According to a recent Forbes magazine article, approximately 1 in 4 American men were subscribers to Ashley Madison. This should serve as a wake-up call to women across the nation and hopefully prompt a practical response.
Many who have dealt with divorce issues recommend that women maintain their careers during marriage, even on a part-time basis. Infidelity happens, and when discovered, it often leads to divorce. Many women find themselves in a financial lurch when their marriage ends because they have put their careers on the back burner while raising kids and/or attending to their husband’s career advancement. They simply have not maintained skills to compete in the modern workforce putting them at a disadvantage.
If all is well and stays well in the marriage, you might have the job to thank after all. Not only do women generally benefit when they keep their careers in motion, one study suggests that couples that have two incomes are less likely to divorce in the first place and, as an added bonus, couples happy at work tend to be happier at home too.
Another common problem facing women in divorce is a lack of financial savvy. Couples often divide duties, sometimes leading to women being shut out of the financial aspects of the marriage. In order to maintain financial independence and know-how experts advise women to be actively involved in the family finances and be well-versed on all details of individual and shared accounts. Women should also maintain separate accounts in their own name such as credit cards, bank accounts and retirement funds.
Finally, if you are considering divorce, get knowledgeable legal representation immediately as preparation is key. There are many issues to consider from whether or not to stay in the family home, custody and support of your children, equitable property division, alimony and more. Divorce is often an emotional and stressful event – having an advocate is empowering and will help you make the best decisions for you and your children.
Source: Forbes.com, “1 In 4 Married American Men On Ashley Madison: Why That Is A Great Wake-Up For Women”, by Emma Johnson, August 30, 2015.
