Savoring Financial Success Post Divorce

During the course of my marriage to Varg, we were constantly teetering on the brink of economic disaster. Our debts exceeded our income, which often left me reeling in a state of high anxiety and despair. He was self-employed most of the time and often receivables were either late or not forthcoming. His reckless spending and personal guarantees of business debts (without my knowledge) drove us into bankruptcy. The financial insecurity was so stressful I suffered from adrenal fatigue. Whenever I would manage to save $10, 000 or $15,000 into an IRA or 401K, he would force me to cash it out to pay bills. I was 56 when we separated and had no income or savings. When we sold the house I fought tooth and nail to get my half (more on that later), but sadly, that was only half of the assets I brought into the marriage. Still, it afforded me the opportunity to buy a condo by the beach and in just a few short years, I was lucky to build some equity and restore my credit rating.

I got a great job with generous benefits that include bonuses and awards for being a top seller. This year alone I’ve earned two all expense paid trips as a member of my company’s Sales Leadership Club. I’ve had the good fortune to go Panama in April and I just returned from Bermuda. On both occasions there was awards banquet where I was honored and recognized for my success and presented with a gold ring with a diamond for every year I earned the trip. It’s quite an honor and accomplishment.  I’m very proud. In addition, I’ve developed a side business that has become very lucrative, with residual income, so even though I work very hard, I make money while I’m sleeping. In a few years, I should be able to retire. I could never have done any of this while I was married to Varg. He was too needy and he put me down so much I had lost confidence in myself.

That’s all changed. I now wake up every morning eager to start my day as I look forward to the bright possibilities ahead of me knowing that I am taking care of myself and no one is ever going take that away from me.