House and Home - Experts and Resources

When You Need A Secure Phone Line Just For You

Protecting your privacy with Line2

Posted to by First Wives World on Tue, 01/10/2012 - 8:00am

In the stress and confusion of separating households, it often becomes necessary to maintain boundaries around what’s yours and what’s his. And as one life becomes two, you may find that your phone is ringing with people who are still in the dark regarding your situation, with calls from your lawyer, or perhaps from your newfound friends here at First Wives World.

Enter a smart, new App called Line2, a mobile communications app that adds a second line to your existing Android or Apple device, and turns your iPad into a desktop phone, enabling you to have a completely private second line without needing a second phone.

You can use this line for logistics surrounding your divorce, or perhaps when you’re ready to start dating again and meet new people, drawing clear lines around your newly private space and setting up a new phone number that belongs to you and only to you; one that marks a fresh, new, independent start.

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Avoid The Leaky Faucet Blues

Tips on finding the right handy man

Posted to by Debbie Nigro on Fri, 10/07/2011 - 8:01am

For many divorced women, the ex-husband was also the handy man. So what do you do when the faucet starts a-leakin' and the floorboards start a-creakin'? Don't call your ex...call a real handy man! Watch as Debbie chats with Interior Designer Sharon McCormick and learns how to find a great one.

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Don't Dis the Dad After Divorce!

Tips on how to bite your tongue, even though it can be painful

Posted to by Debbie Nigro on Sat, 10/01/2011 - 8:39am

Debbie talks with Amanda Lamb, author of Smotherhood - Wickedly Funny Confessions From the Early Years, about why you shouldn't talk negatively about your former spouse in front of your kids. Amanda shares tips on how to bite your tongue, even though it can be painful (so painful, we know!).

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Tips For Post-Divorce Parenting

Making a welcoming space for kids is critical

Posted to by Rachel Small on Thu, 09/15/2011 - 9:03am

Simon Baker's book, How To Be A Great Divorced Dad gives practical advice on setting up a home to accommodate the needs of visiting children. While Mr. Baker's book is written to men, I thought some of the tips were useful for both parents. In particular, parents with children sleeping over need to have a gameplan so that their home offers an atmosphere where children will feel welcome and comfortable.

Here are a few tips:

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What Is Your Value As Stay At Home Mother To The Courts In a Divorce Settlement?

Posted to by Maryann Kelly on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 9:24am

When faced with divorce, how does a traditional SAHM (stay-at-home mom or wife) assess her financial value? And, more importantly, will the courts agree? The short answer to this question is that a good mother and devoted wife is a priceless blessing in any family. There is just no amount of money that can be attached to this role.

While each state has different laws on divorce, generally speaking I believe the courts are fairly sympathetic to the stay-at-home wife and mom when a marriage commitment fails. They understand this woman has often sacrificed advanced education and work experience to be head of the household.

My main concern is a much more dire concern than the courts not being supportive. I think the biggest risk to these women is the integrity and earning capacity of their former spouses.

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Managing Your Finances As A Newly Single Woman

Learning to track your expenses post-divorce

Posted to by First Wives World on Sun, 02/06/2011 - 8:33am

Below is a sample budget worksheet, a reminder of sorts, to help provide you with an overall generalized summary of what you need to budget for each month as you plan for your life post-divorce. Above all, it's important to think through everything before you make a settlement with your STBHX, particularly if you have children.


HOME:           

  • Mortgage or Rent           
  • Homeowners/Renters Insurance           
  • Property Taxes           
  • Home Repairs/Maintenance/HOA Dues           
  • Home Improvements           

UTILITIES:           

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Should You Sell The Marital Home In Divorce Or Keep It?

The positives and negatives of selling the martial home

Posted to by Debbie Nigro on Sun, 01/30/2011 - 11:06am

When we're first in the midst of divorce and hit with the thought of dividing up our lives and possessions, we quite naturally might view the family home as one of our more important possessions. Your home most likely carries many wonderful memories for you or your children, and emotionally it may provide a sense of mental security in the midst of some very unsettling times.

However, there are many things to think through in deciding to fight for the ownership of the marital home — above all else, can you afford to keep it and maintain it alone?

Essentially, there are four basic options to consider in dealing with the marital home in divorce. You can:

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