Divorce and Dollars: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Money Before, During, and After

Divorce is hard. But trying to figure out money stuff during and after a divorce when you’ve never handled it before? That can feel impossible.

I know, because I lived it.

When my marriage ended, I didn’t have a single cent to my name. My ex-husband had always handled the money. He paid the bills, managed the accounts, and I just trusted it was all taken care of.

I never had my own savings account, not because I wasn't allowed to, I just never thought I needed one. I didn’t even know how much our monthly bills were. So, when I walked away, I was really starting from zero.

It was scary. It was overwhelming. But I learned. And if you’re in the same boat, you can too.

Before the Divorce: If You’re Still Married, Start Here

If you’re still married but know things might not last, I gently urge you to do the following:

• Start your own savings account – Even if it’s $10 - $20 a week, it adds up. Open it in your name only.

• Know what bills you both pay – Start learning how much your rent, car payment, utilities, and other basics bills cost.

• Build credit in your own name – Get a small credit card and use it for groceries or gas, then pay it off each month.

• Keep copies of important financial records – Tax returns, pay stubs, account numbers and keep them in a safe spot.

  
  

During the Divorce: Protect and Prepare

This stage can be stressful, but don’t give up on yourself.

• Open your own bank account if you haven’t already.

• Get your own paycheck deposited into your new account if possible.

• List out your monthly expenses so you know what you’re facing.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions—talk to a financial advisor, a legal aid office, or someone you trust.

After the Divorce: Starting from Scratch

Here’s the truth: starting over financially isn’t easy, but it is possible.

1. Budgeting on One Income

I had to learn how to live paycheck to paycheck. Some things that helped me:

• Use a free budget app like Mint or EveryDollar.

• Write down your income and subtract your must-pay bills first (rent, lights, food).

• Set a “cash only” rule for extras like coffee, fast food, or shopping.

• Meal plan. Seriously. It saved me more money than I thought possible.
  

2. Building Credit in Your Name

Start small:

• Apply for a secured credit card.

• Make small purchases (like gas) and pay it off monthly.

• Keep your usage under 30% of the credit limit.
  

This helps rebuild your score and makes it easier to rent a home or get a loan later.

3. Saving Money (Even When You Don’t Think You Can)

• Round up your purchases into a savings app like Chime or Acorns.

• Save your tax refund or a portion of it.

• Sell things you don’t need on Facebook Marketplace, Ebay or Poshmark.

• Cancel unused subscriptions. (Yes, even Netflix, if needed.)
  

4. What I Wish I Had Known Sooner

• That I was stronger than I thought.

• That money management is a skill, and skills can be learned.

• That asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it makes you smart.

• That every small dollar saved is a win.

Resources That Can Help You Too

• Single Mom Strong – Offers emotional and financial support.

• 211.org – Find local food banks, housing help, and financial services.

• National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) – Free or low-cost budget counseling.

• Legal Aid – If you need legal help and can’t afford it.
  

You might feel behind or broken or afraid. I did too. But money doesn’t define your worth. You can rebuild. You can learn. You can thrive.

Even if you’re starting from scratch like I did, that’s not the end of your story, it’s just the beginning.

Let’s keep going together!