Managing finances after a divorce can be emotional and overwhelming. Even the best-designed financial plans can seem complicated as you adjust to your new situation and next steps. No matter how complex your financial circumstances may seem, the following steps can help you secure your financial future:

Adjust your budget to match your current lifestyle. Start by calculating your new monthly income, including spousal or child support, if applicable, and calculate what you expect to earn over the next year. If you are a stay-at-home parent or spouse, you may decide to re-enter the workforce to increase your income. Or it may be the right time to change careers or seek a promotion.

Next, look at your expenses to see if you need to adjust your patterns. Whether you’ve decided to stay in your home or look for new living arrangements, do the math to see how much home you can realistically afford. Also, evaluate your lifestyle expenses, including entertainment, dinners, and activities for your children, to see if you need to cut back on your expenses. If possible, avoid making major purchases until you are comfortable with your updated budget.

Consider the future of your children. If you have children, it is understandable that they take center stage in your planning. It is important to start thinking about how you will handle future financial milestones. Milestones can include a private elementary school payment, college tuition, a house down payment, or a wedding. If you want to help your children with these expenses, consider these questions: Will you receive financial support from your ex-spouse? Do you expect your children to contribute? As each event approaches, be honest with your kids about what you can afford so they can set realistic expectations.

Prioritize saving for retirement. No matter how close (or far) you are to retirement, make updating your retirement goals and continuing to build your savings a priority. You are responsible for your own savings, and the biggest challenge you face financially is having enough money to cover what could be several decades of expenses. While saving for retirement can feel overwhelming as you balance competing financial priorities, having a plan can help you feel more in control.

Make sure you are protected. An important step after divorce is to maintain, replace, or establish insurance that will help secure your financial future. All forms of insurance should be reviewed and considered, and your beneficiaries should be updated if necessary. Make sure you understand the specific benefits to which you and your ex-spouse are entitled, as well as the life, health and disability insurance policies that you both have through your employers. If you have children, what health insurance plan will be used to cover them? Work quickly to establish an insurance plan to avoid the financial risk of being uninsured.

Consider the tax implications of your new marital status. Review your situation with a tax professional to see if you need to review your tax strategy. Divorce can affect your tax situation in a number of ways. Impacts may include entering a different income tax category, providing or receiving child or spousal support, your investment strategy, and your process for handling future tax returns.

Dream and plan for the future. Once you’re in control of your new daily finances and retirement, allow yourself to dream and plan for other milestones that are important to you. Do you want to visit all the continents? Pay off your mortgage before you retire? Open a small business? Whatever your dreams are, determine the cost of each to find out how much you will need to save. Save what you can each month and be aware that even small amounts will add up over time. If you are tempted to spend the money elsewhere, consider setting up a separate savings account.

Don’t do it alone. Professional guidance from an attorney, tax professional, estate planner, and financial advisor can ease the burden of managing your finances. It’s hard to start over, but you can do it. A financial advisor can help you with the complex decisions you face during a divorce and offer strategies to help you reach your new financial goals.