Financial empowerment starts with having your own financial identity. Even if your financial position is not what you would like it to be, having a full understanding of your situation can allow you to move forward and plan the future. Putting your head in the sand is not an option.

In  her discussion, Ms. Gannon laid out several recommendations for women, including the following:

• While you’re still married, go to a bank where you don’t have a joint account with your spouse, and get a credit card, open a bank account and checking account—all in your own name.

• Check your credit report and your credit score.

• Get a full understanding of your and your spouse’s financial position..

• Gather financial documents. Make copies of everything you can find such as insurance policies, brokerage and bank statements, pay stubs, retirement account statements, real estate documents, appraisals, etc. Hire a forensic accountant to help you uncover hidden assets.

• To propose a divorce settlement, you must know what you need or are owed. Create a budget and accounting of all assets and debts to understand what you are entitled to.

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