A change in your relationship status can have a direct impact on your personal finances. The impact of divorce can be devastating both emotionally and financially. The main financial problem of this situation is that the long-term goals you set as a couple can easily be compromised. The fact that you have to make decisions about your combined consumer debt is difficult enough. So how do you handle something like retirement? Let’s break down the retirement & divorce debacle.
If you’re having debt trouble after divorce, contact ACCC.
Navigating the Retirement & Divorce Debacle
Retirement planning can be seriously impacted due to divorce. If you were a couple that had joint finances and joint savings, divorce may lead to one partner taking their share of retirement with them. This can seriously set you back in your financial goals as well as your debt management efforts.
In the whole retirement & divorce debacle, you are left to manage every single financial obligation on your own, including retirement. This limits your ability to contribute to your long-term savings and retirement goals as well as your ability to reduce credit card debt.
Divorce can also be harsh emotionally. However, you and your partner should be able to discuss finances before your divorce. If circumstances allow this conversation, make it happen. Be clear on how you will pursue individual goals as you part ways.
So, you are in this new turning point in life. How do you manage your retirement & divorce debacle?
Start Fresh
Now that you probably have more financial obligations as a newly single person, get back to the basics. Start with a budget. What is your individual income? How much are your total expenses? Have you put a plan to get out of debt? Does your financial plan include a budget for retirement? Make sure to include all your monthly, day-to-day needs as well as your bigger financial goals.
Are Your Retirement Investments Still Valid?
As a couple, you might have had different financial priorities and retirement investment planning. So once you are through the divorce and on your own, look at your retirement investment with a financial planner.
Consider Your New Financial Limitations
Divorce typically means less income, debt from legal proceedings and more. Your budget and finances will work differently. This may mean cutting back on your fun spending to work on higher priority items. However, in the midst of all this, most experts suggest that retirement planning must continue to help prevent major financial problems down the road.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
