Financial Tips for the Newly Divorced

If you find yourself amongst the recently divorced population, you may be feeling not just the loss of a partner, but also the absence of the second paycheck. Chances are pretty good that you have lived your life based on two incomes, and now that you are the sole provider there are some changes that will need to be made. First thing is to figure out what you can live on by compiling your bills and adding them up, along with your weekly food and gas expenses.

If your rent or mortgage is more than you can handle, you can search out either a smaller more affordable apartment or if obligated by a mortgage, you can try to refinance or put the home on the market for sale. Selling your home is likely to yield you a profit which you can put into savings.

There are some quick things you can do to help you through the first year, such as reducing your cable and cell phone bills. Many of us have more channels than we watch, and now would be a good time to check to see what you are paying for and remove any channels or extra cable boxes that you do not need. Your cell phone bill can be brought down to basic usage, removing any extra features and also choosing a plan with fewer minutes.

Food shopping will take some getting used to, especially if you have been in a long relationship. You will probably want to either buy smaller packages of things such as meat, or freeze the balance if you have gotten them on sale. Always make a list and use coupons, along with checking local flyers for the best deals. Eating at home and bringing your lunch to work will save you from putting extra strain on your wallet.

If you find that after doing everything humanly possible you still do not have enough to live on, then you may want to take on a part-time job to offset your expenses. This may be harder, especially if you have children to provide for. However, nothing is impossible and part-time jobs can be done at home, online.

Changing your lifestyle is hard enough without having to go through a divorce. Now that it is just you (and your children if you have them), you will have to alter your budget and spending habits to sustain your lifestyle. Cutting back where necessary will give you greater flexibility with your budget.