In some marriages, finances have been an area of trouble. The current economic condition is making it difficult for couples to get married. This leads to a few lying to their spouses about money matters. This often leads to arguments and separation due to distrust. Now there are preventative measures that can save marriages from being harmed.
You need to find out about your spouse’s philosophy and financial upbringing before you walk down the aisle. You have to know your spouse’s past and present financial holdings and lay down a transparent foundation to manage your financial future together.
Discuss Your Childhood
It is good if you can understand the money triggers of your would-be spouse, taking their childhood into account. You first have to know how your partner’s money outlook was formed to understand if you are financially compatible. You can discuss your parents’ spending, saving, and ways of communicating and how they influenced your behavior.
You must also discuss your emotional connection with money. Talk to your partner if you have a sense of self-worth. How does the fear of financial troubles affect your mental state? Lay all out on the table and discuss these things with your partner.
Protect Your Assets
Most people will not consider signing a prenup agreement before getting married, as this notion is barely romantic. However, a prenup can be pretty helpful if you or your partner have significant premarital assets, family wealth, a successful business, or you might be getting an unexpected inheritance. These are touchy subjects, so it is best if you have clear and concise discussions about them before marriage. Visit here to get detailed information about signing a prenup and how it can aid in protecting your assets.
Learn The Financial Past And Present Of Your Partner
Not having honest and consistent conversations about your finances can sometimes lead to a messy divorce. Hence it is imperative to learn about the past and present of your partner’s financial condition. You should review all your partner’s financial debts, such as business, education, or home loans.
You can pull up your partner’s credit score to see if they have ever filed for bankruptcy. While you are at it, you should also learn of any significant credit card balances. Checking these things beforehand will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when you try to make a large purchase together.
Outline the Spending And Income Patterns
Do you spend money impulsively, or are you a penny pincher? Do you essentially work off a budget? Does your income fluctuate? Are you expecting to get any bonuses soon? Discussing these details is essential when making plans to handle the daily finances as a married couple. It is also fair to contribute based on a percentage of the income instead of making equal contributions when one partner earns significantly more than the other.
Does A Joint Account Work For You
When getting married, a decision that many couples need to make is whether to combine their finances or have a separate account. You need to sit and discuss with your partner what suits you the most, a joint account, a separate account, or a combination of the two. Couples have sometimes opted for separate accounts when the husband and wife are both working. This way, they get to keep separate budgets for their discretionary income.
If both are earning, they may maintain a joint account for household expenditures or if they have any shared goals for savings. You must have open discussions and open disclosures if you both decide to keep a joint account.
Fix Financial Roles
Fixing roles around the household is important, such as who will do the dishes and who will take out the trash. Likewise, it is essential to decide on each other’s financial roles as well. Who will be responsible for the financial tasks such as statement filing, paying the bills, and keeping up with the accounts? You need to decide if you will be doing everything yourself or if you will be sharing the responsibilities.
If you have assets that might cause complications down the line and if both or either of you have varied investment styles, it would be worth your while to get these things sorted beforehand by seeing an attorney and signing a prenup. This way you can define your roles and the division of assets during and after your marriage.
Keep The Tax Scenarios In Mind
There will be certain implications of getting married on your taxes, so it is best if you consult with an accountant about that. An accountant will be able to clue you in on the implications, keeping in mind considerations such as how you decide to file your tax, whether you will be combining your finances, or what the is the influx of assets that your partner is bringing into the equation.
State Your Career And Family Plans
You must discuss the timelines and costs with your partner if you have any specific career plans or family obligations. You should address questions such as whether you will be a single or dual-earner family, if you will have children, and if so, when and how many. Will you be having an older parent living with you? Do you plan to start a business? Are you planning to go back to school? Do you need to relocate for work? Such issues might change your financial goals or may impact your organizing system. Discussing these things beforehand will give you a better idea of where you are headed.
Summing Up
Financial decisions are inevitable before marriage, and a free and frank discussion about your future financial plans and goals is essential for a solid and happy marriage. So it is best to sit down with your partner and have an honest discussion about your financial condition and intentions for the future. Mitigate any issues that arise and have a happy and loving marriage.
