How to Handle Your Finances During Life Changes

Life is a journey filled with transitions, some expected and others unexpected. Learn tips to navigate these transitions with confidence.

Is your life changing? Big moments like entering college, tying the knot, welcoming a new baby, or going through a divorce can significantly impact your financial situation. Here's how to manage your finances through these transitions:

Going to College:

• Research Financial Aid Options: Explore scholarships, grants, student loans, and work-study programs to help finance your education.
• Create a Realistic Budget: Calculate your expenses while attending college, including tuition, books, fees, and living costs.
• Consider Part-Time Work: If your schedule isn’t too busy, find part-time work to help cover expenses and reduce reliance on loans.
• Minimize Debt: Borrow only what you need and consider alternatives like community college or online courses to reduce costs.
• Employer Tuition Assistance: Check if your employer offers tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.

Getting Married:

• Have Open Discussions: Talk about your financial goals, spending habits, debts, and assets with your partner.
• Create Financial Goals: Establish short-term and long-term financial goals together, such as buying a home, saving for retirement, or starting a family.
• Set Up an Emergency Fund: Start to contribute to an emergency fund together to cover unexpected expenses.
• Budget for a Wedding or Honeymoon: Discuss and set a budget for the wedding or honeymoon expenses, considering factors like venue, catering, attire, and travel costs

Having a baby:

• Review Health Insurance Coverage: Understand your health insurance coverage for prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care. Consider any out-of-pocket expenses you may have.
• Budget for Newborn Expenses: Factor in expenses like diapers, formula, childcare, and medical costs.
• Review Leave Policies: Understand your rights to parental leave and any paid time off available to you and your partner.
• Start or Add to an Emergency Fund: Prepare for unexpected expenses that may arise during pregnancy or after the baby arrives.
• Review Life Insurance and Wills: Update your life insurance policies and wills to provide for your child in the event of the unexpected.

Divorce:

• Assess Your Financial Situation: Understand your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses and plan for separating your finances.
• Close Joint Accounts: Close joint bank accounts and credit cards.
• Create a New Budget: Adjust your budget based on your new income and expenses. Consider factors such as child support and potential legal fees. Consider seeking financial advice to rebuild your savings and retirement accounts.
• Update Legal Documents: Revise your will, power of attorney, and beneficiaries on insurance policies and retirement accounts.
• Build Your Own Credit: Establish credit in your own name if you haven’t already done so.

Regardless of the life change you're experiencing, seeking financial advice when needed, and being proactive about managing your finances can help you navigate these transitions more smoothly!