Newlywed Finances: A Checklist Homestead FL

Before getting married, or soon after, discuss marriage finances and make a budget.

Local Companies

Check 'n Go
(786) 231-3341
18859 SW 117th Ave.
Miami, FL
9350 Financial IV LLC
(305) 670-2103
9350 S Dixie Hwy
Miami, FL
Caceres Credit Corp
786-523-2380 or 786291-2980
5045 SW 154th PL
Miami, FL
Enrichment Group The
(305) 274-1600
7355 SW 87th Ave
Miami, FL
Gap Financial Corp
(786) 243-9797
123 N Krome Ave
Homestead, FL
Money Concepts Financial Planning Centre
(305) 245-7600
1900 N Krome Ave
Homestead, FL
Fusari Financial & Associates
(727) 321-2611
3160 5th Ave N
Saint Petersburg, FL
Greenleaf Financial Stategies Inc
(813) 514-4198
5105 Memorial Hwy
Tampa, FL
Mainstay Finnancial Group
(904) 745-6800
900 Cesery Blvd
Jacksonville, FL
Axa Equitable
(386) 673-2752
725 W Granada Blvd Ste 30
Ormond Beach, FL

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In just about any long-term relationship, finances will come into play, and in a marriage, it's essential to manage finances well together. Whether you're about to get married or have already tied the knot, it's a good idea to sit down with your partner and discuss money.

Financial Talking Points

When you sit down to talk with your fiancé or spouse, begin by sharing the current state of your finances. It's important to be frank and nonjudgmental. Fudging the numbers or concealing certain items from your partner could result in serious problems later. What's important is making sure your plan for going forward is one to which you are both committed. Here are some basics to go over:

  • what's important to each of you when it comes to finances
  • how you will manage your assets (what to combine, what to keep separate)
  • will you use the same bank account? credit cards?
  • how you will deal with differences in income
  • how you will manage the payment of expenses, and
  • what to do if your fiancé or spouse has incurred a lot of debt.

Planning for the Future

In your discussion of finances, it's worth discussing future costs, even if you can't know exactly what these will be. Do you plan on buying a house together? Having children? Taking a trip around the world? Moving? All of these things require significant financial investment. Be sure to discuss the following:

  • financial goals you are working toward
  • new furniture or other items you will purchase and own together
  • how to save up to buy a house
  • how to plan for having children
  • how to fund retirement plans, and
  • any other plans do you want to put in place for the future.

Making a Budget

Sit down with your partner and make a budget.

Income

  • Salary or wages
  • Bsiness income
  • Property income
  • Investment income

Assets

  • Bank accounts (with balances)
  • Investments (stocks, bonds, retirement accounts)
  • Property

Debts

  • School loans
  • Mortgages
  • Home equity loans
  • Business loans
  • Credit card debts
  • Loans from parents or family

Expenses

  • Rent/mortgage
  • Utilities
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Car/transportation
  • Support for children from a previous marriage
  • Insurance
  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Education
  • Loan and credit card payments
  • Taxes
  • Retirement contributions
  • Other purchases (household goods, toys, electronics, and so on)

Making Your Financial Relationship Work

Once you've made these lists, consider the following:

  • Do you and your partner have enough income to meet your expenses?
  • Which assets will you keep separate, and which will you share?
  • Which expenses will you keep separate, and which will you share?
  • What should you do if one partner isn't meeting his or her expenses?

Whatever your financial situation, it's always better to be open and honest than to be unpleasantly surprised in a moment of stress or crisis.


Copyright 2008 Nolo

Featured Local Company

Check 'n Go

(786) 231-3341
18859 SW 117th Ave.
Miami, FL

Related Local Event
Miami Money Making Expo (MMMExpo)
Dates: 7/31/2009 - 8/1/2009
Location: Miami Mart Airport Hotel & Convention Center
Miami, FL
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