3 min read

The Road Beyond

Featured Image

Changes, even those that are positive, can bring with them a certain level of chaos. And if those changes happen to be difficult or unwanted, the chaos is only intensified by the emotions that come along with them.

Two of the toughest and most common life changes that women face are divorce and death of a spouse.

Losing a spouse, whether by divorce or death, can be Earth-shattering. What was once the bedrock of a partnership is irreparably fractured. Grief, guilt, sadness, and confusion are all common and sometimes simultaneous.  The overwhelming nature of this life transition can leave anyone feeling lost and alone.

[minti_pullquote align="right"]The important thing to remember is that you are not alone.[/minti_pullquote]The important thing to remember is you are not alone. About half of all marriages in the U.S. end in divorce, and because women tend to outlive men, roughly 45 percent of women age 65 and over are widows. You may take some solace in knowing that millions of women have eventually come through a similar transition to live happy, productive lives.

All the emotions that accompany these difficult times are completely normal. Every situation is unique, of course, but there are many others to lean on who have been through a similar situation, perhaps even in your own circle of friends and family. Asking for help and support in these times is not a weakness, it is inherently human. As such, it’s wise to ask for help with the financial concerns that manifest when dealing with divorce or the death of a spouse.

Amid the emotional turmoil, it may seem callous to think of your financial future. Indeed, dealing with your emotional concerns are most important. But putting off the the financial considerations of such a transition will only cause further turmoil. Seeking financial advice during this time to address the very specific, situational concerns is one of the single best things you can do to get on a smooth path going forward.

It is, by nature, rare that one can plan for divorce before it happens. Divorce isn’t planned and it is frequently an obstacle that appears without much prior announcement. Planning for the death of a spouse isn’t the kind of thing people necessarily want to think about either, but prior planning is advisable and can be incredibly advantageous. No matter how you’ve reached this new path, the stress of the situation you face may inspire knee-jerk reactions that can wreak financial havoc down the road. Having a trusted guide and a plan can help prevent financial fallout in the midst of such an emotional time.

Throughout the next few posts, we’ll address the steps necessary to come through these transitions in good financial standing. They include:

  1.  What To Do First
  2.  Addressing Cash Flow
  3.  Taking Time Out
  4.  Mapping Priorities
  5.  The Specifics of Divorce
  6.  For The Widowed
  7.  Wrapping Up

Your roadmap was never designed as a straight line. When one path unexpectedly becomes two, the road ahead may look dark and even a bit scary. But, with the proper guide, you can formulate a plan that leads you through the forests of doubt and into a future filled with safety, security, and restored happiness.

In the next post on this topic, we’ll take a deeper look at what your first steps should be when addressing the loss of a spouse through divorce or death.

 

 Click here to get clear, actionable counsel. 

 

 

Read The Next Posts in this Series from Atlas Wealth Advisors

Read A Different Series from Atlas Wealth Advisors