Make a List of Your Accounts

One of the really important things we do in the Divorce Money Guide is putting together a list of all of your accounts:

• Bank – checking, savings, money market
• Investment – brokerage account, mutual funds, IRA, 401(k), other retirement account
• Credit Card – regular credit card, prepaid or secured credit card
• Loans – home loan, auto loan, other personal loan

Of course, if you're suspicious that your husband is hiding money, you might be thinking that you won't know about all of the accounts and this will be impossible.

Work with me here.... It is important to make a list of all the accounts you DO know about. You need to make sure to track down the statements, and making a list of accounts will help keep you organized.

But as you're making a list of the accounts you know about, you might remember other information that will help when looking for hidden money. You might remember that a couple of years ago you applied for a loan at Bank XYZ but didn't get it. I'd put Bank XYZ on your list of accounts because you might want to check if your husband opened an account there.

You might remember other information that helps, too. In this step of the Divorce Money Guide, we're looking for clues to any other bank or credit card company that your husband might have done business with.

Small clues can lead to big discoveries of hidden money.

And that's why I lead you through this crucial exercise in the Divorce Money Guide and give you a worksheet that will help you document the right information and keep it all organized.

If you're looking for (potentially) hidden money in your divorce, start making a list of the accounts and related information that you know. This will set you on the right path toward tracking down your money.
  
And if you're interested in another helpful resource, we have the Planning For Your Divorce guide that walks you through some of the most important first steps toward protecting your money.