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How to Survive Divorce Debt: A No-BS Guide to Scratching Your Way Out

by DubG | Nov 6, 2023 | DIVORCE, DEBT

The Bitter Aftertaste of Freedom: A Brief Intro to Divorce Debt

Divorce debt can often feel like an unwanted party favor you can’t return. When you sign those papers and the gavel hits, you’re not just parting ways with your spouse; you’re potentially inviting a new cumbersome companion into your life: financial strain. Yes, in the grand parting of the marital seas, along with reclaiming your much-missed maiden name, you may also inherit a heap of debt that could send even the sturdiest of financial standings into a tailspin. That’s the kicker with divorce – it’s not just about uncoupling from a person but also detaching from shared goals, dreams, and yes, bank accounts. In that division, debts accrued over the sunny ‘I do’ days can suddenly cast a shadow over your newfound independence, turning what should be a fresh start into a fiscal fiasco. So as you step out solo, it’s crucial to acknowledge this potential side effect of your nuptial conclusion. It’s time to confront the balance sheets of yesterday with the resilience of today because, let’s face it, the only ’till death do us part’ you want after a divorce is from the debts that came with it. When you get divorced, you’re not just saying goodbye to your partner; you’re often waving goodbye to a chunk of your financial security. That’s right, in addition to scoring your last name back, you might also snag a portion of debt that would make your credit card weep.

How to Deal With Post-Divorce Finances: The “I Do” to “I Debt” Transition

Step 1: The “Oh Crap” Budget Review

Assess the damage:

- Look at your finances with the kind of detail you wish you’d looked at your prenup with.
- List out all your debts, from the formidable student loans to the pesky library fines.
- Credit report check: Pull up your credit report.
  - This is your financial report card.
  - It’ll show you the nitty-gritty of what you owe and to whom.

Declining credit scorethe unsubscribing spree: sift through your bank statements for those sneaky auto-renew subscriptions. If you haven’t used that gym membership since the free pizza stopped, it’s time to say goodbye. Your assets count, too. it’s not all about debts. List your assets because that designer bag you never use could be someone else’s treasure on consignment.

Create a Budget Like a Boss:

- Income: List your income sources, even if it’s just finding coins in the couch cushions right now.
- Expenses: Separate needs from wants. Yes, that includes the wine subscription.
- Cutting corners on fixed expenses: Can you refinance your mortgage or negotiate lower car insurance rates? Sometimes a quick call can lead to savings.
- Variable expenses: Track variable expenses like groceries or gas, as they can often be trimmed with smart shopping or carpooling.
- The emergency fund focus: Start putting aside a little, even if it’s just a few dollars each week, to build an emergency fund. This is your financial cushion that says ‘I got you’ when life throws a wrench in your plans.

Step 2: Facing the Debt Monster

Negotiate like your life depends on it.

- Call creditors and negotiate terms like you’re brokering world peace.
- Leverage your payment history: If you’ve been a good payer in the past, remind them of your previous loyalty. Creditors may be more lenient if they see you’ve only recently hit a rough patch.
- Seek out hardship programs: Many creditors have undisclosed hardship programs that can offer temporary reduced interest rates or payment plans. Swallow that pride and ask—it’s like finding a hidden level in a video game, but with real-life benefits.

Snowball vs. Avalanche:

- Snowball Method: Start with small debts to gain momentum.
- Avalanche Method: Tackle high-interest debts first to save on interest.

Step 3: Increase Your Cash Flow

Side hustle

Side Hustles:

- Put your unique skills to work. If you can knit like a wizard, sell those scarves!
- Don’t knock down gig economy opportunities; food delivery might just be your financial savior.
- Monetize your hobby: If you’re crafty, platforms like Etsy are the digital storefronts for your homemade crafts. For every person who doesn’t need a hand-knitted toilet roll cover, there’s someone who does.
- Capitalize on your expertise. Got a knack for numbers or a way with words? Freelance platforms can connect you to people desperate for your skill set. It’s like matchmaking, but for the workforce.

