Financial Wellness After Mediation

by | May 16, 2023 | Collaborative Law, Divorce and Finances, Mediation, Money Management, Navigating Divorce

While mediation is a great way to ensure that your voice is heard while negotiating your settlement, it’s also an emotionally and mentally challenging process for everyone involved. Once the dust settles and the agreement is finalized, people often feel worn out. And one of the most significant challenges is navigating the uncharted waters of financial wellness. Adjusting to a new financial reality can be daunting, but it’s so important that you don’t put it off. With the right guidance and support, it is possible to not only survive but thrive in your post-divorce life.

 

Here are six tips for achieving financial wellness after mediation so you can feel confident in your financial future.

 

1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation

The first step to achieving financial wellness after mediation is to get a clear understanding of your current financial situation. This includes evaluating your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Be sure to review your final settlement agreement and understand the terms and conditions of any spousal support, child support, or division of assets. I encourage people to write a list of action items that still need to be resolved once their final agreement is in place. Create space on your calendar to get these things done as soon as possible.

2. Establish a Realistic Budget

Once you clearly understand your financial situation, the next step is to create a realistic budget that reflects your new lifestyle. Keep in mind that your financial circumstances may have changed significantly, and your budget should reflect these changes.

Track your income and expenses diligently, ensuring that you are not overspending in any category. Then, adjustment your budget as needed, and always prioritize your essential expenses, such as housing, food, and healthcare. A well-planned budget is the foundation of financial wellness, allowing you to make informed decisions about your financial future.

Dollar funds

3. Rebuild Your Emergency Fund

It is very common for people to use much of their cash savings during the divorce process. And let’s face it. Life is unpredictable, and having a solid emergency fund in place is essential for financial stability. After a divorce, your financial resources may be stretched thin, but it is crucial to prioritize rebuilding your emergency fund.
Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an accessible savings account. This will provide you with a financial cushion to fall back on in case of unexpected events or emergencies, such as job loss, medical expenses, or home repairs.

4. Review Your Insurance and Estate Planning Needs

After a divorce, it is essential to review your insurance coverage and estate planning documents. Ensure that your life insurance, health insurance, and other policies are updated to reflect your new circumstances. Additionally, review your will, trust, and beneficiary designations to ensure they align with your current wishes and needs.

5. Develop a Financial Plan

Creating a financial plan is essential to achieving financial wellness after a divorce. A well-thought-out financial plan includes short-term and long-term financial goals, such as paying off debt, saving for retirement, or building an investment portfolio.

Consult with a financial planner to help you create a personalized financial plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. A financial plan will serve as a roadmap for your financial future, helping you make informed decisions and stay on track towards achieving financial independence.

6.  Seek Support and Education

Navigating the complexities of financial wellness after mediation can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Seek support from friends, family, or a professional financial advisor who can provide guidance and expertise.

Additionally, investing time in financial education is crucial for building a strong financial foundation. Attend workshops, read books, and participate in online courses to expand your financial knowledge and empower yourself to make informed decisions about your financial future.

If you’re looking to jumpstart your journey toward financial wellness after a divorce, we invite you to join our Empowered to Thrive workshop. This 6-day live event is specifically designed to help women boost their financial confidence and independence. The workshop covers essential topics such as money mindset, streamlining finances, leaving a lasting legacy, and managing risk.

By participating in the Empowered to Thrive workshop, you’ll gain access to a supportive community of like-minded women who share your passion for financial empowerment. I will guide you through interactive sessions, providing you with practical tools and strategies to help you build a solid financial foundation.

Investing time in your financial education is one of the best decisions you can make after a divorce. Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to create a bright financial future for yourself and your family. The Empowered to Thrive workshop is the perfect opportunity to take control of your financial destiny and start on the path towards financial independence.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to invest in yourself and your financial future. Reserve your spot now at: https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-to-thrive-opt-in

While navigating financial wellness after divorce can be challenging, with the right mindset, support, and resources, you can create a strong financial foundation for a brighter future. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving financial independence and embracing a new chapter in your life filled with opportunities and growth.

Financial Wellness After Mediation

About the Author

Leah Hadley will tell you she’s had a lot of challenging financial times in her adult life-becoming a parent of three overnight, getting divorced, and building her business from the ground up, to name a few. These have been times when her ability to hunt down appropriate resources and careful financial planning was critical to her peace of mind.

Now a sought-after speaker, author, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), Leah is the founder of Great Lakes Divorce Financial Solutions and Great Lakes Investment Management. She uses all of her knowledge and more than 15 years of experience to help her clients make wise financial decisions so they can begin the next phase of life with the strongest possible financial foundation.

Learn more about Leah and how she can help you build your financial confidence at www.WatchHerThrive.co.

Financial Wellness After Mediation

About the Author

Leah Hadley will tell you she’s had a lot of challenging financial times in her adult life-becoming a parent of three overnight, getting divorced, and building her business from the ground up, to name a few. These have been times when her ability to hunt down appropriate resources and careful financial planning was critical to her peace of mind.

Now a sought-after speaker, author, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), Leah is the founder of Great Lakes Divorce Financial Solutions and Great Lakes Investment Management. She uses all of her knowledge and more than 15 years of experience to help her clients make wise financial decisions so they can begin the next phase of life with the strongest possible financial foundation.

Learn more about Leah and how she can help you build your financial confidence at www.WatchHerThrive.co.

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DISCLAIMER: The commentary, advice, and opinions from Gabrielle Hartley are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice or mental health services. You should contact an attorney and/or mental health professional in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

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