When you get married, you imagine it will be all love, laughter, and romance. But there’s so much that goes into making a marriage successful. And the harsh reality is that if there is one thing that can make or break your marriage, it’s your finances. Still, when handled correctly, they can also serve as the basis of a happily ever after.
Couples are finding that open dialogue, a common objective, and a little bit of strategic thinking are the keys to harmonious financial coexistence in the present day while understanding the importance of money. So, if you’re looking to keep your marriage strong and healthy, you’re in the right place because today, we’ll be providing some financial tips that’ll help you keep the romance alive and worries at bay. Let’s jump right in.
- Start Estate Planning
Imagining a lifetime of shared ambitions and eternal bliss is only part of the recipe for a happy marriage. While not as romantic, estate planning is an important aspect that deserves some attention. But don’t worry – it’s not as complex as it sounds.
Estate planning includes creating a strategy for distributing your assets and wealth to ensure that the people you love are cared for in the future. For example, if one spouse passes away unexpectedly, estate planning will ensure the other is cared for. It includes wills, trusts, and other legal instruments that aid in navigating the confusing world of inheritance.
One such thing that often enters the discussion is marital trusts. Are you wondering what is a marital trust? It’s something that helps reduce tax liabilities for your loved ones after you’re gone. It’ll make your marriage more stress-free, knowing your loved ones will be financially taken care of under unfortunate circumstances.
- Don’t Let Money Come Between You
It’s normal to see one spouse making more money than the other – sometimes even a lot more. But whether the difference is 1000 or 100,000 dollars, it can lead to the same problems. The spouse who brings in more money might feel entitled to make the financial decisions for the house alone or have the final say. If you think that’s something you do, you must stop. A few extra numbers on your pay stub don’t mean you can hold it over your partner’s head.
Remember, you’re on the same team. It’s not your money or their money. It’s our money. If one of you makes less and spends more time at home, tending to the children and the household duties, they still get an equal say. Their contribution is probably saving you a lot more money than you think.
- Make A Budget Together
It’s necessary to know everything about the cash landing in your bank account and where it’s hopping over to every month. It is the way to avoid moving into debt or getting out of it successfully. When you combine the money you have, you and your spouse are more mindful of every penny you spend.
But budgeting is more than just spreadsheets and crunching numbers—it’s a collective effort. To ensure everyone is on the same page, you must be involved in budgeting. It will help you prevent the “You spent how much?” fights that can dampen the spark in any relationship.
Budgeting together will unveil all your spending secrets. Those specialty iced coffees you treat yourself to almost every day will all pop up. But don’t worry – this will help you form smart financial decisions together. By doing it together, you can best plan out what works best for your family and how you can tighten the belts in certain places to let them loose in those that matter more.
- Talk About Debt
Now let’s talk about an aspect of your finances that’s a bit more on the dark side – yup, it’s debt. Don’t be ashamed or judgemental, whether it’s from student loans or massive credit card debt. Be honest and transparent about it with your partner so you can devise a plan to tackle it together.
For example, should you ever need a loan from the bank as a married couple, the bank will look at both of your credit scores individually. And even if one of you has a score that doesn’t look too good, your application can be denied. So, you’d have to work together to determine how to present your application best.
Set goals for tackling debts strategically. For example, prioritize the high-interest debts first and pay the bare minimum for the smaller ones. Also, celebrate each win as you go, which will help you stay motivated to keep going. Don’t forget to support one another throughout the process. Find ways to reduce your spending, increase income, and put extra money toward repaying debts. This joint effort will not just lighten the financial burden but will also strengthen the trust and resilience in your relationship.
- Don’t Let Kids Get In The Way
Sometimes you work hard on your financial plan and goals with your partner, and everything works well, but these tiny little human beings get in the way with all their demands. And you can’t resist giving in to them. Because they’re your kids, after all, you love them and want them to have everything life offers. But this needs to stop. Of course, we’re not saying not to meet their needs or let them have nice things. But they don’t necessarily need the latest PlayStation when you just got them one just a year ago, especially if it doesn’t fit within your budget.
The problem occurs when one spouse feels differently and lets the kid have what they want. It is just begging for a money argument. To avoid the kids getting in the way, you must plan together. Discuss the prospect of assigning chores and paying kids an allowance for their efforts. It can help them develop a strong work ethic while teaching them the value of the things they buy.
Conclusion
Marriage is a journey with difficulties and victories, twists and turns. And it’s no different when it comes to money. But take heart in the fact that you aren’t on your own. You’re creating a bond more powerful than any document or bank record as you walk hand in hand, facing hurdles and celebrating achievements. So, as you move forward, keep the spirit of open dialogue, trust, and shared goals alive. Brace yourselves for the road ahead, knowing that every step strengthens the foundation of your love and your financial future.
