Developing Your Plan
If you are marrying for the first time or remarrying, developing your plan
for the future can be exciting when done together. Knowing your financial
expectations and sharing them with your future spouse is an important first step.
Marriage counselors and financial planning professionals advise that
couples observe each other’s money habits and talk honestly and openly
about money attitudes and expectations before they marry. It is important
to develop a dialogue about money that lasts the rest of your lives.
As you talk with each other, you will begin to understand why your views
may differ from your partner’s views. Consider the deeper, emotional issues
that direct behavior without judging or criticizing. This financial understanding
of each other is the basis for compromises you will need to make about money management.
Based on what you learn about one another, you will also need to decide how to handle
money after you marry. For most couples, that means compromise.
Specific state laws and your unique circumstances will determine how you
use this information. You should consult your attorney, financial planning
professional, tax accountant or other professionals when you make legal and
financial decisions.
See the forms in the Helpful Forms & Lists
box at the top of this page for more information.
Topics covered in this section are: |
Basic Money Management
Basic Money Management