7 Ways for Women To Financially Rebuild After a “Gray Divorce”
Divorce after 50 — often called “gray divorce” — is on the rise, with rates for older couples doubling over the past few decades. And while the reasons for splitting later in life vary, one thing remains consistent: women are at greater risk for financial uncertainty during and after their divorce.
According to the National Center for Family & Marriage Research, women ages 55 to 64 have, on average, 30% less saved for retirement than men. Even more troubling, nearly one-third of divorcing women don’t claim any share of their spouse’s 401(k) or pension — even after decades spent raising children, managing a household, and supporting the family in countless, invaluable ways.
If you fit the bill of a “silver splitter” who needs to work on a strategic plan for her financial big picture, here are seven smart ways to get started.