I remember thinking that my life was falling apart and that I was not sure why. I got into investigative mode, and I started snooping around. I just had to find out what was going on and why. As a matter of fact, I even turned to a private investigator. I needed some answers, and my husband wasn’t giving them to me. Turns out I did not need to use the private investigator as my husband finally admitted his adultery.

Well, prior to his confession when I was in my investigative mode, I reached out to a dear friend of mine. She put me in touch with a colleague of hers who was a divorce financial analyst. Like I mentioned in the previous post, she was a Godsend. She spoke with me for at least an hour the first time I called and supported me when I needed to do my due diligence.

Tip #11: Do Your Due Diligence

The one thing that resonates louder than the other pieces of advice she gave me was making copies of all financial documents and other important papers. Her advice was that when in doubt, you should make copies and keep them all in a safe place that only you are aware of. Below is a list of many of the items she mentioned:

• Retirement accounts
• Investment accounts
• Bank accounts/bank statements
• Mortgage papers
• Title to home(s)
• Tax returns – 3 years minimum
• Spouse’s paystub or W-2s from the last couple of years
• Credit card statements
• Any other loan documents
• HELOC
• Student loans
• Personal lines of credit
• Life insurance policies
• Property & Casualty Insurance policies
• Wills & Living Wills
• If businesses are involved, then make sure you have documents such as financial statements, bank accounts, tax returns etc.
• Personal Identification: social security cards, drivers’ licenses, passports, etc.
• Logins and passwords for all online accounts
• Proof of income (paystub or W2)

Remember, every situation is different. Whenever you are looking through your financial details and you’re in doubt, make those copies! This was one of the best things I did. I suggest you make those copies sooner rather than later. Even if you are in a happy, healthy marriage, it is so important that you know where your important financial information is at all times. Remember life happens, and you never know when you might be suddenly single.

Pursuing Your Best Self

In my book, Unforeseen Exit: When You Find Yourself Facing Divorce & Suddenly Single, I tell my story of navigating an unforeseen divorce. By openly telling my story, I want to provide guidance and support to those who have found themselves in similar circumstances, so they can pursue their best self personally and financially!

For more information on how I can support you as your financial planner, schedule a discovery meeting with me today!