Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1267142
AACREDITUNION.ORG | 9 Close joint accounts, including credit cards and checking accounts held with the ex-spouse. Instruct creditors to suspend credit accounts that have a balance to block any future charges. Open new checking, saving and invest- ment accounts in your name. If you need to establish credit, consider applying for a credit card now. Update your Social Security card if you changed your name. You cannot do this online, but you can find instructions at the Social Security website, SSA.gov. Project your tax liability. Get copies of the last five years of returns if you don't already have them. Evaluate impact of chang- ing filing status from, for instance, married fil- ing jointly to head of household or single. Create a new estate plan. Write a new will to make sure your bequests go to the right place. Update insurance coverage. Auto, home and umbrella liability coverage should all be reviewed. Make sure you're not paying to protect collectibles, jewelry or other assets your ex got in the divorce. Update your liabilities to reflect post- divorce division of debts. Include mort- gages, credit cards and other loans. Check your credit report. See if your for- mer spouse has incurred debts in your name since the split. Monitor your credit report and credit score. Create a budget. Be sure to factor in pay- ing or receiving child support, spousal support and alimony if required by your divorce decree. Make your new budget match your new goals as well as your new income and expenses. Check safety deposit boxes. Empty and close jointly owned bank safe deposit boxes and get your own to hold important papers. Budgeting and investing can benefit from professional assistance. Remove your data from shared devices. Before relinquishing formerly shared PCs, tablets, phones and other devices, delete any personal files. Consider consulting a financial planner. Budgeting and investing can benefit from professional assistance and even more so following a divorce.