many powerful stories. These conversations are not just about numbers and budgets; they are deeply personal narratives about rebuilding, redefining, and rediscovering financial independence. I recently conducted a series of interviews to better understand the evolving financial goals of women at different stages of their divorce journey. I wanted to understand their goals and thought process surrounding money at all stages of this transitioning time during a divorce. I recently interviewed just under 100 inspiring women, and their answers provided invaluable insights into women's unique financial planning needs during this transformative time.

Divorce, while often viewed through a lens of challenge and adversity, can also be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and financial empowerment. For women navigating this transition, the journey can unveil strength, resilience, and an opportunity to redefine their financial future. In my experience as a financial advisor focused on helping women, I have seen so many stories of transformation and success.

After my divorce and as a financial advisor, I've seen firsthand how the transition to a single-income household can be overwhelming, and how managing finances effectively becomes more crucial than ever. In this post, I want to share some practical tips and advice to help single parents confidently navigate this new financial landscape.

Valentine's Day, a time traditionally associated with love and partnership, can bring unique challenges for newly single women, especially those navigating the aftermath of a divorce. Managing finances might feel overwhelming in these moments, but it's a crucial step towards independence and stability. Think of budgeting not just as number crunching but as an act of self-love and empowerment. I wrote this guide to help you lay a solid financial foundation. It's about confidently embracing your new journey and ensuring a stable future for yourself and your children.

A divorce can be a challenging time in your life, especially when it comes to financial matters like alimony. In the past, I've written about navigating through alimony and my unique perspective on how we as a society should change our approach to considering alimony as compensation for a spouse's contributions to the family's economic circumstances instead of compensation for their support. You can read that post here . I understand the nuances and emotional weight of negotiating alimony. It's not just about the numbers; it's about protecting your financial future and having financial stability. In this post, I'll guide you through understanding and negotiating alimony, offering insights from my professional experience to empower you during and after your divorce proceedings.

As the new year unfolds, many of us embrace the mantra "new year, new you," reflecting on significant life changes.

As the new year begins, I'm reflecting on the journey of personal transformation, particularly for newly single women. Going through a divorce is not just an emotional upheaval, it's also a significant financial turning point. In this spirit of new beginnings, I want to share insights and strategies that have helped me and others embrace financial independence and empowerment in this phase of life.

I know the divorce process can be daunting--filled with legal jargon and dates you need to keep track of. I remember how much time I spent researching the steps I should take and the questions I should be asking my attorney when I was first separated. I remember constantly feeling like there was something I should be doing, but I didn't know what it was. I remember bombarding my attorney with emails asking questions, and not hearing back because the questions weren't relevant to where we were in the actual process. This constant state of wondering increased my stress and anxiety, and amped up the sense of hostility in the whole process. Looking back, I realize how much easier it would have been if I'd had someone else besides my attorney who could answer my questions--most of which involved my financial situation.

Self-care and financial wellness might seem like separate realms, but they are deeply intertwined. As women, we often tend to put others' needs before our own, and especially during the holidays, it can be a particularly stressful time. In my experience as a financial advisor specializing in supporting women post-divorce, I've observed a strong connection between personal well-being and sound financial decision-making. I want to shed light on how self-care practices can significantly impact your financial health, especially for single parents post-divorce.

As a Financial Advisor, I've witnessed countless scenarios where the holiday season becomes a financial burden for many families, especially those navigating through life-changing events like a divorce. It's understandable that parents might feel the urge to overcompensate for their children's emotional needs by placing presents under the tree or purchasing extravagant gifts. However, it's important to recognize that embracing experiences over material items can be far more fulfilling and financially sustainable.

In my last blog post I reviewed what disability insurance is and why it's so important to have. Disability insurance is the answer to when you suddenly find yourself as the primary breadwinner and others, such as your children, rely on your income for daily necessities. Now, I want to discuss further why having disability insurance in a separation agreement is essential in protecting your financial future.

Why Disability Insurance is a Critical Tool in Your Post-Divorce Toolbox

In tandem with obtaining a life insurance policy to replace an alimony obligation and a child support obligation, updating your estate planning after divorce is also necessary. Establishing a trust dedicated to benefiting your children ensures that they will be provided for according to your specific wishes. In the unfortunate event of your passing, the life insurance policies will fund the trust, giving your children a lifeline of financial support and stability.

In my previous blog post, I emphasized the significance of life insurance to cover child support obligations in the event of your passing. But what about the financial well-being of your ex-spouse, who becomes the sole provider for your children post-divorce? To ensure their stability and ease the financial burden on your ex-spouse, it's crucial to consider acquiring a term life insurance policy that covers the duration of alimony payments. In this blog post, I'll delve deeper into this topic, exploring how such a policy can serve as a safety net for your children and provide guidance on selecting the right coverage.

Going through a divorce is an emotionally charged and challenging journey, especially for the person who didn't initiate the separation. Amidst the turmoil of divorce proceedings, it's essential not to lose sight of your children's financial well-being. In this blog series, we'll explore the crucial role that life insurance plays in securing your children's stability and security after a divorce.

I've been working with a client to help her invest her QDRO and to develop a financial plan now that her second divorce is finalized. My client is an amazing woman--she's recently recovered from a life-threatening illness that required her to leave her job, and over her recovery she decided to make the most out of her second chance at life and end her marriage. I'm in awe of her strength and determination--and her courage.

My son graduated from high school last month, I'm glad to say. The kids who graduated from high school in 2023 are resilient, and their accomplishments mean something totally different than it meant for me! They've been through a pandemic, which turned their school experience into something akin to a zombie apocalypse-meeting their teachers and classmates in a zoom room instead of a classroom...seeing their teacher's kitchen, living room, or wherever their teacher was sitting to hold class. Those students who were new had a completely different (and much harder) "new kid at school" experience. These students had to sit in front of a computer all day for class, something the Academy of Pediatrics Association has been saying for years affects kids in many negative ways. These students didn't have social interactions with their peers, with their cousins or even their grandparents for...how long was it? Almost a year? And when we all finally came out of lockdown, everyone was wearing masks, and these kids never saw their teachers or their classmates smile at something kind or funny that was said. I can't imagine what that was like for all these teenagers whose brains were developing, whose understanding of social cues was developing, and whose hormones were going crazy all while their social environment consisted of Insta, Snap, Discord and Tik-Tok.

My client opened her own investment account the other day.