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Session 1

Introduction

Session 1 of Money Issues in Divorce focuses on the emotional, social, and financial consequences experienced in the divorce process. Since the primary focus of PARENTS FOREVER is to guide parents through the divorce process in a child-focused way, this session emphasizes decision-making with the children's best interest in mind. The first session, "Adjusting to Money Changes," will help each parent to

• adjust to grief and loss in child-supportive ways
• reassess how money will be used
• identify present and future goals for their children
• talk with their children about money changes
• manage conflict in a way that respects their children.

Teaching Outline

Introduction
Components of the Curriculum
Using the Curriculum
To All PARENTS FOREVER Educators
Main Points of Session 1
Purpose of Session 1

Adjusting to Money Changes

Identifying the Consequences of Money Changes
Recognizing Grief Over the Loss of Income
Preparing for the Changes

How Do You Spend Your Money?

Tracking Your Spending Patterns
Fixed and Flexible Monthly Payments
Calendar for Tracking Household Spending Patterns

Rethinking How to Spend Money

Reassessing How Money Will Be Used
Worksheet 1: Reassessing How Money Will Be Used
Worksheet 2: Determining Seasonal or Periodic Expenses

Money Goals

Setting New Goals
Three Phases to Setting Child-centered Goals
Reassessing Goals Due to Money Changes
Worksheet 3: Identifying How Goals Will Be Adjusted
Worksheet 4: Putting Goals into Action

Talking with Children About Money

Money Talk--Family Style

Money Conflicts

Managing Disagreement and Conflict Over Money
Six Steps to Managing Money Conflict
Worksheet 5: Conflict Management
When Conflict Management Is Not Possible

Conclusion

Self Study

Collecting Money Facts
Establishing Debt Load
Housing Decisions
Retirement Benefits: Initial Information
Tracking Saving/Investment Assets
Protecting Children Against Future Risks

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Session 2

Introduction

ession 2 of Money Issues in Divorce talks to parents about the money that is typically spent to raise children. Parents have worksheets so they can apply typical child-raising costs to their own situation. The primary goal of this lesson is to give parents a better understanding of the estimated current and future costs of raising their children.

For many, this can be a confusing subject, and there may not be time for one-on-one help in class. Assist parents, to the best of your ability, with worksheets gathering information on their household. If possible, tell parents where they can get one-on-one help to estimate the costs of raising their children. Parents can gain some control over their financial future if they plan, with awareness, the costs of children. Anticipating these costs can (1) help them set priorities as they decide on other plans and goals, and (2) give them peace of mind about their family's future. Above all, knowing the estimated costs of raising their children and planning accordingly are among the best ways to safeguard a stable life for their children.

Teaching Outline

Introduction
Main Points of Session 2
Purpose of Session 2

Cost of Raising Children

Importance of Estimating the Cost of Raising Children
Categories for Estimating the Cost of Raising Children
Estimating the Cost of Raising children
Comparing the Estimated Cost of Raising Children
Areas for Further Consideration

Conclusion

Appendix 1: Case Study 1
Appendix 2: Case Study 2 Economies of Scale Cost Adjustments
Appendix 3: Monthly Cost Tables
Appendix 4: Yearly Cost Tables

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