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| The Five Financial Rules For Newlyweds |
| Written by Dorthy Weatherbush |
| Thursday, 10 December 2009 08:42 |
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As couples begin the process of preparing for marriage, there are several things that they must do. The must decided where they are going to live, how many kids they want to have, the rules of their marriage and so much more. One item that is extremely important is finances. Couples getting married need to discuss these key financial points: 1. financial debts, 2. financial goals, 3. opening accounts, 4. making budgets, 5. deciding who is going to be the accountant for the family.
As couples begin the process of preparing for marriage, there are several things that they must do. The must decided where they are going to live, how many kids they want to have, the rules of their marriage and so much more. One item that is extremely important is finances. Couples getting married need to discuss these key financial points: 1. financial debts, 2. financial goals, 3. opening accounts, 4. making budgets, 5. deciding who is going to be the accountant for the family. The first thing that any newlywed couple or couple about to get married needs to do is to understand what they will be bringing to the table financially. So they need to value what they have together in total assets which includes investments, bank accounts, cars, electronics, properties, and anything else that will fetch a price. This will give the couple a good idea of where they are starting out financially together. Discussing the automobiles they currently own, one should also look at how long they expect to hang onto that automobile, and how they plan to purchase a replacement when the time comes? This is part of their financial planning, and does need to be included as an important expenditure. Income is the next item that should be discussed so that they couple knows how much money is coming into the household. This is the basis from which the couple will build their financial wealth. Debt is such a big item that many couples have canceled weddings because one partner wasn't completely honest about the amount of debt they were in. So be honest about how much student loan debt, credit card debt, mortgage debt, car debt, or any other debt you are in. Then the couple can begin to formulate a plan for deciding how to get out of debt. The home's equity, if they own a home, is of tremendous significance as well. First, they need a place to live, but secondly having equity in a home is one of the easiest ways to eventually accumulate wealth. Have the couple find out what their home's actual fair market value is. With the advancements in what is located on the Web, they can look over what similar homes were sold for, themselves. Equity is the difference between fair market value and what remains to be paid in mortgages and such. They must be sure to look at equity loans too when arriving at the home's equity. Anyone helping a newly married couple with the financial side of their new status needs to be sure that they have opened a joint banking account. The account should be an "or" account but never an "and" account, so that either one can withdraw and use the account. Any outstanding retirement accounts that the couple has should be changed to reflect the new spouse as the beneficiary. If life insurance is going to be purchased, the couple needs to discuss how much the policy should be for and again should list each other as beneficiaries. If neither one of the partners has a retirement package, then they should definitely consider getting one because you definitely want to keep things good until death do you part. About the Author: Dorthy Weatherbush didn't have TheKnot.com to help her plan for and get ready for marriage. With the help of TheKnot.com couples now have lots of resources to not only help them plan for a wedding, but for marriage, kids, and the couple's first home. |