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Maintain your financial autonomy for extra peace of mind
In the meantime, they will focus on volunteer work, which is epic.
However, on our last phone conversation, I went straight to the questions:
What income do you have outside of your spouse?
What will you do for income in the meantime?
Do you have any savings of your own?
What is your next career move?
It does appear they will be bringing in some income for a short period via some benefits while attending classes for a short period, but that is only a temporary solution.
I always emphasize the importance of having your sh*t to my friend to encourage further financial preparation and independence because now they will entirely rely on their spouse for income.
It’s not the worst thing in the world; they’re pleased together, but it’s also not the best because if they lost their primary income source, they’d be SOL.
Don’t Give Up Your Financial Independence For Nobody
Not too long ago, I learned about a woman that gave up her job for her husband, and he ended up surprise divorcing her not too long after.
I don’t believe the worst situations will happen. Instead, you should prioritize your financial well-being – even if you’re partnered.
I’ve never been blind-sided by a partner, nor have I ever been financially independent on a partner. But I’ve seen many people stuck and caught up in financially codependent relationships. They can’t leave because of financial reasons.
When a partner and I ended, we could successfully go our separate ways and care for ourselves without the other because we both had the means to do so. It was an easy and seamless ending.
Did I plan for it?
Not necessarily, but I always prepared as if I were on my own, so things would never be a financial surprise if things went differently.
Ask Yourself The Question
Would you be okay if your spouse were to hand you divorce papers or your partner canceled the lease or walked out on you?
If not, this article is your wake-up call to ensure you always maintain financial independence, even in the perfect and happiest situations.
Two of my friends got kicked out of their homes by their partners. One ended up on the couch of a coworker. The other had to go back and live with their parents.
Thankfully they both had people to go to, but it’s always a better option if you can take care of yourself and maintain your financial independence with or without your current or previous partner’s assistance.
Financial independence = options, power, and autonomy.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.