When you made a commitment to spending your lives together you also committed to sharing your financial future together.

The topic of money is a delicate one but tough conversations are sometimes necessary. Worrying about stirring up conflict at a time when you are in love and planning a life together, a time when life should be fun and exciting, causes most engaged couples to avoid having serious discussions about money.

It takes longer to recover from an argument that results from financial disagreements than any other personal issues in a relationship. Therefore it behooves couples to discuss important financial matters before tying the knot.

It is not uncommon for one or the other, or both parties to hide their debt or poor spending habits. In a committed relationship, transparency and trust is key, particularly if your intentions are for your relationship to succeed and last. On the other hand if your actions affect or destroy your partner’s credit then it can cause much anger, mistrust and create a rift in your future together.

Here are seven steps that are necessary for you to take before you say, “I Do”.

1.           Disclose your debts and assets

Create a net worth statement that will give a clear overall picture of your financial standing and allow you to discuss how to handle certain issues such as taking care of any financial obligations or debts that you may have at the time.

2.           Discuss long and short term goals

Talk about your goals, whether they involve buying a house, having children, adopting a certain lifestyle. Open up and share your worries and hopes for retirement and what you need to put into place (and perhaps sacrifice), that can help you realize those goals.

3.           Embrace a budget

Couples just getting started in their careers can experience some challenges in meeting their shared lives together. Sticking to a budget can help set parameters as to what is acceptable, and can help avert disagreements and quarrels.

4.           Decide who will manage the money

Let’s face it, managing household expenses, making timely payments and making sure that bills don’t fall by the wayside, is not everyone’s strength. The person who has a better handle on finances, who is organized and has the time, should be the one assigned to this role so all is running smoothly on the home front.

5.           Discuss whether to share or pool your money

Decide if you will fully merge your finances or have separate accounts for personal expenses and joint accounts for shared household expenses, including vacations. Laying ground rules early on will help avert arguments in case one or the other makes purchases without discussing with their partner.

6.           Update legal documents

Make sure certain legal documents, such as your last will and testament, durable power of attorney, health-care proxy and living will are updated and in place.

7.           Review often

Plans you make when you go into marriage can change quickly due to unexpected circumstances, such as loss of a job, the birth of a child, health issues etc. So it is wise to revisit your financial goals and adjust your plans every so often.

Money-related issues are delicate and can sometimes be complicated, especially when one party entering into the relationship has more at stake than the other. If that is the case then these matters are best discussed with a third party present. By all means involve a financial planner who can advise you on what is best for both concerned.

Having had these discussions early on will radically transform your relationship and forge an even stronger tie with your loved one. It proves that you are not marrying each other for their money and that your intentions are to grow together and nurture a meaningful life with each other.

Have you taken an honest look at how you are in your relationship with money? Have you had that money talk with your partner? If not, isn’t now the time?

Be proactive and take steps to clarify your finances so that you can start looking at other things to celebrate with the love of your life. Having survived your money talks, you’re free to spend your lives in love and mutual trust.

You can have all the money and power in the world but it can’t buy you happiness.

And it certainly can’t buy you love.

 

 

© Rani St. Pucchi, 2016

Rani is the author of the soon to be released:

The SoulMate Checklist: Key Questions to Help You Choose Your Perfect Partner

For other books by Rani St. Pucchi and for more information please visit www.ranistpucchi.com

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