Money Tips for Newlyweds
Wedding season is upon us. So, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to enjoy the tying of knots.
If you’re the lucky couple walking down the aisle, then congratulations. You’ve taken a giant leap into adulthood, and the journey is only really beginning. It would be very smart to get on the same page with your finances, especially since it seems to be a source of arguments between married couples.
In fact, couples fight about money twice as much as they fight about sex, according to a Money Magazine survey. And the challenges can actually start even before you say, "I do."
The American divorce rate is nearly twice what it was in 1960, though it has declined somewhat since hitting an all-time high in 1980. We’ve all heard it said that “50% of all marriages end in divorce now.” In actuality, this isn’t true. A recent data study by The New York Times revealed that about 70% of marriages that began in the 1990s reached their 15th anniversary, up from roughly 65% of those that began in the 1970s and 1980s.
This decline suggests a higher rate of marital stability due to both a higher age of first marriage, as well as the reservation of marriage for the economically stable.
That’s not to say that your marriage is doomed — not by a long shot. The stabilizing influence of financially savvy and coordinated efforts and decisions in a marriage can certainly help the situation.
Here are some tips to strengthen the bond from a financial standpoint:
Respectful and Honest Communication
This would be a good piece of advice to couples on any subject, but particularly so with money. Never hide or lie about a single dollar of spending. This includes getting that special item on sale and “rounding down” to make it sound less expensive than it actually was.
Common Goals, Common Purpose
Talk about your financial goals often and in detail. It’s vital to sit down and coordinate your future plans with regard to finances. Think about it. If you’re not working together toward a common goal, then chances are you’re at odds with one another to some degree.
Retirement
You’re hopefully going to grow old together. Start planning for it now. Retirement savings plans are easily accessible and are worth every penny you stash away when you’re sitting on that cruise ship smiling at one another, sipping on a Mai Tai.
Savings
Start a savings account together and an emergency fund. Invest together. Do it now. You’ll be glad you did.
Live within your means
You don’t need to live in a giant mansion, nor do you need the latest, shiny, fancy car. It’s nice to have nice things, but if those things are beyond your means, do not fall for the consumer trap of going deep into debt to keep up with the Joneses. Instead, save your money. Spend less than you earn, and avoid the stress of trying to juggle expensive bills that you can’t afford.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. This material does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered in connection with the purchase or sale of securities.
To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law.
Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.
These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable– we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.
David Lerner Associates does not provide tax or legal advice. The information presented here is not specific to any individual's personal circumstances. Member FINRA & SIPC