At the time, I smugly demurred, but eventually there was no denying she had been right. Although this money would theoretically be equitably divided when divorce papers were signed, I realized the precarious situation I had unwittingly set myself up for: I’d relinquished control over my financial future. Facing reduced income and the extra expenses that come with divorce proceedings, wresting it back would be painful. Preparing for a financial setbackI’m hardly alone. Women of color are also disproportionately affected because of a wider gender pay gap.

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