Indie poster girl Zooey Deschanel has officially filed for divorce from her husband, Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard. Zooey and Ben announced their split in November after just two years of marriage. We didn’t hear much insider dirt on why these two called it quits, and just had a statement from their people that it was “amicable” and that “no third party was involved.” I doubt that it was “amicable,” as Bedhead often points out about celebrity divorces, but maybe it’s true they just drifted apart or had different goals or whatever. The thing that really interested me about this story is that the divorce filing was made public and it lists Zooey’s assets and expenditures. She’s very sensible with her money, saves more than she spends, and has no consumer debt. Girl has over $3 million in assets and she’s only 31. Good for her! Here’s more:
Zooey Deschanel is worth millions, spends relatively modestly, and has a zero balance on her credit cards … this according to documents her lawyer just filed in her divorce case.
TMZ broke the story … Zooey just filed for divorce from her hubby of 2 years — Ben Gibbard, the lead singer of Death Cab for Cutie.
For some reason, her lawyer attached Zooey’s income and expense declaration.
Here’s the lowdown:
— Zooey — who stars in “New Girl” — makes an average of $95,000 a month
— Her expenses average $22,550 a month
— She has 3 credit cards … AmEx, Visa and Mastercard, all of which have a 0 balance.
— She has $1,578,000 in the bank
— Zooey has an additional $1,645,000 in stocks, bonds, etc.
— Zooey has real and personal property valued at $693,300As for what she spends a month, Zooey says she drops $1,000 on groceries and household supplies, $500 eating out (really?), $800 on utilities, $300 for her various phones and email accounts, $600 in laundry and cleaning, $2,000 for clothes.
She also donates $1,500 a month to charity.
[From TMZ]
So did Zooey mean to make all this public or was it a mistake by her lawyer? I wonder if she’s going to have to pay out the nose to her ex. Death Cab for Cutie is well known, but not many musicians are rolling in it.
Do you guys ever watch Suze Ormon’s show? I download her CNBC podcast, and she helps people go through their finances to see if they’re on track for their retirement and goals. It’s all about saving for a rainy day and earning more than you spend. That’s what these financials from Zooey brought to mind, because Suze would give her high marks for saving her money. Even though Zooey is wildly rich to most of us, look at how people like Lindsay Lohan have squandered small fortunes living at high end hotels and buying designer goods. It’s just nice to hear about a celebrity who appreciates what she has, doesn’t live above her means, and donates to charity. It kind of solidifies my high opinion of her. She may act somewhat ditzy and precious, but she has a good head on her shoulders. I would love to hear about a new romance for Zooey, preferably with someone like Joseph Gordon Levitt who is doing well in his own right and isn’t interested in her cash. I doubt she’d spend it on some guy anyway.
Zooey and Ben are shown on 6-24-09 in the header. Credit: Glenn Harris / PR Photos. They’re shown on 7-9-11 in the footer. Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN.com
I just want her and Joseph Gordon Levitt to hook up. They are magical together—sigh….
Note how much money she gives away every month-you go, girl!
Ditto to everything you said. 🙂
Don’t particularly like her schtick, but have to give her mad props for her financial smarts. I don’t think her lawyer was supposed to reveal this information. Not to the public anyway.
Yes….very unusual but in a good way. Most celebs just spend like crazy.
Celebrities often have their financials sealed. I was surprised this was released, too, but it does nothing but make her look good (imo).
Her lawyers probably figured there was no need to seal her financials since there’s no smoking gun there.
Death Cab for Cutie was popular long before her. I doubt they are pulling in as much as she is, but he’s touring pretty often-they have a new album out and he’s successful in his own right.
This was what made me uncomfortable about the JGL and her video. All cutesy and loving-when did they shoot that? Before her separation? Clearly it was before she filed for divorce.
He’s also got $$ from The Postal Service. Both of his bands are incredibly popular on the “indie-hipster” scene.
I think both parties have to do financial disclosures…what creeps me out is how tmz posted such specific information down to the dollar. Hey, can we take a look at Zooey’s credit score and social security #? Jeez.
