Erika Girardi Admits Path to Financial Independence Was ‘Frightening’ and ‘Soul-Crushing’ After She Left Tom

Erika Girardi opens up about the difficult process of getting back on her feet after her divorce from Tom Girardi.

In Wednesday’s episode The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the reality star admitted that her journey to financial freedom was “terrifying” after leaving her husband of 21 years. The topic came up during dinner with co-stars Garcelle Beauvais, Dorit Kemsley and Kyle Richards.

Dorit (47) asked the women if any of them had reached a point where money wouldn’t make their lives happier. Erika, 52, was quick to say no, explaining that she should be in a position where she no longer has to worry about paying the bills.

She told friends that she had a lot of financial anxieties, especially since she had to gain financial autonomy after the split. “It’s scary being out there by yourself — no support, no safety plan, no network,” she said.

“[It’s] soul-crushing,” Erika added. “How am I ever going to get above the water?”

Erika Girardi says she has no plans to change her last name: ‘I’ve definitely thought about it’

Erika and Tom Girardi in 2016.

Steve Eichner/AP

Erika filed for divorce from Tom, 84, in November 2020. Soon after, the founder of the Girardi & Keese law firm became embroiled in several legal controversies, including lawsuits against him for allegedly misappropriating settlement funds intended to help families of Lion Air Flight 610 victims (In February, he was charged with fraud in connection with the 2018 plane crash.)

Tom was also sued by his business partners, resulting in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in December 2020. During the bankruptcy proceedings, Erika’s lavish spending was exposed in legal documents filed by the bankruptcy trustee overseeing the case involving Tom’s law firm. The commissioner claimed in the documents that Erika’s expensive lifestyle was being financed by the law firm – with her full knowledge.

“Erika has direct knowledge that for at least 12 years all her expenses were paid [Girardi’s firm] while she was creating them. What’s more, Erika repeatedly claimed, ‘It’s expensive to be me,'” the documents state. “Glam cannot be supported by lies.”

Erika Girardi Has Harsh Words About Divorce, Sees Vegas Sojourn As ‘Rebirth’ (Exclusive)

The filings detail some of Erika’s alleged expenses, including more than $14 million in American Express expenses, as well as payments for travel, clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry and her glamorous entourage.

Amid the former couple’s ongoing financial problems, Erika moved out of the Pasadena mansion she and Tom shared during their marriage, and the property was later put up for sale. Erika settled into a much smaller home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms when she started her new single life.

A source told PEOPLE at the time that Erika was excited about starting over in her own space. “Erika has been living in the house for a while. She’s made her space and she loves it,” the insider said. – She is fine and happy.

Erika Girardi is attending BravoCon 2023.

Jenny Kim/Bravo via Getty

Erika Girardi Talks About Beginning ‘New Chapter’ RHOBH: ‘I’m no longer an animal in the corner’ (Exclusive)

At the premiere of her Bet It All on Blonde residency in Las Vegas in August, Erika seemingly talked about her divorce while speaking to the crowd.

“It’s a new life, it’s a new day. And not only do I keep the door open, but you should too,” she said.

In an interview with PEOPLE that same evening, she made her honest comment to the crowd: “Well, you have to admit what’s going on. Occurs.”

She continued: “It’s been a process and we’ve seen it happen on reality TV. It played out in court this week while I was preparing for this show. So you can get away for a while, but it’s about teaching and holding on cheer up.”

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The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET on Bravo.

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