Thankful for...Celebrating Second Chances

.  A part of our practice of most people in Active Rain know...is devoted to  our niche in divorce.  Emotions can run high, tempers shorter than usual and common sense can sometimes give way to clouds of emotion. It is the end of a  life chapter that was not supposed to end,,,it was supposed to be a happily ever after for "as long as they both shall live."  It turns out that sometimes "as long as they both shall live...and shall love" are not the  same thing in every relationship.

    In most marriages, in our experience, one person is responsible for money management. There may be (we think in the healthiest of relationships) a discussion of financial goals,  joint decisions on major purchases and their timing...a meeting of the minds on investments...but generally, one person pays bills and often is the "financial planner" in the relationship.  Built on trust, very often, the "willing partner" trusts those financial decisions and doesn't actively participate in the financial part of the marriage.  All of a sudden....for the less involved financial person there are decisions to be made about spending...sometimes increasing income..pursuing or renewing a career...bills to pay. investments to choose...All unfamiliar territory with a very immediate timeline on when the learning for this new way of life must begin. 

     Along with all of this there is the issue of credit...which can mean establishing it ...OR repairing it.  Finances can also be a weapon in divorce before proceedings begin...charge cards  are maxed out...investments and savings accounts disappear...college funds that once were...are no longer...all kinds of surprises. That financial safety net that always supposed to be there...is gone.

    Soooo...there are no choices...life goes on and it means picking up the financial pieces and making a new life with a different plan.  The changes are many and sometimes difficult.  There is the self reliance that now has to be with a new plan...part of that is often building or re building credit. When we are asked, we assist in that process...the offer is there if someone chooses to take advantage of it. Sometimes it can involve the suggestion of a team ...an accountant, a financial advisor...an analysis of what there is in the present...and what the goals are for the future. The planning is lifelong...and the celebrations along the way mark the milestones achieved thru the education and discipline that the "suddenly single" person has come to enjoy when the learning has been rewarding.

    We recently got to be a part of one such celebration...an increase of 200 points in a credit score and downpayment for a house saved ! Not only is the "newly single" person grateful....we are as well for being able to be a small part of the process that provided the guidance needed to accomplish this goal.

     There are new "Happily ever afters" and we are so thankful that in a small way...we get to be a part of them and welcome the celebration.

     This has been a gratitude post brought to you by Sally K. & David L. Hanson, Broker Associates with EXP Realty honored to be of service for all things real estate in southeastern Wisconsin.