Navigating Change: Financial Insights for Divorced Employees of Mastercard

Healthcare Provider Update: Mastercard's healthcare provider is Aetna, which offers a variety of health insurance plans to its employees, including comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision needs. As we look ahead to 2026, significant healthcare cost increases are on the horizon for many Americans participating in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. Preliminary estimates suggest that average premiums could rise by as much as 18%, with some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60% due to the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and ongoing medical inflation. This perfect storm of factors is likely to push out-of-pocket costs for policyholders sharply higher, creating substantial financial pressure for millions who rely on these plans for their healthcare coverage. Click here to learn more

The latest research suggests that divorce rates in the U.S. have been falling in recent decades. Still, many people face the difficult crossroads that comes when their marriage ends.

Getting a divorce is a painful, emotional process. Don’t be in such a hurry to reach a settlement that you make poor decisions that can have life-long consequences. For any of our Mastercard clients who may possibly have to have a divorce, here are a few financial ideas that may help you prepare.

The most important task these Mastercard employees can do is to get their finances organized. Identify all your assets and make copies of important financial papers, such as deeds, tax returns, and investment records. When it comes to dividing up your assets, consider mediation as a low-cost alternative to litigation. Most states have equitable-distribution laws that require shared assets to be divided 50/50 anyway. When a divorce becomes contentious, attorney’s fees can accumulate.

From a financial perspective, divorce means taking all the income previously used to run one household and stretching it out over two residences, two utility bills, two grocery lists, etc. There are other hidden costs as well, such as counseling for you or your children. Divorces also may require incurring one-time fees, such as a security deposit on a rental property, moving costs, or increased child-care.

Finally, dividing assets may sound simple but it can be quite complex. The forced sale of a home or investment portfolio may have tax consequences. Potential tax liability also can make two seemingly equal assets have varying net values. Additionally, when pulling apart a portfolio, it makes sense to consider how each asset will suit the prospective recipient in terms of risk tolerance and liquidity.

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We'd like our Mastercard clients to remember, the information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

During a divorce, many factors are competing for attention. By these Mastercard employees understanding a few key concepts, they may be able to avoid making costly financial mistakes.

1. The Wall Street Journal, 2019