“We” To “Me”: Rebuilding Your Financial Life After Divorce
By Neil Stalter, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, CBEC®, CDFA®, Associate Partner | Wealth Manager
& Allison Oberembt, CFP®, Financial Advisor
Divorce changes your life in countless ways—emotionally, logistically, and yes, financially. Whether the decision was yours or not, stepping into a new chapter often comes with uncertainty. But with the right support and guidance, it’s also an opportunity to rebuild from a place of clarity, strength, and purpose.
In our work with women navigating major life transitions, we’ve seen firsthand how empowering it can be to take back control of your finances—even when the path feels overwhelming. Here’s how to begin turning the page from “we” to “me.”
1. Get organized financially
Start by gathering the full picture. What accounts do you own? What do you owe? Which bills are in your name, and which are joint? Knowing what you’re working with is the first step toward making empowered choices.
This might include:
- Bank and investment accounts
- Credit card statements
- Retirement plans
- Mortgage or lease documents
- Insurance policies
- Tax returns
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A trusted financial planner—especially one trained in divorce financial analysis—can walk alongside you, helping you prioritize tasks, stay objective, and avoid costly missteps. You’re not expected to become an expert overnight.
2. Set new goals for your life
Your future may look different than it did before, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful. Divorce can offer a rare opportunity to revisit what you want—on your terms.
You might be thinking about:
- Buying a home on your own
- Returning to school or changing careers
- Planning for solo retirement
- Supporting your children or aging parents
Give yourself permission to dream. Once you have a clear picture of your new goals, a financial plan can help you move toward them with confidence.
3. Protect your credit and cash flow
After divorce, protecting your financial foundation becomes essential. That means more than cutting up old credit cards.
Some smart steps to take:
- Review your credit report for accuracy
- Close joint accounts or remove your name from shared obligations
- Open credit lines in your name to begin establishing or rebuilding your individual credit
- Create a realistic, updated budget based on your current income and expenses
- Rebuild (or begin) your emergency fund
- Update beneficiaries across all accounts
Also, don’t overlook long-term planning. If you were married for ten years or more, you may be eligible for Social Security spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record. Understanding your eligibility and claiming strategy can make a big difference in your retirement income.
4. Redefine wealth on your terms
Wealth doesn’t have to mean a six-figure portfolio. It can mean confidence, independence, and the ability to make choices that align with your values.
As you rebuild, take time to ask:
- What does financial security look like for me now?
- What legacy do I want to leave behind?
- How can I protect what I’m building?
This is a powerful time to revisit your estate plan, update beneficiaries, and ensure your financial life reflects your new reality and your future dreams.
Moving forward with confidence
You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Rebuilding your financial life after divorce is a process—and you deserve a team that respects your journey, listens without judgment, and helps you move forward one step at a time.
We’re here to help you take those steps with clarity and confidence. If you’re ready to start, we’re ready to listen.
Bios
Neil Stalter, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, CBEC®, CDFA® and Allison Oberembt, CFP® are financial advisors with Diamond State Financial Group, working together as a team to provide comprehensive financial planning. Neil, an Associate Partner and Wealth Manager, brings over two decades of experience, ensuring continuity and long-term guidance for their clients. Together, they specialize in helping business owners, women, and pre-retirees navigate wealth management, retirement strategies, and generational planning with confidence.
With a shared commitment to building lasting relationships, they take a collaborative approach to creating personalized strategies that evolve with their clients’ needs. Beyond their work, Neil and Allison are actively involved in their community, supporting charitable initiatives and local organizations.
Disclosures
Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 900 Prides Crossing, Newark, DE 19713.
Diamond State Financial Group
302-366-0366
900 Prides Crossing, Newark, Delaware
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