One of my clients has been in this situation for over 2 years. The problem is very complex, but it has to do with medical insurance (he's covered under her policy) and his unwillingness (inabiity?) to sell their joint home. She's moved out. In this case, she's the one with the income, but would lose too much if they went through the divorce process.

It's coming to a head, however, and I fully anticipate it will end this year. It has definitely kept her dead in her tracks from starting a new life. She's still attached to her husband.

I had to pay my husband a monthly stipend for his portion of the house after we were divorced. When I sold that house, one of the checks I wrote with glee was his final payment.

It's a difficult situation. Does the woman have children? Can she get a lawyer to get her a decent settlement? Can she get a job and support herself? If not, what can she do to move forward to getting a job?

Handling your own finances is part of starting a new life. That means everything from budgeting to handling insurance to living in a place you can afford.

OK, off my soapbox! :-))