Ask each other how often it makes sense to check in on both everyday expenses and longer-term goals. Hopefully, you’ve already had at least one serious money talk and have a sense of other’s income, debt, credit scores, money habits and anything else that could impact your financial future together.īut your money conversations should be ongoing, particularly as your life and goals change. How often should we discuss our finances? Is one person laser-focused on paying down debt, while the other wants to save for a vacation? What are you both proactively saving for now that you have in common, and what do you want to save for in the future? The answers can help you determine whether it makes sense to keep some goals separate and while working jointly on others.

On top of that, discuss and prioritize what else is important to you. Hopefully, both of you are saving for retirement in either a 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA) already (although you may need to adjust your contributions based on the type of retirement you envision together). What financial goals are important to you?ĭay-to-day spending aside, you’ll also want to think about your short- and long-term financial goals. Particularly if joint accounts are in your future, decide if one method works best for you both - or if one person has a natural affinity for it, letting them take the lead on managing the budget. Share the ways you each have individually managed your money up to this point, and how helpful it’s actually been in tracking your spending and saving. When discussing the details, you might conclude that you and your partner have different spending and budgeting styles (opposites attract, right?). Maybe you’re the type who likes detailed spreadsheets, while your spouse prefers quick check-ins on an app. Questions to ask before combining your finances How do you like to budget? The degree to which you combine finances with your future spouse is a personal choice some couples choose to blend all their income into joint accounts, while others feel more comfortable maintaining a little - or a lot - of autonomy.īefore you decide what works for you as a couple, asking yourself these questions can help. Educational Resources About Family & WorkĪs you and your significant other prepare to get married, it’s only natural to think about how you want to commingle your money.Educational Resources About Everyday Money.Educational Resources About Financial Planning.Disability Insurance Calculator Money Parachute icon.Disability Insurance For Doctors and Dentists.

Combining finances after marriage