LEARNING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FROM....A CELEBRITY??

I had originally written this week's blog post on the ins and outs of spousal maintenance, but couldn't resist commenting on recently released financial details of the indie darling, Zooey Deschanel's split with Death Cab for Cutie frontman, Ben Gibbard. Often, we hear news of celebs spending way beyond their means, owning property they can't afford, and ultimately, dissolution disaster with massive amounts of debt to divide. Not the case with this particular couple.

This week, gossip blogs were filled with chatter about Deschanel's financial statement filed by her divorce attorney. I think we can all learn a little something from her apparently responsible budgeting. According to Deschanel's financial statement, she spends less than a quarter of her total monthly earnings. Additionally, she carries zero balance on each of her three credit cards. Yes, I'm well aware than we don't all earn $95,000 a month for starring in a hit TV show. However, we've all heard the saying, “you spend what you make.”

I'm not here to lecture on the dangers of overspending. However, in a world where divorce happens, and happens often, it's important to consider potential financial implications. The least complicated divorces (not involving children) tend to be the ones where there is limited debt to divide. After all, no one wants to walk away from a divorce saddled with massive amounts of debt—especially if you have nothing to show for it. It's a new year, and I plan to make some financial changes. How about you?