Get Off Your Assets

Reviews / Votes

Financial-literacy materials tend to focus on the needs of younger adults to establish their economic independence. But a growing audience for financial-literacy advice is women of retirement age going through a divorce. Godfrey is an experienced finance professional and a thrice-divorced woman; both identities allow her to share insights, knowledge, and empathy with her target audience. Using quizzes, worksheets, and cautionary tales, Godfrey provides direct guidance for readers to learn about their individual financial circumstances, how to alter those circumstances, and what must be considered when divorcing late in life to ensure a healthy financial future. From creating a "money map" (asking "what money habits do I want to change?") to establishing a "no magic money log" (a budgeting exercise) and assembling a personal financial team including a financial advisor, accountant, and perhaps a forensic accountant, Godfrey provides readers with enough information to begin improving their financial outlook as they also manage divorce proceedings, without being overwhelmed with complicated terminology or unnecessarily specific finance jargon. Due to the focus on a growing demographic and the current lack of resources with this specific lens, this title is highly recommended for public-library collections. * Booklist, Starred Review * Neale describes why gray divorce for women is different. She shares real stories of divorce that illuminate transition, trauma, anticipation, anxiety, and excitement; she successfully steers the reader with fun headings toward self-reflection, resources and action steps. All the while, Neale underscores the importance of being prepared and building the "right" professional team. Readers, take comfort in knowing you are not alone, and you will see the light at the end of the tunnel! -- Lili Vasileff, CFP, MAFF, CDFA, author of Money & Divorce: The Essential Roadmap to Mastering Financial Decisions; president of the national Association of Divorce Financial Planners