I’m Getting Married - How Do I Talk About Finances With My Fiancé?

Money and marriage sounds like a recipe for disaster, but with open communication and a plan, you’re bound to be financially happily-ever-after. Check out these tips for sparking that hard conversation 💡

Be Insanely Honest

It’s essential to be insanely honest - first with yourself, and then with your partner.  Tell your partner all about your money situation - debts, assets, income, credit score, give it to them straight. And of course, vice-versa.

Recognize Your Differences

Chances are, you and your partner have different money mindsets and values. I mean, opposites do attract. You’re both on the same team here, so it’s important to understand how your values can work together to accomplish your shared goals. Try asking your partner some tough questions to understand their relationship with money:

• What is one thing you spend money on that you think I won’t understand?
• Is there anything that scares you about your current money situation? How can I help?

Remember That You’re on the Same Team

As a couple, think about your money goals for the short and long term. Getting married means working as a team, and the opportunity to build a better money situation for the both of you. Treat money as a tool to help you both build a better present and future life together.

While you are a team, it is not necessary to share everything. Having shared and separate accounts helps to manage your own independence and ensure you don’t get upset with each other for spending on what the other deems unnecessary. Check out these apps that can be useful ➡️:

• Ivella
• Splitwise

Keep Up With Your Shared Goals

Talking about money isn’t the most fun conversation, but it’s important to do a survey of your money situation and what you can do differently to reach your shared goals. Setting a specific “date night” every few weeks or once a month can help make sure you’re both on the same page.

Money can be a difficult subject because most of us did not grow up in an environment where money was openly talked about. However, avoiding the conversation can negatively impact the health of your marriage. Statistically speaking, money is the #1 thing couples fight about. But the good news is, with open conversation and shared goals - you can make money work for you.