Sometimes you just drift apart. That’s happened to me, and it IS the best kind of relationship demise (even though none of them are good).
Good for her for being financially sensible. The lack of consumer debt is astounding and terrific. She spends WAY less than she makes, which alot of celebs don’t.
Kudos for the monthly charitable draws, too.
I know some on her don’t like her, but I really do, ever since her appearance in “The Good Girl.” She was also pretty normal and undouchey on “Top Chef” appearance a few seasons ago.
I can’t help but think that Christmas video was a little bit of an F-You to her soon to be ex. And then the big F-You with the divorce papers. So goes it. I’m glad she’s smart with her money, although I would have thought she was worth more than that.
She may pay cash for everything. Do they own a home? She may have paid cash for that, and cars, etc. She’s done alot of indie roles, and small movies with big studios. It sounds like she isn’t raking it in during “The New Girl: (which I love), but the critical props the show has been getting will probably up her salary for future projects.
Talk about invasion of privacy, she’s untitled to spend her money the way she wants and it’s no one business.
Oh, I agree. It’s just that, now the info is out there, most people are delighted to see that she’s good with money
This is why I’m glad I’m not famous (among other reasons) – this is horrifically invasive, all her personal information being spread all over the place. It’s just not right. If I were her, I’d be furious – and litigious.
That said, I think it’s great that she saves her money. The only things I question are $1000 for groceries – ??? She’s not very large, and I would be hard-pressed to spend that much. Unless I ate a pound of shrimp and a bottle of champagne every day. Hmmm… on the other hand, LOL.
And the other thing – $2000 on clothes every month?? OK, maybe I could see spending a lot if she buys her own red-carpet and public-appearance clothes; that probably means that designers don’t “give” her stuff. But still – how many clothes do you need?
ETA: Also, I think it’s beyond fabulous that she gives $1500 to charity. Think of all the selfish celebrities (and high-net-worth people) who give nothing.
Everything is probably more expensive out there, from milk, and def clothes. And guessing the ‘groceries’ might include high end meat, fruit, paper towels, cleaners, etc. Maybe I am wrong, but since I grocery shop at Walmart, I just see my bill being $100 a pop. Of course, that probably included a pack or two of socks & motor oil, and I still called it ‘groceries’.
Everything IS more expensive “out here!” Real estate, food, eating out, gas, etc…
I’ve a feeling her groceries are the high end vegan type-stuff, and her eating out may include having special meals delivered on-set.
My first thought was that she has her groceries delivered and from a high end store to avoid being pap’d. You could easily spend that on food every month if someone was bagging it and delivering it to your home for you on a weekly basis. In addition, a lot of celebrities monitor what they eat to an extent foreign to most of us. It’s possible that her meals come to her pre-prepared. That would definitely account for the 1k/month price tag.
Alot of celebs have meal deliveries from a nutritionist when they’re on set, too. Maybe she does that? Is she still vegan?
If I had a bunch of money I’d buy nothing but local organic high end stuff too
I remember reading somewhere that she has celiac disease (gluten allergy) and a lot of the foods are pretty expensive. If she does all organic and other natural health type foods/supplements it can add up pretty quickly. . . can you tell who just got home from the whole foods store?
OK, yes, organic – but $2000? Seriously? And we’re assuming that since she’s separated, she lives alone… one little fey twee girl eating $2k worth of organic food? Is anyone here old enough to remember Absolutely Fabulous? When Saffy accidentally put the royal jelly on toast? Maybe if you were eating stuff that’s $100/oz., wild mushrooms every day, I don’t know – gold plated tofu??
Or as we call it “whole paycheck” 😀
She has a pretty serious case of celiacs disease, so I’m sure her special diet needs add up quickly. Plus she was vegan for a long time-so being allergic to gluten and being vegan meant a really specialized diet.
Good for her!
I don’t like her schtick, and I hate most of her work. (I’m sorry, but “(500) Days of Summer” was terrible.)
But I love seeing people being sensible with money, especially celebrities. Before the credit crunch, I’d sometimes see TV shows like “Cribs” and “The Fabulous Life of…” and just wince.
Most of those people, if the shows were any indication, will be broke. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, no matter how annoying. It’s great that she seems to be avoiding that route.
