Jennifer Garner described feeling "panicked" in the immediate aftermath of her divorce from Ben Affleck, stemming from concerns about her career and financial stability. The couple, married from 2005 to 2015, share three children.
"I panicked when I was first out of my marriage and realized I had taken such a step back in my work," Garner stated on the podcast "Aspire with Emma Grede." She expressed concern that her career might not offer the same earning potential as she aged, unlike professions with potential for higher pay in later years. This realization was coupled with the understanding that she was solely responsible for her own well-being and that of her children.
Garner, who resides in Los Angeles, met with her financial advisor to plan a path forward. "I can work in Los Angeles. I can’t leave these kids for six months at a time," she said, explaining that despite her love for location-based work, it was not feasible during that period of her life. She acknowledged that life is expensive and that fame doesn't automatically guarantee financial security, adding, "It became very serious to me really quickly as someone who had never given a lot of thought to money. Like, oh – I need to be an earner here."
Despite these anxieties, Garner indicated she doesn't regret not focusing more on finances earlier in her life. She expressed gratitude for the time she was able to spend at home with her children while still engaging in some work, referring to it as having "the best of both worlds."
Both Garner and Affleck have previously spoken about their divorce. Affleck told GQ in the past that there was "no scandal, no soap opera, no intrigue" behind their separation. He later told The New York Times in 2020 that his "biggest regret of my life is this divorce."
Garner was previously married to actor Scott Foley from 2000 to 2004. Affleck married Jennifer Lopez in 2022.