The largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in history—the so-called Silver Tsunami—is underway as Baby Boomers pass assets to spouses, children, and other beneficiaries. What is often underappreciated is that women, particularly divorced women and single women, are positioned to become the primary stewards of this transferred wealth. Whether by inheritance, survivor benefits, or post-divorce asset division, women are increasingly the decision-makers for significant pools of capital, often at pivotal life transitions.
Divorce is one of the most common wealth-creating—or wealth-reshaping—events for women. While divorce can introduce financial uncertainty, it also places women in direct control of assets they may not have previously managed independently. Investment accounts, retirement plans, business interests, real estate, and trust interests frequently require immediate decisions about risk, tax exposure, and long-term sustainability. Without an integrated framework, these decisions can feel fragmented and overwhelming.
Single women beneficiaries face a parallel, but distinct, challenge. Many inherit wealth later in life from parents or other relatives, often alongside emotional loss and unfamiliar financial complexity. In both cases, wealth is not merely received—it must be managed, protected, and intentionally directed.
This is where a Wealth Done R.I.T.E. approach becomes essential.
From a Risk perspective, women often prioritize stability, income continuity, and downside protection—especially following divorce or the death of a loved one. Thoughtful diversification, liability awareness, beneficiary coordination, and fiduciary structuring can help align portfolios with real-world risks rather than abstract market assumptions.
From an Investment standpoint, the focus shifts from accumulation alone to purpose-driven capital. Cash flow needs, longevity planning, and liquidity events must be coordinated with investment strategy. Importantly, this is not about reducing opportunity, but about aligning investments with personal goals, time horizons, and evolving life priorities.
Tax planning is frequently the most overlooked element for women coming into wealth. Divorce settlements, inherited IRAs, step-up in basis rules, and evolving estate tax exemptions all create planning opportunities—and traps. Proactive tax coordination across income, capital gains, and estate considerations can materially improve after-tax outcomes without increasing investment risk.
Finally, Estate and Legacy planning empowers women to define what their wealth means beyond themselves. For some, that includes children or grandchildren; for others, charitable impact, community involvement, or intentional wealth preservation. Trust structures, beneficiary designations, and incapacity planning help with wealth transfers according to intent, not default rules.
The Silver Tsunami is not just a demographic event—it is a leadership transition. Divorced and single women are no longer emerging participants in wealth management; they are central figures. With the right integrated framework, women can move from reacting to financial change to confidently directing wealth in a way that reflects their values, priorities, and long-term vision.
Major financial transitions require more than decisions they require strategy. Schedule a conversation with our team today.
For Informational Purposes only and not for legal or tax advice.
Marie Feindt is the Planning Specialist – Estate Attorney at Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of estate planning experience, Marie and the Members’ Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients’ unique situations. She believes everyone, young adults and older, need the essential documents to conserve and preserve and transfer assets accumulated during lifetime to the next generation.
Marie received her JD from Widener University School of Law, her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, University Park and is currently enrolled in the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law Graduate Tax Program.
Marie is an Adjunct Faculty at the Villanova University College of Professional Studies Paralegal Professional Certificate Program where she teaches Estates & Trusts and Civil Procedure & Litigation and Torts & Personal Injury Law.
Marie volunteers for a monthly legal clinic at The Salvation Army in Chester, PA facilitated by the Christian Legal Clinic of Philadelphia. She has served on the Women’s Commission of Delaware County and as a Board Member for the Delaware County Literacy Council.
Marie enjoys biking, reading, yoga and walking in her free time with her husband and three children.
To get in touch with the Members’ Wealth team today, I invite you to email info@memberswealthllc.com or call (267) 367-5453.
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