If you are at the beginning of a divorce journey—or even quietly considering what may come next—it can be helpful to develop a clear understanding of your financial picture sooner rather than later.

For women who have not been the family CFO or been very hands-on in managing the household finances, starting to pull this information together can seem intimidating. Many capable, thoughtful women find that they do not have a complete view of their household finances. This is not a failure or a shortcoming. In many families, financial responsibilities evolve over time, and one partner may naturally take the lead. When circumstances change, it can simply mean there are details you haven’t needed to focus on before.

Regardless of how a client came to the difficult process of divorce, I find they all have the same underlying dread around the uncertainty of money when one household suddenly becomes two.

“Am I going to be okay?”

That question may haunt you in the middle of the night. Or while reviewing documents you never wanted to understand. Or sitting across from your attorney or financial advisor, hoping to find certainty.

You might think that the answer to your question lies in a magic number to seek in settlement. But what you are really asking is not about a number.

Divorce in midlife is not a beginning from scratch. It is a recalibration.

For many women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, this transition comes alongside other changes—children leaving home, evolving careers, aging parents, or a growing desire for clarity about the next chapter.

Financially, the first 90 days after divorce are less about bold moves and more about regaining steadiness. This is a period where thoughtful pacing matters more than decisiveness.

For women searching for a financial advisor during divorce in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, or elsewhere in Maryland, the right support can shape not only the outcome of a settlement, but the confidence with which you move forward. It is also about trust, empathy, and lived understanding. I remember the moment that I first truly felt that I had an advocate supporting me when I went through divorce, and I want to instill that feeling in my clients. Working with a financial advisor who has personally experienced divorce can offer an added layer of value — not because they have all the answers, but because they truly understand the terrain.

Here I share how my personal experience, coupled with my technical expertise distinguishes me as an advisor for divorcées.

Reviewing beneficiary designations is a regular task for our financial planning clients at Clairwell, but you can do this on your own even if your advisor doesn’t.

When women feel confident about their finances, something remarkable happens: doors open. Having control over money doesn’t just mean paying the bills on time or watching an account balance grow — it means having the freedom to make choices that align with your life, your values, and your dreams.

Financial confidence creates space to say yes to new expansive opportunities and no to obligations that no longer serve you. It means being able to walk away from an unhealthy relationship, take a career risk, or fund a cause that lights you up. It allows you to plan for the future without fear and to enjoy the present without guilt.

At its core, money is a tool — and when women feel empowered in using that tool, they gain more than financial security. They gain options, autonomy, and the ability to shape the life they want to live.

Ultimately, the reason why our clients can remain calm in the face of market turbulence is because that volatility we see, the market drops — we ALREADY planned for that. We go into financial planning knowing that we may need to make adjustments to spending and goals along the way, but our investment strategy remains. We planned for a downturn, we are ready to weather it, and ready to take advantage of the recovery when it comes.

Whether you're single, married, divorced, or widowed, understanding the rules surrounding capital gains taxes and the capital gains exclusion is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA is an additional premium that higher-income retirees must pay for their Medicare Part B and Part D coverage. It’s based on your income and applies to individuals or couples whose income exceeds certain thresholds. Essentially, the more you earn, the more you may pay for Medicare premiums, which includes both medical insurance (Part B) and prescription drug coverage (Part D).

Below is a checklist to get you started in being your own cybersecurity team. By following these guidelines, you can enhance the security of your devices, accounts, and personal information, ensuring peace of mind as you navigate

Interest rates are down. Is it time to buy or sell your home? What if you're divorcing?

Time with loved ones with a change of pace and perspective is an invaluable investment, especially when your family has experienced divorce.

After divorce, or with any major life change, update estate documents to prevent a nightmare for your heirs.

Don’t leave money on the table in your divorce. Learn about QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders) and important points to make the most of them in your divorce settlement and your financial plan.

Many people start out managing their own investments. But as their earnings and assets grow, their financial needs and challenges become more complex—and continuing to go at about it alone could prove costly in terms of investing miscues.

We all deserve to feel the hurt or anger or confusion that can come with divorce. But let’s not stay there. Let’s not sit in it. Let’s think about what we can do to truly take care of ourselves and work toward a future of our choosing.

Being in the middle of the “sandwich” heightens life stressors. Our relationships with our older loved ones are taxed and shifting as they decline and are reluctant to relinquish autonomy. How do we navigate this chapter of life?

Planning for health care in early retirement is a crucial component of your overall retirement strategy.