The financial impact of a divorce is difficult for some women to manage. In the short term, you have your normal bills to pay, but you also have the expenses that are directly related to the divorce. This can put an even bigger strain on your bank account right now.
In order to properly plan for your finances, you need to set a budget based on your income. Even if you think that spousal support is forthcoming, don’t plan on it until you have an order for it. You need to ensure you include vital expenses like your car payment, insurance, food, mortgage or rent, utilities and any other payments that are critical. Remember, you can adjust your budget as things settle down and your needs change.
You must take the time to think about the property division process. During the divorce, you and your ex will have to split up the debts and assets that were amassed during the marriage. As you are going through this, don’t think only about the short term. You also need to think about how your settlement is going to help you in five years or even a decade. Around 15 percent of women surveyed in a study wish they ended up with a different property division agreement.
Your budget can help you determine what assets and debts you can reasonably afford. Even if you want to keep the marital home, you shouldn’t if it is going to strain your budget and become a stressor. You have to think about the upkeep costs for any asset you are considering hanging onto. Thinking about each option you have can help considerably.