How to downsize after a divorce

Content Type: Article

Yes, you can enjoy your single life and not break the bank. Here are 7 strategies to help you save money post-divorce.

By Chanize Thorpe

Millie, a content program about women and money, is licensed from Dotdash Meredith, publisher of Real Simple, InStyle, Investopedia, The Balance and more.

After my 22-year marriage ended, I had to revamp my life—and revise my spending habits. It took a while to adjust, but I hit my stride by making some simple changes. As I experienced first-hand, going through a divorce can be expensive. But you can get back on track financially, and keep the fun in your life, with these money-saving tips.

Furnish your new place on the cheap—or even for free

When I moved into a studio apartment, I left most of my furniture behind in my marital home. To furnish my new place, I turned to resale stores, which sells gently used home goods and more, and I found an Ethan Allen loveseat in great condition for $15 and other inexpensive furniture. Often, resale stores donate a portion of profits to charities too—so you’re getting a deal and helping others.

You can also get goods for free via online market places or by connecting with groups like the Buy Nothing Project, a community of more than five million people worldwide who give, receive and lend a plethora of goods and services—with no money ever exchanged.
Consider prepared meals

Tired of wasting money and not always in the mood to cook for one, I turned to meal delivery programs that offered single-serving meals, starting at $12.99, that don’t require any prep. I found a variety of options for specific diets, such as a Keto mushroom burger, vegan Korean tofu veggie bowl and pescatarian-friendly sweet chili shrimp. HelloFresh, for example, offers recipes and ingredients for two-serving meals (leftovers!) for the days I do decide to use my kitchen.
Learn to DIY repairs

If you have a place with a landlord, you’ll likely be able to contact them when you need repairs. However, if you bought a new home, you’ll discover just how expensive certain maintenance jobs can be. Become handy-dandy by taking free or low-cost virtual classes to help you learn how to unclog toilets or even install a new one. You can check out YouTube for tutorials.
Cut the (cable) cord

For many, the idea of getting rid of cable is scary. However, investing in a smart TV which has many network channels included, can be a better deal. (I got my 43-inch Roku on sale at BJ’s Wholesale Club for $219. The original price was $289.) Streaming television is where it’s at—and can be cheaper than the average cable bill.
Choose a cost-efficient car

As you make life changes, you might want to consider switching out your car. For 50-year-old Kari O’Driscoll, a post-divorce move from Seattle to a smaller home in Southern California with her children prompted an automotive adjustment. She sold her Nissan Leaf and invested in a Tesla electric car. “It was more expensive, but with the tax incentives and rebates, plus the fact gas is nearly $5 a gallon here, I’ve saved a ton of money,” she says. “There are free charging ports all over, I’m driving less than I ever did before and I’m not contributing to more pollution.”
Get higher learning for less

Want to take a few courses for fun or to enhance your professional education? Check your local library. Some of my computer skills needed refreshing, so I signed up for free classes in Microsoft Word, Excel and website building. You can also take free or low-cost online classes in many subjects at top-tier universities such as Harvard and Yale through massive open online courses, also known as MOOCs. These are offered by a wide range of colleges, companies and trade groups.
Expand your horizons

Getting out of the house can bolster your mental health and improve your quality of life. There are online social clubs that list thousands of daily in-person and virtual events and are a terrific resource. You can join a free group to learn a new language or meet up with other singles for concerts, sporting games and more. Or consider solo travel: You can book a trip with an affordable, single-friendly tour operator. Sometimes, they’ll waive the solo supplement fee.

Chanize Thorpe is an African American lifestyle writer and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Her work has appeared in dozens of national publications and websites for more than 20 years.