Are your divorced female clients too nervous to spend their wealth? Here’s how a financial expert can help

Even if your clients receive a generous financial settlement as part of their divorce, they might feel apprehensive about spending their wealth.

Women often have to adapt to a new financial reality following a separation, which can lead to uncertainty and a heightened sense of caution around money.

While mindful spending is an essential part of budgeting and effective financial planning, if you have clients who feel too nervous to use their wealth, this could result in:

• A lower quality of life
• Neglecting essential spending
• Feeling deprived and resentful
• Missing out on meaningful life experiences
• Losing out on valuable investment opportunities
• Never-ending financial stress – underspending can reinforce anxiety
• Accumulating wealth for the sake of it (rather than to achieve their goals).

Keep reading to find out why your divorced female clients may be too nervous to spend their wealth and learn how a financial expert can help them make more informed spending decisions.

7 common reasons why divorced women may feel anxious about spending money

Your divorced female clients may worry about loosening the purse strings due to a combination of financial and psychological factors, including:

1. A significant fall in household income

Research by Legal & General (7 February 2024) shows that, on average, women see their household income fall by 41% in the year following divorce, while men only see their income drop by 21%.

This “divorce gap” could be due to several factors, such as unequal earning power and caring responsibilities.

A woman who shifts to a single-income household following a separation might find it harder to cover the essentials. This could trigger a “scarcity mindset” – the belief that there is never enough money – which could lead to anxiety about spending.

2. Increased living costs

If your female clients have switched from a dual- to a single-income household, they’re likely facing increased living costs.

Instead of sharing expenses such as a mortgage, utilities, and insurance, your single clients will have to cover the full cost themselves, effectively doubling their outgoings.

Your clients might be interested to read: Why you may need to save more for your retirement if you’re single

3. Guilt over spending money on themselves

Women frequently put others first. Indeed, figures published by Carers UK (8 March 2024) show that of the 5 million people providing unpaid care in England and Wales, 59% are female.

As such, divorced women may be inclined to feel guilty about spending money on themselves, especially if they have children. This tendency could be exacerbated if finances become tighter following divorce.

4. A lack of financial confidence

If a woman is used to making financial decisions as a couple, or her ex-partner took the lead on financial matters, managing their wealth alone might feel overwhelming.

What’s more, the experience of divorce might have undermined your clients’ trust in their decision-making capabilities.

5. Reduced earning power

According to HR Magazine (25 November 2025), women are 12 times more likely than men to take a career break to care for children. Stepping back from paid employment, reducing working hours, or pausing progression could all affect a woman’s earning power.

As a result, a divorced woman might struggle to earn enough to cover her potentially increased costs following a separation.

6. Worries about their long-term financial security

Worries about future instability could drive a need to save excessively and a reluctance to spend.

For example, a divorced woman may need to save more for a single retirement, and a fear of running out of money in later life might lead her to overcompensate by cutting all non-essential spending.

7. Stress and decision fatigue

The emotional strain of divorce and the seemingly endless decisions a woman has to make during the process (such as whether to keep the family house or her pension rights) could take their toll.

As a result, your divorced female clients might make decisions based on feelings such as fear rather than logically reviewing the numbers and working out what’s affordable.

How an empathetic female financial expert can help divorced women overcome anxiety about spending

Having a clear financial roadmap in place can remove the uncertainty your female clients might feel following divorce.

I use sophisticated cashflow modelling software to help women better understand their financial situation following a separation. Once your clients have a solid grasp of the numbers, we can create a financial plan that includes spending as well as saving and investing for the future.

Many divorced women who feel anxious about spending just need the reassurance that “You can afford this. It’s safe to spend.”

I grew up with divorced parents, and I am one of the only female financial planners in the UK who specialises in working with women pre- and post-divorce. As such, I can offer the empathetic, practical, and emotional support your clients need to rebuild their confidence around money and enjoy their wealth while also saving for their futures.

Get in touch

If you’re keen to overcome the psychological biases that might be holding you back financially, I can help.

Through regular reviews and objective, impartial advice, I can guide you towards data-driven decisions, rather than emotional ones.

To find out more, please get in touch by email at lottie@truefinancialdesign.co.uk or call 03300 889138.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning, cashflow planning.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts. 

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

Approved by 2plan wealth management Ltd 15/1/26.