Based on the net worth from spreadsheets, the above graph shows husband’s and wife’s comparative net worth over the coming 20 years. The husband earns $150,000. The wife earns $50,000. Assets are divided 50/50. The downward slope to her net worth following her retirement indicates a need for adjustment in her financial management or her divorce settlement. Possible solutions include:
1) Dividing the assets disproportionately, with 55% to wife. In Texas, this is often done when the earnings are unequal or the wife has remained with children rather than developing a career. Naturally, this is a matter for negotiation.
2) The wife could reduce her spending in order to achieve a successful financial future.
3) She could purchase a lower-priced home than planned.
4) She could delay retirement
5) She could retrain for a more lucrative career.
6) She could receive alimony during the period of retraining. (Again, this is only by negotiation in Texas, since few women qualify for court-ordered maintenance).