Sell Stuff You Don’t Need:

- This includes your ex’s leftover belongings (with their permission, because we’re not monsters).
- Use platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, or hold the most epic garage sale your street has ever seen.
- Consign for convenience: If selling online seems like a digital maze, consignment shops can be your guide. They sell your goods, and you get cash without the hassle of postage or haggling.
- App it up: Apps like Decluttr or OfferUp can make selling electronics and other items a breeze. They’re like a virtual garage sale, minus the awkward eye contact with neighbors.

Step 4: The Spending Freeze (It’s Not as Bad as It Sounds)

Garage sale

Essentials Only:

- If it’s not essential, it stays on the shelf. Sorry, shiny new gadgets, you’re not making the cut.
- Audit subscriptions: Go through your subscriptions. That magazine from 2002? It’s time to cancel. Keep only what you truly use.
- Use it up: Before buying anything new, use what you have. That half-empty lotion bottle? It’s your new best friend until it’s gone.

DIY Life:

- Embrace your inner MacGyver and DIY the hell out of everything. YouTube is your new best friend.
- Library of Things: Many libraries offer more than books—they have tools and equipment, too. Before buying, check out what you can borrow.
- Repair, don’t replace: When something breaks, research how to fix it before throwing it out. There are repair tutorials for almost everything.

The Art of Scrimping Without Scrimping on Life

Just because you’re saving doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life. Get creative with your entertainment options and discover how much fun, free can be.
Cultivate Cheap Hobbies: Gardening, hiking, or volunteering doesn’t cost much, but they’re rich in experience.
Potluck Dinners: Instead of dining out, host potluck dinners. They’re the social butterflies of budget-friendly living.

The Accountability Buddy System

Find a friend who’s as broke as you or one who’s a frugal ninja. They’ll help you stay on track, and you can return the favor.
Joint Goal Setting: Set shared financial goals with your buddy. It’s easier to stick to a budget when you’re not going it alone.
Challenge each other: Who can save the most this month? Friendly competition can fuel your savings fire.

FAQ

Question	Answer
Who is responsible for debt after divorce?	In the world of ‘who gets the goldfish and who gets the heartache,’ figuring out who’s responsible for debt after divorce is like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. It’s complicated. Generally, you’re both on the hook for any debts conjured up during the matrimonial magic show. But hey, if we could split debt as easily as we split dinner bills with friends, we’d all be living in La La Land, wouldn’t we? Instead, we’re often shackled by not just the emotional but also the financial remnants of a love gone kaput.
Am I responsible for my husband’s debts if we divorce?	Maybe. If those debts were wracked up during the marriage, like a buy one, get one free deal, you could be looking at a two-for-one special where debt is concerned. Joint accounts? Joint loans? That’s the financial equivalent of ‘for better or for worse.’ But sometimes, if you can prove that his splurges were more frivolous than a peacock at a singles bar, you might just wriggle out of paying for his mid-life crisis on wheels.
In what states are you responsible for your spouse’s debt?	In ‘community property’ states like California and Texas, debts are like family recipes—they get passed down. So if your betrothed borrowed money for anything from a blender to a bulldozer, that could be yours to bear as well. Meanwhile, in ‘equitable distribution’ states, the judge plays financial matchmaker, divvying up debts based on who’s best suited to handle them, which is a polite way of saying who can shoulder the fiscal burden without keeling over.
Should I pay off personal debt before divorce?	As for paying off personal debts before you bid adieu, well, isn’t hindsight a sarcastic little know-it-all? Paying down debts pre-divorce is like cleaning the house before the cleaner comes—it just makes sense. It’s less for you to fight over and one less reason for your soon-to-be ex to haunt your dreams. But if your wallet’s already gasping for air, focus on keeping your head above water. Sometimes you’ve got to play financial triage and stop the bleeding before you can heal.