Finding Financial Footing After a Grey Divorce: A Guide to Rebuilding Your Future

When Linda Matthews found herself single at 57 after a 32-year marriage, her first thought wasn’t about loneliness – it was about money. “I hadn’t managed our finances in decades,” she recalls. “Suddenly, I was facing retirement with half the assets we’d planned for and no idea where to begin.”

Linda’s story is increasingly common. Grey divorce – separation after age 50 – has doubled since 1990, leaving many older adults navigating unfamiliar financial waters during what should be their peak saving years. However, experts and survivors alike say that while challenging, financial independence after a late-life divorce is absolutely achievable.

Understanding the Unique Challenges

Grey divorce presents distinct financial hurdles that younger divorcing couples don’t face. “The timeline for recovery is shorter,” explains financial advisor Maria Rodriguez. “You have fewer working years to rebuild savings, and the impact on retirement can be significant.”

• Division of retirement accounts and pension benefits
• Healthcare coverage transitions
• Limited time to rebuild credit and savings
• Complex asset division involving decades of accumulated wealth
• Adjusting to single-income budgeting near retirement age