After years of dating and coming up short, you finally found the special person you want to marry. So, you saved your money and shopped around for the perfect ring to pop the question. Although you were a bit nervous, the engagement plans were successful and she said yes! While you’re probably not rushing down the aisle just yet, there are some things you want to do to prepare.
Finances And Your Relationship
Whether you know it or not, money problems are high on the list of reasons marriages don’t last. Couples end up arguing over budgets, expenses, debts, and everything in between. Some, even end up getting a divorce. If you want to prevent this in your relationship, you must get your finances under control. Here are a few money moves you should make now that you’re engaged.
Get Debt Under Control
Once you get married, your debt and your spouse’s debt will combine. If you have a lot of outstanding bills or poor credit, this could impact your future together. You’ll have a challenging time trying to get approved for a mortgage or car loan. You will also have a rough time trying to keep up with your monthly expenses. So, it’s best to start chopping away your debt now.
There’s no shortage of ways to reduce your debt. You have to conduct research and select the methods that work best for you. Some of the most common ideas include negotiating payment arrangements with creditors, using a debt consolidation service, or investing any extra money into paying down your balances. As you’re paying down your debts, you might also want to consider using installment loans to build credit so you and your partner have a more secure financial start and future.
Build A Savings
You and your spouse will encounter so many unexpected events together. The roof could start leaking, your transmission could blow, or one of you could lose your jobs. If that happens, you want to ensure that you can handle the issue without overwhelming yourself. While you may have to take out a loan or charge an emergency expense to your credit card occasionally, it’s best to have a nest egg. Collectively, you two should have at least three to six month’s worth of expenses in a savings account.
Research Insurance Options
You want to ensure that your spouse is financially covered by adequate life, health, home, and auto insurance. As policies are often more affordable with multiple applicants, you can save some money by adding your spouse to your plans (or the other way around). Start with your job. Talk to your human resources department to find out how much it will be to add your spouse to your health insurance. If you don’t have insurance through an employer, there are options where you can get affordable quotes on efficient medical coverage.
Prenup
There’s a wide misconception that a prenuptial agreement is like planning for your marriage to end. Although it is a financial contract that’s enacted in a divorce, it’s a lot more than that. Let’s say you and your partner are getting married later in life. Chances are you have children, real estate, stocks, and even a business that you’ve worked hard to acquire and want to protect. A prenup would essentially ensure that should your marriage end in a divorce, that these things are protected. It can also be a great tool to help you navigate your finances in the middle of an emotional experience.
If you thought the only thing you’d have to worry about is saving up for an engagement ring, think again. Once the love of your life says yes to your proposal, you have to prepare for the rest of your lives together. A large part of that means getting your finances in order. You want to ensure that you’re in a financial position to be a suitable partner for your spouse (and not dead weight). The above money moves are essential to your future as a married couple. So, start tackling this list before your wedding date to take the stress off being newlyweds.
