HOW-TO JOIN YOUR FINANCES FOR A FULFILLING MARRIAGE

Are you and your fiancé getting married soon? Are you a newlywed couple looking to combine your finances?

If so, congratulations.

This is a time when there are new responsibilities as you think about areas you simply did not have to consider when you were single.

This includes your finances. Finances can be a really touchy point among soon to be married couples and newlyweds.

That is why we recommend that you think long and hard about how your finances impact your marriage.

How-to Join Your Finances for a Fulfilling Marriage

Decide Ahead of Time

First, you must open the conversation about joining your finances during marriage. For many people, this might be the hardest step. Just be sure you discuss it beforehand.

If you both agree that this could be best for your marriage, go for it. If one partner is not sure, however, talk it out.

Discuss things like how much money you owe, what is in the bank, as well as what bills you are currently paying.

Decide whether or not it would be better to leave your finances together or separate. 

Plan for Now

Start out by creating or showing one another your budget. A budget should include all your recurring expenses, like rent, insurance payments, car payments, and utilities.

Also include things like entertainment, clothing, or things you do for just yourself.

You should decide how the two of you will pay for these expenses together.

This is very important.

Do you split your income evenly at the moment, or opt for an income that is split on who earns what? Who pays for bills and who pays for personal purchases?

Decide these things between you and your partner and make a new budget together.

Plan for Later

Once you have finished creating your budget together it is time to plan for what’s ahead.

If you are a newlywed or married for many years it is wise to consider the amount of debt if any debt you want to have in your marriage.

You may have debt, credit cards, car(s), furniture, department store, gas cards, etc. If so, your first priority is to start paying off your current debt, now.

In your budget you both will need to add this in as a line item. Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University was a life saver for us. The sound advice gave us the tools that were needed to set up a budget, get out of debt and plan for the future.

You may also want to think about saving for your future, whether you plan to buy a home or retire or have a child, or even saving for unexpected expenses.

Think about your plans for even further. You may want to start saving for that dream car, an anniversary vacation, or a trip around the world. 

Whatever it may be it is best if you determine the best way to join your finances for a fulfilling marriage.

For more advice on how to strengthen your marriage, check out He Zigs, She Zags: Get Your Communication on the Same Path today!