Life & Money
How to Prepare Financially for Marriage
But even more important than your color scheme or caterer are the decisions you and your future spouse make now about marriage and money.
“Money issues” were cited among the top three motivators for marriage breakups in a survey of financial analysts specializing in divorce.
So, as you plan the exciting details of your wedding day, set aside time with your partner to talk about your future together keeping these financial planning guidelines in mind.
Share Your Financial Values and Goals
What short-term and long-term financial goals do each of you have? Donating regularly to a charity or important cause may be a priority for one of you, while the other dreams of buying into a high-end neighborhood and taking a luxury vacation every year. Write down your priorities separately, then compare lists and discuss where your goals overlap and where you can compromise.
Many marriages don’t survive the wealth-planning and building phases because only one, or neither, of the spouses is totally committed to a shared wealth management plan.
Assess Your Individual Financial Situations
Before you combine your money, get your own house in order. No one wants to start a life together with an unhappy revelation about past financial troubles or debt. How much do you have in monthly income and your savings account (if you have one)? What’s the total on your credit card or student loan debt? What are your monthly expenses, and how will they change once you are married?
With so many young people coming out of school with a lot of student debt, it’s important to decide together how you’ll deal with it. Is it going to be “his or hers” debt, or “our” debt?
Make a Savings Plan That You Both Agree on
It takes discipline to postpone gratification to get to a more certain future.
“’The Millennial Marriage Survival Guide,’” should it ever be written, should start with: Save a minimum of 10 percent of every dollar you earn in a long-term, untouchable account. You can get more detailed if you like, such as max-funding your Retirement Plan at work if you have one, or max-funding your TFSA or RRSP, just know that it is the conceptual commitment that matters most.
Discuss savings and investing options that fit your current financial situation, and agree upon monthly contribution amounts. Doing so establishes savings expectations and ensures you and your spouse are able to properly plan to achieve your financial goals.
Have the Tough Conversations
The two most financially devastating life events may be divorces and unexpected deaths. Even when you’re first starting out, it’s important to think about protecting your assets, particularly if you come into a marriage with substantial resources.
Most people understandably don’t want to think about those unfortunate circumstances coming to pass, so they don’t talk about them. But doing so — whether by having a will or trust drawn up or a pre-nuptial agreement in place — can be lifesaving in a worst-case scenario.
At least have a power of attorney filled out, so someone else can make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to. We’re all mortal and we never know what can happen.
Be Transparent With Your Spending Habits
People getting married at older ages have pre-existing personal finances in place, fine-tuned to each spouse’s personal lifestyle preferences. Abandoning the freedom, and privacy, of your personal financial situation can be difficult, but is important if a marriage is to succeed. You must be willing to open the books and share all the details with your partner. Maybe have a regular “money date” to talk about finances once a quarter or twice a year. It’s like dieting or exercise. Once you establish a routine it gets much easier.
