Why gray divorce is a significant financial risk for women

From CNBC:

Gray divorce, or divorce at age 50 and older, has increased significantly over the past decades. In 2019, 36% of Americans who divorced were in this age group, up from 8% in 1970. For adults over 65, the rate tripled, while divorce rates declined among younger adults.

Financial implications of gray divorce disproportionately affect women, with studies showing household income drops between 23% and 40% for women post-divorce. Men may even see an increase in income. Women’s lower earnings, traditional roles as caregivers, and limited time to recover financially contribute to this disparity.

Women can take steps to protect themselves financially in anticipation of divorce. It’s crucial for women to be actively involved in household finances, have access to their own funds, consider saving for retirement, strategize Social Security claiming, save alimony payments, and potentially consider prenuptial or postnuptial agreements to safeguard their financial future.



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