What you need to know about managing money when you're going through major life transitions such as marriage, divorce, or retirement.

1. Financial Self Defense

2. “Now that I am alone…what do I do? Find a starting point Focus on financial recovery Seek help from legal, investment and tax professionals

3. The Road to Financial Recovery Ending a relationship Avoiding tax nightmares Take control of credit Stay on track with savings and retirement planning Protect your assets for your heirs

4. Divorce/Dissolution of Marriage Seek help from a licensed attorney who specializes in matrimonial or family law A divorce can be as simple or as complicated as two people can make it Any issues you cannot agree on (property division, child custody, financial) will be decided by the court

5. Facing the Tax Man Update your W-4 Change your filing status Up to 3 years to amend filing from Head of Household to Married Widows and widowers exemptions

6. Managing Income & Credit Take control of your spending FIRST Finances are an ongoing responsibility Close all joint credit card accounts, or have one party re-apply and take over accounts Check your credit report

7. Savings & Retirement Who can claim what? Update your beneficiary information on all accounts and insurance policies 401(k) or IRA often best way to start Don’t neglect emergency savings

8. Planning Your Estate If you don’t have a will, your assets will be divided according to Florida law Children cannot inherit until age 18 Benefits and drawbacks of establishing a trust

9. In Summary Plan for both your short-term and long-term financial responsibilities Don’t go it alone – seek professional help No excuse – make a BUDGET Consider changing your tax information Make a plan to become credit independent Save for today, and for tomorrow Make a plan to preserve your wealth