TOMORROW is dubbed divorce day – the first working Monday in January when lawyers get a surge of split inquiries following the festive period.

And while for many it’s a sad date, signalling the end of a relationship, finance expert Susan Hope says we needn’t despair.

Follow along with these money tips for 2026Credit: Getty

Susan Hope from Scottish Widows shares her advice to protect yourself for the futureCredit: Supplied

Instead, the day should give us all a shake – no matter what our relationship status is – to get our affairs in order for the year ahead.

Scottish Widows money guru Susan Hope said: “Divorce doesn’t mean that you have to panic. It’s not all doom and gloom. You can ask yourself, how can we feel financially secure? We can’t predict the future, nobody knows what’s going to happen.

“I definitely didn’t predict my two divorces. But we can do a few simple things in January to make us feel more secure. Whether you’re married, divorced, living with somebody, or somewhere in between, it’s about controlling our controllables.”

She shares some of her top advice about getting everything in place to protect yourself, no matter what the day – and the year ahead – holds.

CHECK YOUR POT

A BIT of investigation into your pension pot can go a long way.

Susan said: “So many people don’t know what pensions they have, where they are or roughly what they’re worth.

“We’ve got £31 billion of untraced pensions across the country. And that could be through change of address, through change of name – I’ve had three names. 

“Sit down with a cup of tea and make a list. Go back through your CV, think about where you’ve had your jobs.

“And if you don’t know the value, write to them, email them. That’s the first step. 

“Don’t assume that other people will do that for you because they won’t.”

DOWNLOAD APPS

WHILE most people use digital banking, they often don’t use the specific digital platforms made for their pensions.

Susan said: “If they’ve got an app, download it. Make sure that it’s really easy for you to access and almost fun.

“It’s like having your pension in your pocket. I love checking my app and seeing the money going in.”

Scottish Widows will soon open their app to everyone, not just customers, so people can easily plan their future.

For example, you can see how compound interest works for you and make sure you’re not losing out on pensions from old jobs.

Susan recommends using apps for your pensionsCredit: Getty

SCHEMES SEARCH

SUSAN warned Scots to know if they are maximising their employer schemes.

She said: “Make sure that you’re maximising at work. You and your partner. 

“So make sure that you understand your employer’s pension scheme, that you understand if you match contributions — where you get the money from.

“Your pension contribution is made up from your contribution, government tax relief and the employer contribution. 

“My nephew’s £83 contribution turns into £312 every month because he’s on a double-match scheme.

“It’s definitely worth understanding that, both for you and your partner.”

KNOW JOINT SUM

KNOW exactly what cash will come into the home when you retire — especially as there may be an unexpected split.

She explained: “It’s worth understanding what the household pension number is. During a split, most pensions sit quietly in the corner while folk are fighting over kids and Christmas lights.

“It’s almost too much emotional load and mental load to go looking for other things.

“Whereas if you know the picture, it can become far more businesslike.

“I would really encourage women to be equipped with knowledge of what household assets are, not just their own.”

INFORM THE KIDS

WHILE thinking about death is never pleasant, it’s vital to protect the hard-earned cash you leave behind, especially if you’re had a split from a partner.

Susan said: “Make sure your beneficiaries are up to date. This is key. They say the average person has between nine and 11 pensions.

“That makes sure that when something happens, as it inevitably will, the money goes to the right person at the right time without any delay. It’s hugely important as we’ve got so many blended families these days.

“These are things that are within your control and take five minutes.”

Make sure your beneficiaries are up to dateCredit: Getty

BRUSH UP ON AGE

LASTLY, it’s important to understand your retirement age.

Susan explained: “If you’ve got three or four different pensions, it’s key to understand when your scheme retirement age is. And if that doesn’t suit you, you can change it free of charge. 

“Download the HMRC app and you know when your state pension age is too. 

“We’re moving from 66 to 67 and are probably going to move to 68 or even beyond it. It’s really important to avoid a WASPI women’s situation, that my mum was part of. 

“Check if you’ve got any gaps in your national insurance record that you can fill.”