Panic screams for quick wins like “just keep the house,” but long-term stability depends on what the numbers say five and ten years from now. We sit down with Certified Financial Planner and CDFA Tatiana Sunik to turn fear into strategy—using clear projections to test settlements against time, taxes, liquidity, and real-life constraints. Together, we break down the most costly divorce mistakes and show you how to make one wise decision now that protects the next decade.

We start by reframing the house obsession. A primary residence can drain cash while investment assets quietly fund freedom. When you compare carrying costs, tax friction, and opportunity cost, that “dream home” can sabotage retirement. Tatiana shares practical ways to keep more money in the family—timing property sales before separation when it helps, avoiding unnecessary refinances at punishing rates, and structuring agreements that stabilize kids without sacrificing your future.

Then we stress-test lump-sum alimony: Why is it offered? What’s a fair discount rate? How do taxes hit? When does a buyout actually improve co-parenting by removing monthly money friction?

Career and custody realities matter too. High-earning executives often overestimate income durability past their mid-50s—tenure risk and industry churn make straight-line assumptions dangerous. We model volatile bonuses, negotiate support around actual caregiving hours, and avoid trading all liquidity for illiquid assets that force a fire sale later.

The theme is simple: let the math speak, then let emotions cool. Mediation and collaboration work best when both sides agree on shared facts and use creativity to preserve cash flow, reduce fees, and align with the life you want after the decree.

If you’re standing at the start of divorce and feel the urge to rush, pause. Gather the numbers. Run the scenarios. Choose with a clear head. Subscribe for more practical guidance, share this with someone who needs a calmer plan, and leave a review with the toughest tradeoff you’re facing—we’ll tackle it in a future episode.

Thanks for listening and I hope you'll continue to learn more about how you can peacefully divorce.

As a divorce mediation attorney in California, Scott Levin helps couples figure out the settlement terms and draft enforceable settlement agreements so they can divorce fairly without needing to go to court. Obtain closure peacefully through an amicable divorce. process that protects families and kids.

Visit San Diego Divorce Mediation for more information and to learn more about our mission to help divorcing couples make informed decisions and fair agreements through mediation or book a free virtual consultation.

Scott Levin, attorney, mediator, CDFA®
Chief PeaceKeeper
[email protected]
858-255-1321
San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law
www.SanDiegoFamilyLawyer.net