The emotional impact of the end of a relationship is hard enough. But the financial and lifestyle changes that result can be just as difficult. For most people, divorce is the biggest financial transaction they ever face.

If you're reading this but not going through a divorce, continue reading. It shouldn't take a divorce to make you take control of your finances. You may not be in the best emotional shape at that point to make the decisions you need to make. Make them now. Even if you never get divorced, you'll benefit from the exercise.

If you are going through a divorce, you're not alone. About half of all marriages end up in divorce. Of course, statistics aren't known for their comfort value.

It's time to clean house and reorganize. If your spouse has been taking care of the money, now is the time to take control of your own finances.