MONEY talks

Self-proclaimed ‘money dork’ and author of How to Manage Your Money Like a F*cking Grownup Sam Beckbessinger tackles your burning questions.

- SAM BECKBESSINGER

Q My mom told me to set up a f-ck-off fund – a secret bank account, in case my marriage goes south. But I am married in community of property – is it even possible?

A: Your mom’s right (sigh, aren’t they always). Having a savings account that you can access in an emergency and that your spouse doesn’t have access to is a good idea.

Legally, your spouse is entitled to half of all of your assets, including what’s in that emergency fund. But they’d only be able to claim it once the divorce is wrapped up, which usually takes several months. That fund is there for the first few days and weeks after something goes wrong (and of course, we hope it never will), to rent yourself a flat or buy yourself a plane ticket if you just need to remove yourself from a situation in a hurry.

Make sure that it’s a savings account, not a line of credit, as you’re technically not allowed to open credit without your spouse’s approval if you are married in community of property. Plus, a credit card would show up on any credit checks, so your spouse would definitely find out about it.