Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

I picked up a copy of the May/June 2006 issue of travelgirl recently and was excited to see a cover feature touting financial advice for those facing a divorce.  How I wish I had this article in front of me two years ago!  On the flip side, after reading this piece, I know I did make good decisions, and I'm the better for them.

The main article is by Certified Financial Planner Mary Claire Allvine (also the author of The 7 Most Important Money Decisions You'll Ever Make).  Allvine discusses pre-planning, such as clarifying goals like getting out of debt, maintaining your standard of living, and figuring out the cold, hard numbers when it comes to cash and other assets (and liabilities).  Then she walks you through some steps to financial sleuthing and managing the crisis that is a divorce.  Allvine's right when she says, "You will weather this storm more easily if you build yourself a safety kit."  Being prepared can only help things go more smoothly if you're faced with a life-changing event like divorce -- and more of us are every day!

The other vital piece of this article is a sidebar from family law attorney Randall M. Kessler.  Another hole in one with Mr. Kessler's comment that, "This may be the most important financial transaction of your life, and you should be fully prepared for it by giving yourself the best chance of a successful outcome."  Kessler's tips don't just stop at the basic one of hiring the best family law attorney you can afford.  He also reminds readers to watch bank accounts closely (my own mother can vouch for that one, as can a friend!) and suggests meeting with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), who can give you specific advice and planning for your situation.

If, for any reason, you are facing the decisions and discussions that come with an impending divorce, check out this article in travelgirl.  It could be well worth your while.