Leah Hadley [00:00:01]:
Welcome to Intentional Divorce Insights. I'm Leah Hadley, certified divorce financial analyst, accredited financial counselor, and the founder of Intentional Divorce Solutions. I'll be your guide through the complexities of divorce, finance, and emotional wellness. Join me as we uncover practical tips and empowering insights to help you navigate your divorce with clarity and intention.
Leah Hadley [00:00:26]:
Hello, and welcome to Intentional Divorce Insights, the podcast where we empower you to take control of your finances and create a fulfilling life after divorce. I'm your host, Leah Hadley, an accredited financial counselor, certified divorce financial analyst, and the founder of both Intentional Divorce Solutions and Intentional Wealth Partners. Now if you're feeling overwhelmed by the financial changes divorce brings, you are not alone, and today's episode is especially for you. In today's episode, we're diving into something that impacts so many people after divorce. That's financial anxiety. We'll talk about why it happens, how it holds us back, and most importantly, how to overcome it so you can step into this new chapter with confidence. So grab a cup of coffee or tea and let's get started. Financial anxiety is something that many people experience after divorce, and it is completely normal.
Leah Hadley [00:01:30]:
When your financial circumstances shift, whether that's due to a reduced income, managing money on your own for the first time, or just worrying about the future, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. So let's talk about what financial anxiety is. It's that nagging fear or worry about your money. It may show up as sleepless nights, avoiding financial decisions, or feeling frozen when you think about money. Any of that sound familiar to you? Divorce amplifies this anxiety for a few reasons. 1st, divorce is a major life transition. You've likely gone from having a dual income household to managing everything on your own. And if your partner handled the finances during your marriage, you might feel like you're starting from scratch.
Leah Hadley [00:02:22]:
I'll share a quick story. A client of mine, we'll call her Tanya, came to me just a few months after her divorce was finalized, and she was terrified of touching her savings because she was worried she'd make the wrong decision. Even though she had a substantial settlement, the fear of losing it was paralyzed, so Tanya just wouldn't spend. And Tanya's story is one I hear often. The truth is staying in this place of fear has real consequences. It can prevent you from growing your wealth, achieving your goals, and finding peace of mind. But here's the good news, you don't have to stay stuck. When we understand why we're feeling this way, it becomes easier to address it.
Leah Hadley [00:03:10]:
Fear often comes from uncertainty or a lack of information. It's human nature to fear what we don't fully understand And when you add the emotional weight of divorce, it's no wonder financial anxiety feels overwhelming. But let me assure you, this fear can be transformed into empowerment. So let's talk about how can you move from fear to confidence when it comes to your finances. I'm gonna share 4 actionable steps you can start implementing today. We'll go deeper into each step with practical tips and examples you can apply for your own situation. Step 1, acknowledge and assess. The first step is to face your finances head on.
Leah Hadley [00:03:59]:
Take a deep breath. Start by gathering all your financial information, bank statements, credit card bills, any documentation about your settlement or support payments. Knowledge is power, and this first step, while it can be intimidating, is crucial. Now I wanna encourage you, if this feels intimidating, to start small. Set aside 15 or 30 minutes to look over one aspect of your finances each day. For example, review your monthly expenses or you can note your current account balances. The goal is not to fix everything right away. It's just to take that first step toward understanding where you stand.
Leah Hadley [00:04:44]:
Step 2, educate yourself. One of the biggest drivers of financial anxiety is a lack of knowledge. The more you understand about your finances, the more in control you'll feel. You can focus on the basics like budgeting, understanding your investments, starting to learn about investing. Remember, you don't have to learn everything at once. Small steps add up. If you're completely new to investing, for example, start by understanding the difference between stocks, bonds, and book and mutual funds. There's a whole vocabulary that goes along with it.
Leah Hadley [00:05:21]:
There are plenty of free resources available from podcasts to online courses to help you gain the knowledge that you need. Step 3, set achievable goals. When we are overwhelmed, it's easy to feel like everything is urgent. Instead, set realistic, measurable goals. For example, create a plan to save 3 months worth of living expenses as an emergency fund or commit to spending an hour a week reviewing your finances. Goals give you a sense of direction and accomplishment. For example, one of my clients who wants to ensure she could comfortably pay her bills while also saving for her children's education. By breaking this goal into smaller steps, she was able to prioritize her spending and start contributing to a 529 savings plan.
Leah Hadley [00:06:17]:
Step 4, seek support. You don't have to do this alone. A financial professional, therapist, or even a supportive friend can help you navigate this transition. At Intentional Divorce Solutions, we specialize in helping women rebuild their financial confidence, so don't hesitate to reach out for guidance. Support systems can make all the difference. When Tanya finally reached out for help, she realized she wasn't alone. Together, we've created a plan that gave her clarity and peace of mind allowing her to move forward with confidence. If you are ready for a small action today, here are a few ideas.
Leah Hadley [00:06:56]:
Review your last bank statement, check your credit score, or set up a savings account for your goals. Each of these steps will help you to feel more in control. Now let's talk about what financial confidence looks like. It's not about having all the answers or being perfect with money. It's about knowing that you can make informed decisions, that you can adapt when necessary, and trust yourself to handle challenges. Think about the life you want to create for yourself post divorce. Financial confidence is about making intentional choices that support that vision. Whether it's buying a home, traveling, securing your retirement, your finances are the foundation for achieving those dreams.
Leah Hadley [00:07:42]:
I wanna share another client's story. Sarah, another woman that I worked with, came to me feeling completely overwhelmed. Through education, goal setting, and taking small but consistent actions, she not only grew her confidence but also built an investment portfolio that reflected her values and her goals instead of her exes. Today, Sarah is thriving, and you can too. Fear is a completely natural response, but it doesn't have to define your story. In fact, it can be the catalyst for incredible growth. Now if today's episode resonated with you, I'd love to invite you to take the next step toward financial empowerment. Join me for my free masterclass from separation to security, a guide to post divorce investing.
Leah Hadley [00:08:32]:
This exclusive session is designed specifically for women who wanna grow their confidence and take control of their financial futures. In the master class, we'll dive deeper into strategic wealth building, avoiding financial pitfalls, and aligning your investments with your goals. I'll put the link in the show notes and you can get all the information there. It's completely free and even if you can't attend live, you can always register so you get the recording. I wanna thank you for spending some time with me today on Intentional Divorce Insights. Remember, financial confidence is a journey and every small step you take brings you closer to the empowered life you deserve. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and share it with a friend who might benefit. Together, we can create a community of women who thrive after divorce.
Leah Hadley [00:09:24]:
Until next time, I'm Leah Hadley wishing you clarity, confidence, and success on your financial journey. Take care, and I'll see you in the next episode and hopefully in the master class.
Leah Hadley [00:09:36]:
Thank you for joining me on Intentional Divorce Insights. It's a privilege to share this time with you. I hope each episode offers valuable guidance to navigate your journey. If you find our content helpful, please leave a review to help others discover the benefits of intentional decision making in divorce. Until next time, take care and continue to embrace your path with intention.