I love her spending style, wise and inspiring. Maybe that is the point of her allowing it to be public? After living debt-free for 20 years (no CC’s or loans), we finally gave in and got a CC from our bank. I don’t count mortgages as debt, in that sense, since I am not a movie star, can’t buy a house with cash. But I did find out, during the purchase of our home 2yrs ago, that ‘No’ credit is potentially worse now than ‘Bad’ credit. I had to jump throught lots of hoops to get a house loan. We keep the CC balance under $1,000, and normally pay more than the minimum payment…just to build credit again. I am not a huge fan of it, but we might want to graduate some day to getting a car we don’t have to pay cash for.
The credit rating thing is crazy isn’t it? I got a cc a few years ago, never wanted or needed one but knew that ‘no rating’ was as bad as ‘bad rating’. We live in a messed up culture!
So true. I told the realtor back then, hey..they should LOVE me! I don’t owe anyone except for rent and utilities, and food & things for my family…crazy! He said something about ‘well, they like to be able to find you’. Huh? Personally, I am easy to find, mostly at work, home, or shopping. But even if not, don’t they have a satelite or something for that? Or Dog the Bounty Hunter?
It is crazy! I’ve had a credit card since college (carry no balance) gotten a few more, apartment, car loan paid off, home loan so my credit is great. My bf’s is in the toilet – I can get loans and he can’t – but he makes twice as much as me, and owns his own home and car outright. I have WAY more debt. Seems odd.
Ugh I know. I got rid of my one and only credit card (paid it off and closed the account) a few months ago because I realized I didn’t like having a system that allows me to spend money I don’t have. So of course the bank punished me for it and my credit score took a dip because I chose to be responsible. It’s ridiculous. Thank goodness my dad will be able to secure a mortgage or grad school loans for me, because I won’t be able to do it on my own even though I have plenty of assets (IRA account, own my car, savings, bonds, etc.) and no debt of any kind.
i ADORE her, we just got New Girl in the uk and I loved it. I think her lawyer is going to get properly sacked for making this public, but i don’t think it damages her really. The charity donation is very generous and cements her halo if you ask me, plus she’s not all flashy about it. $500 a month on restaurants is probably easily done – i bet she picks up the check for everyone she dines with.
Gagging for the JGL thing to happen.
She probably also eats a lot of organic, vegan, specialty foods which are always very expensive. I could blow 500 dollars a month eating at Whole Foods if my budget would allow me too.
Good point about comparing her to someone like Lindsay Lohan, and also for bringing a hypothetical sit down between Suze Orman and Zooey Deschanel. Suze would give Zooey a pat on the back and a gold star. I read a really good article with Ben Gibbard in Runners World (I think). I doubt he is going to go after Zooey’s money. He is a little boring in that he seems to really want to be a settled family man, but he has a good head on his shoulders as well and also seems really comfortable with himself. He and Zooey are not vegan version of Katy Perry and Russell Brand. I really think that Zooey’s and Ben’s divorce will be a lot like Julia Roberts’ and Lyle Lovett’s divorce, at least that is what I hope it is like.
She is not even being paid a stratospheric sum, compared to many of her colleagues, so that is not too shabby: $1500 a month to charity—and til now–quietly, without publicity?
Sometimes I wonder how much successful actors give back in proportion to their earnings on a regular basis, sans PR. How many don’t do anything unless it leads to a photo op?
Most charitable orgs get the majority of their funds in the form of $10-$40 donations from people who are simply grateful they’re able to live comfortably, pay their bills, and enjoy an occasional splurge without hardship. So can’t help but be curious about the truly rich.
But then I also wonder if frugal little Zooey uses all those holiday/greeting/gift cards… and what must surely be a MASSIVE selection of address labels 😉
And the calendars? I would LOVE her if shew does the address labels like my mother does!
Poor Ben…
I hear you.
why? i’m sure it’s a two-sided situation.
it’s unfair how she gets to be so rich in this economy for opening her eyes real wide and getting them watery (that is always disturbing to see) and acting like a 5 year old and talk/sing with the most horrendous yawn inducing monotone tone ever
Waa, waa. Some people strike it lucky, and I’m sure Zooey is one of the ones that really appreciates it. That’s why she’s saving and donating to charity whilst she has the means to.
