Divorce is a challenging and emotional process, no matter what age you are. However, when it happens later in life, it can have a significant impact on your retirement plans. Whether you’ve been married for decades or just a few years, a divorce can throw a wrench into your retirement plans, leaving you wondering how to move forward. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the ways divorce later in life can affect your retirement plan.
Splitting retirement assets
One of the most significant ways divorce can affect retirement planning is the division of assets. In most cases, retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, are considered marital property and are subject to division during divorce. This means that any retirement savings accumulated during the marriage may need to be split between the two parties. This division can have a significant impact on your retirement savings, especially if you were counting on those assets to provide for your future.
Decreased income
Divorce can also lead to a decrease in income, which can make it difficult to save for retirement. If you’re no longer married, you may be responsible for paying for expenses that were previously shared. This can include everything from housing costs to healthcare expenses. Additionally, if you were the spouse who earned less income, you may have been counting on spousal support to help you make ends meet. However, if that support is no longer available, you may need to adjust your retirement plan accordingly.
Delayed retirement
Divorce can also delay retirement, especially if you’re the spouse who was relying on your partner’s income or retirement savings. If you need to rebuild your retirement savings or find a way to make up for lost income, you may need to delay retirement until you can do so. Additionally, if you were planning on retiring together and your spouse is no longer in the picture, you may need to adjust your retirement plans accordingly.
Changes in healthcare coverage
Divorce can also affect healthcare coverage, which can have a significant impact on retirement planning. If you were covered under your spouse’s healthcare plan, you may need to find alternative coverage after the divorce. This can be particularly challenging if you have pre-existing conditions or need ongoing medical care. Additionally, healthcare costs can be a significant expense in retirement, and changes to your coverage can impact your overall retirement plan.
Divorce later in life can have a significant impact on your retirement plan. Whether it’s the division of retirement assets, a decrease in income, delayed retirement, or changes in healthcare coverage, there are many factors to consider. If you’re going through a divorce, it’s essential to work with a financial advisor who can help you navigate these challenges and adjust your retirement plan accordingly. While divorce can be a challenging and emotional process, it’s essential to stay focused on your long-term goals and work towards a secure retirement.
All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.