Why Women Stay Financially Stuck After Divorce (And How to Break Free)
Tue Feb 03 2026
In this episode, Leah Hadley dives into a topic that breaks her heart—and one she sees time and time again: capable, intelligent women feeling financially stuck after finalizing their divorce.
Key Takeaways:
- Why Financial Stagnation Happens: Leah Hadley explains that staying stuck isn’t about a lack of knowledge—most women know what they should be doing—it’s about what’s happening beneath the surface after divorce.
- Five Main Reasons Women Stay Financially Stuck:
Decision fatigue after lengthy, emotionally loaded choices.
Identity shift from financial decisions as a couple to doing it solo.
Fear disguised as procrastination, making it easier to avoid money matters.
Lack of support and accountability, especially since money isn’t talked about openly.
The shame spiral, where feeling stuck leads to self-blame and even more avoidance.
- How To Break Free: Leah Hadley offers five practical, empathetic guidance for moving forward:
Acknowledge where you are and break the shame spiral.
Start small—even one tiny financial action makes a difference.
Create consistent touchpoints, like joining Leah’s free live show, "Intentional Money Moves," every Tuesday at noon ET on YouTube.
Get support and accountability (learn about "The Empowered Sisterhood" community for ongoing encouragement and real answers).
Rewrite your story; focus on progress and learning rather than perfection.
Action Step for Listeners: Take just one small financial action this week—open an account, track your expenses, join the community, or show up for the live show. Break out of inertia and build momentum, no matter how small the step feels.
Resources Mentioned:
Intentional Money Moves live show: Tuesdays at noon ET, free, interactive, and found on the "Watch Her Thrive" YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@watchherthrive
The Empowered Sisterhood: Membership program for women navigating financial transitions, now only $59/month. https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood
Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/
YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights
Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.
More
In this episode, Leah Hadley dives into a topic that breaks her heart—and one she sees time and time again: capable, intelligent women feeling financially stuck after finalizing their divorce. Key Takeaways: - Why Financial Stagnation Happens: Leah Hadley explains that staying stuck isn’t about a lack of knowledge—most women know what they should be doing—it’s about what’s happening beneath the surface after divorce. - Five Main Reasons Women Stay Financially Stuck: Decision fatigue after lengthy, emotionally loaded choices. Identity shift from financial decisions as a couple to doing it solo. Fear disguised as procrastination, making it easier to avoid money matters. Lack of support and accountability, especially since money isn’t talked about openly. The shame spiral, where feeling stuck leads to self-blame and even more avoidance. - How To Break Free: Leah Hadley offers five practical, empathetic guidance for moving forward: Acknowledge where you are and break the shame spiral. Start small—even one tiny financial action makes a difference. Create consistent touchpoints, like joining Leah’s free live show, "Intentional Money Moves," every Tuesday at noon ET on YouTube. Get support and accountability (learn about "The Empowered Sisterhood" community for ongoing encouragement and real answers). Rewrite your story; focus on progress and learning rather than perfection. Action Step for Listeners: Take just one small financial action this week—open an account, track your expenses, join the community, or show up for the live show. Break out of inertia and build momentum, no matter how small the step feels. Resources Mentioned: Intentional Money Moves live show: Tuesdays at noon ET, free, interactive, and found on the "Watch Her Thrive" YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@watchherthrive The Empowered Sisterhood: Membership program for women navigating financial transitions, now only $59/month. https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions: IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.