As anyone who has been through a divorce would tell you, the financial implications can be drastic. Not only does the loss of a second income make it harder to survive month-to-month, but stock accounts, retirement benefits , and even pensions can be partially taken away.
Regardless of the exact details, money is almost always tight after a divorce filing. Two incomes become one, and one set of household expenses becomes two.
For some individuals, these financial woes can follow them for years and years to come. If you take appropriate steps early enough, however, you will be able to glide through your divorce proceedings and transition easily into your new life.
One of the most important things to do is get a handle on your credit as soon as possible. In any marriage, it is common for one person to take on all the financial duties, whether that’s applying for new accounts, or managing current ones.
As soon as a divorce is finalized, it is perfectly normal for most of the previously-joint debts to end up in one person’s name. Whether those debts are in your name or not, or if you had a less-than-stellar credit score throughout your marriage, there are some easy ways to improve your credit score without too much work.
First and foremost is that it is rather important not to take on any new debts. Managing the ones you currently have should be a sufficient boost to your credit score, and if you are in dire financial straits, many banks or credit unions allow customers to set up secured credit cards or starter loans.
In addition, often times if you ask nicely, you can get your landlord to report timely rent payments to credit bureaus. Not too many take the time to report that information, but it can certainly help build or repair credit.
Many people will forget their credit rating during a divorce, and it can have some serious implications. Oftentimes, bad credit scores will either prevent an individual from applying for a home/car loan or give them a bad interest rate, and can even lead to insurance rate increases or being denied a job offer.
Divorces are already life-altering enough without your financial future being destroyed as well. If you and your attorney keep a close eye on your finances, though, the transition to your new life should be relatively effortless and painless.