The Gray Divorce Podcast: Episode 66 Stock Market Volatility and a Free Book Offer!

Andrew Hatherley |

In this episode, I dive into some of the recent volatility we’ve seen in the stock market—and how that kind of financial uncertainty can impact anyone, especially those going through or recovering from a divorce later in life. From unexpected tariff announcements to talk of stagflation, I unpack what’s been going on in April 2025 and how it might be affecting your portfolio and peace of mind.

Market Mayhem: Tariffs and Roller Coasters

The first half of April brought some wild swings in the market. On April 2nd, the Trump administration announced aggressive new tariffs, which caused the S&P 500 to drop more than 10% in just two trading days. A week later, on April 9th, a 90-day pause was announced, leading to a stunning 9.5% market rally in a single day. Since then, it’s been back and forth based on headlines.

The S Word: Stagflation

Beyond the stock market, economists are whispering about something we haven’t talked about in decades—stagflation. For those who remember the 1970s, it’s a scary word: a mix of stagnant economic growth and rising prices. That combination means unemployment can rise even as household budgets are squeezed.

Divorce + Economic Stress = Real Pressure

Going through a divorce is already one of the biggest financial events in a person’s life. Add in economic uncertainty, and it’s easy to see why people feel overwhelmed. Rising prices and stalled salaries can delay divorce decisions—or make the impact of an unavoidable divorce even more difficult.

“What Should I Do?”

For my clients, our response to market swings is simple: revisit the plan. We’ve already created a strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline.  

Most of my clients are in their 50s or 60s. They can’t afford to ride extreme market waves. That’s why we emphasize diversified portfolios—blending stocks and bonds to soften the ride. When markets fall, their portfolios may dip—but not as much as risk-heavy investments. And when markets rise, they still benefit—just in a more stable way.

Divorce Clients: Different Challenges, Same Emotions

In my divorce consulting practice, I see everything from well-managed portfolios to outdated or overly risky investments—sometimes 80–90% in stocks or overly concentrated in a single stock. These situations often require difficult conversations with clients and their attorneys about rebalancing, resisting panic, and protecting long-term financial health.

Tips for Dividing Investment Accounts During Volatility

When splitting investment accounts in a divorce, keep this in mind:

  • It often makes sense to divide by percentage, not fixed dollar amounts.  
  • Watch out for taxes. Selling assets in a brokerage account could trigger capital gains.
  • IRA vs. brokerage dollars.  
  • Consider Roth conversions. Market dips may be a good time to convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth—but talk to your financial and tax advisors first.

Need Help? Let’s Talk.

If you're going through a divorce or just finalized one and feel uneasy about your investments, I’d love to help. Reach out to me to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.