Historically, June has been the most popular month for weddings. Marriage brings change to a couple’s financial situation that can affect all aspects of their life together. With it being wedding season, we thought we’d share some financial implications to help you as you enter this new time of your life.
Before the “I Do’s”
Communication is crucial to a successful marriage. Money is often considered an uncomfortable and sometimes even controversial subject. However, understanding the complete picture of each other’s finances is crucial to starting things off on the right (and honest) foot. Have a heart-to-heart about how each of you value money, how your parents talked with you about finances and your spending tendencies (i.e. one person prefers to save, one person spends more freely).
Commit to transparency with one another. Be sure to disclose all assets, liabilities and credit information. Your wedding is a celebration of your love. But marriage is a legal contract and it’s important to know what you’re getting into before committing your lives to one another.
Create a plan. If you have significant debt, create a plan together on how you will pay it off.
Create a household budget. By creating a budget, you create a framework for how to achieve your financial goals as a couple. Ask yourselves questions like, “What are your top priorities in life?” and “Will one of us stay at home full-time or part-time to care for children?”
Talk about a financial plan for your wedding. Between flowers, dresses, venues and food, wedding costs can easily get out of control. Determine your wedding budget, figure out how much assistance if any you will get on the costs and then set up your expenditures accordingly.
After You’ve Tied the Knot
Update account beneficiaries. If you have life insurance or retirement accounts, this is a good time to update your beneficiaries. This helps to ensure that, when the time comes, the assets you accumulate are distributed the way you intend.
Have regular check-ins. Remember when we said communication is crucial to a successful marriage? Well, we mean it! Financial discussions are ongoing. Set a regular “marriage meeting” (weekly, monthly, bi-monthly) and talk about whether your budget is still on track or if you need to make adjustments.
Consider working with a financial advisor. Clearly we are big advocates of using an advisor. And for good reason. A financial advisor is a neutral party who can help work through the differences you and your spouse may have. They can also help you see your spending habits more clearly and work with you on a reasonable plan based on your unique financial goals.
Talk about retirement. Yes, seriously! Whether you’re 24 or 44, it’s important to talk about your retirement goals as early as possible so that you can work toward them immediately. Consider whether you are both on the same page about your ideal retirement age. Discuss your expectations for retirement and the lifestyle you envision for yourselves. This is another way a financial advisor comes in handy, helping you establish your plan and keeping you accountable to it, in good times and in bad.
Are you and your partner ready to create a plan for your future together? We are ready to help! Set up an appointment with one of our advisors to get started.
*Securities offered through Private Client Services, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory products and services offered through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor. Prime Capital Investment Advisors doing business as Qualified Plan Advisors, “QPA.” Private Client Services, Qualified Plan Advisors, and Prime Capital Investment Advisors are unaffiliated entities. 6201 College Blvd., 7th Floor, Overland Park, KS 66211
*Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”) and its associates do not render any legal, tax or accounting advice nor prepare any legal documents.