And furthermore, who in show business really ‘deserves’ to be as rich as they are? You happen to be easy on the eyes and light on your feet and you can command a financial empire – think of Katy Perry. Girl can’t even sing that good but she’s struck gold. If enough people are willing to pay for the act, the performers can earn astronomical amounts.
hey don’t tell me you never felt sorry about keeping a crappy job and struggling in this economy whereas the no talent celebs of our day wouldn’t wipe their asses with the money we make annually. jumping at her defense so swiftly, makes you sound like a crazy obsessed fan. last time i checked this was a celeb gossip site, and i can write random stuff that comes to mind under these threads. and i hate stans. yes, i don’t care for her. i think she’s untalented, particularly for acting. read here and there that she’s rather snobby and makes fun of her fans too, and honestly i can see her doing that. donating to charity doesn’t really mean i have to like her, even I do charity, with the little means I have. unless it’s jolie-pitt levels of charity idec. and for the record katy perry annoys me really far more than her.
Respectfully have to disagree about her singing/voice….have to see/hear the duet she did with JGL …”what are you doing new years eve”
She has a smokey, throw back 20’s darling voice.
I love her quirky, sweet self!!
Wow, a celebrity that is actually responsible. Makes me love her even more!
Sorry to hear that her marriage ended but good for her about her finances and living at her means. Seems like that is so rare to hear these days.
Since I’m a huge fan of Zooey AND Ben Gibbard, I’m going to buy the amicable separation story.
Wow. Most people work a lifetime and can’t squirrel away a third of what this B-lister did in a few years.
But a grand a month for groceries? One word of advice: coupons. My food bill is under $200 a month and I eat pretty well.
It’s possible she does use her cards, then pays them off in full every month (since she’s financially able) and thus, has no credit card debt.
I like the charity donations, but I don’t think this info should have been disclosed publicly. I think someone pulled an “OOPS!”
i agree i think her camp let that little info slip. even if it’s true (we’re supposed to believe she donates that amount every months? orly?)
I’m kind of permanently annoyed by hipsterism, but I must admit–the more I hear about ZD, the more she seems like a talented, normal, generous, sane person. I also am a big dorky Bones fan, and I love that she and her sister have a close, supportive relationship–no cattiness, no competitive nonsense. That speaks volumes about their character and the way they were raised, I think.
I think it’s fantastic that she’s so smart about her finances. I’m also really impressed that she donates to charity every month!
That’s exactly how I want to live. My husband and I have no money for retirement and even though we’re “young.” It kind of freaks me out.
Good for her for giving to charity regularly, and for living within her means AND saving.
Oops, this was supposed to be a reply 😛
Technically, if you count the money she has in all assets (bank account, stocks, bonds, and equity in property), she has more like $4 million ($3,916,300 exactly).
The girl makes over a million a year from her television show (not including any films she does during the hiatus or her endorsement deals) and she lives well within her means. I’m impressed by this, because so many of her peers do not.
I think the disclosure of her financials is probably a mistake, either by her attorney, his staff, or the courthouse staff. I’m an attorney who is currently working as a judicial clerk and while court records are public, certain parts can be sealed, like mental health reports, financial information that is sensitive, etc. The disclosure makes her look good, but she seems like a pretty private person and I doubt she wanted it on TMZ and gossip blogs so people like me can look at it!
Okay, am I the only one who thinks that $500/month is a really small amount for a celeb to spend at restaurants? Granted, we’re a family of four, but I would not be surprised in the least if we spend that or more per month when you take into account take out/delivery, work lunches, and actually eating out. A fast food lunch costs $10 for just myself. I guess with that $1000 grocery bill per month, she must eat at home alot!
I agree..eating at a restaurant is about a $40/50 and tip…thats just eating out about 10x’s a month…and I wish I had a walmart near me…$1000 a month for groceries doesnt spund too far out there…I avg about $150 a week for a fam of 2. No special diet restrictions.