Embracing Financial Wellness After Divorce

Embracing Financial Wellness After Divorce

By Nancy Hetrick On 08/11/2025

Finding Your Strength, Security, and a Little Sparkle

I’ll never forget the first time I balanced my checkbook after my divorce—sitting at my kitchen table, coffee in hand, staring at numbers that felt like a foreign language. It wasn’t just about dollars and cents; it was about reclaiming my independence and rewriting the story of my life. Financial wellness, I soon learned, is not just for accountants and investment gurus. It’s for every woman who’s ever stared down a stack of bills and wondered, “Now what?”

If you’re over 45 and recently divorced, you’re not alone—and you’re not defeated. In fact, you’re standing on the edge of a new chapter, and your financial well-being is the key to unlocking it. I know it might sound daunting, but let’s sprinkle a little humor in here: If you can survive a family holiday dinner, you can tackle a budget spreadsheet.

Rediscovering Your Financial Power

First things first—give yourself credit. Divorce is a major life event, and navigating your finances afterward is no small feat. Start by taking stock of where you are: gather your bank statements, credit card bills, retirement accounts, and any other financial documents. Think of it as a treasure hunt—sometimes the treasure is simply knowing exactly what you have.

Get clear on your expenses and income. Make a list (I love lists!) and prioritize needs versus wants. This isn’t about deprivation—it’s about deciding what brings you genuine comfort, security, and joy. For example, I realized that my daily latte brought me happiness, but my cable package? Not so much.

Setting New Goals (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Now’s the time to set some goals. Maybe you want to save for a solo vacation, boost your emergency fund, or invest in a new hobby. Start small. Every step counts. When I began, my goal was simple: save enough for a weekend getaway. Achieving it boosted my confidence and reminded me I was capable of so much more.

Reach out for support. A trusted financial advisor or even a savvy friend can offer guidance. And remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.  If you used a CDFA® professional for your divorce, they might be the perfect person to reconnect with.

Celebrate Every Win

Financial wellness isn’t just about building wealth—it’s about building confidence, autonomy, and a future that feels exciting. Celebrate each win, big or small. Every spreadsheet balanced, every debt paid down, every penny saved is proof of your resilience.

You’re wiser, braver, and more capable than you know. Take a deep breath, pour yourself that latte, and step boldly into your financial future. Sparkle on!

Tagged with: Divorce Recovery, Financial Wellness, Women Over 45, Budgeting After Divorce, Rebuilding Finances, CDFA® Guidance, Post-Divorce Planning, Financial Confidence, Money Management, Divorce Support

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