Financial Independence Planning During Marital Transition

A client came to Interchange Capital Partners during one of life's most challenging transitions: the end of her 30-year marriage. Throughout the marriage, she and her husband had maintained separate financial accounts; she had accumulated considerable wealth on her own while he covered their living expenses. This arrangement left her unaware of their overall financial picture. As she contemplated life on her own, she needed clarity about her financial future and confidence that she could maintain her lifestyle independently.

The client's planning needs included:

• Financial clarity: Assessment of existing assets and income sources to establish baseline financial position

• Independence planning: Validation of ability to maintain desired lifestyle without spousal financial support

• Expense restructuring: Understanding of post-separation housing, living, and discretionary expenses

• Professional coordination: Access to qualified legal and estate planning professionals

Recognizing that financial planning during major life transitions requires both analytical rigor and emotional support, Interchange developed a comprehensive strategy using our Spend, Live, Give™ framework, providing not just calculations but peace and clarity about her path forward. 

Key steps included:

• Connecting the client with an experienced divorce attorney and coordinating legal proceedings

• Conducting a thorough analysis of the client's retirement accounts, investments, and income sources to establish a complete financial picture

• Providing financial guidance during the asset discovery phase when hidden marital assets were identified

• Collaborating with the client to project independent living expenses, including housing, utilities, healthcare, and discretionary spending

• Creating Spend, Live, Give™ allocations that demonstrated financial viability for independent living across multiple time horizons

The planning process revealed what she had hoped to hear: she was in an excellent position for financial independence. When asset discovery later uncovered significant additional marital property, her financial picture became even brighter, opening new possibilities for her future. 

Interchange quickly adapted to manage her dramatically changed circumstances:

• Arranging an immediate consultation with an estate planning attorney to address wealth transfer considerations

• Incorporating philanthropic objectives into an updated estate plan structure

After successfully navigating her transition to financial independence and updating her estate plan, the client’s journey took an unexpected turn with her sudden passing. Interchange extended the partnership by: 

• Providing ongoing support for estate settlement and trust establishment following the client's passing

• Continuing a comprehensive financial planning relationship with estate beneficiaries, including trust coordination and investment management

What began as a search for financial clarity during a difficult life transition became a lasting relationship built on trust, empathy, and expertise. From guiding her toward financial independence to honoring her legacy through strategic estate planning, Interchange stood by her side—and later, by her family’s. Through each chapter of this journey, Interchange has remained a steady and compassionate partner.

Interchange Capital Partners, LLC is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This communication should not be deemed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. Interchange Capital Partners does not provide investment advice prior to entering into an investment management agreement. Interchange Capital Partners does not provide investment advice prior to entering into an investment management agreement. Interchange Capital Partners, LLC does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability.