No, this blog is not turning into a ‘divorce’ blog, I promise.  But someone asked me the other day how I was ever going to manage my debt that I had left from the divorce and my mortgage, three kids, and everything else I have to pay for.  She scared me a little and I wondered if Divorce and Debt management was even possible.

So, I started doing some research.  I really, really, don’t want to file for bankruptcy – in fact, I don’t think I even qualify – so I needed to find some solutions and fast.  Luckily, I can turn to my trusty resource, Genworth Financial, to get some ideas.

Now, other than calling the credit card companies and begging for a lower rate – usually you will receive it – and selling every asset you have to stay afloat, there are things you can do to help plan and make your income stretch.  Like consulting a reputable financial adviser and seeing if there are any options!

 Now, I know what you are thinking, “How can I afford a financial adviser when I can’t pay my debt?”  Surprisingly, they are not that expensive.  In fact, there are some really great, independent ones that are knee deep in taxes right now but, during the rest of the year give expert, personal, financial advice for a very reasonable rate.  They are a lot cheaper than that bulky cost of actually filing for bankruptcy too!  And if they can help me stretch my dollar and pay all of my responsibilities and still pay for groceries, then they are perfect for someone like me!

Because now, more than ever, as this article on Women and Money: Why You Need to Take Control Now, explains, I need to think of money as a way to achieve my goals.  And to achieve a debt free lifestyle, I need to commit and plan and get it done.

It can be done and I know where I can cut and what I can afford in order to protect the high credit score I have worked my whole life to achieve.

Do you have any advice for those who struggle with debt?  I’d love to hear it!

Information for this post is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network.” All writings and opinions are my own.  Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.