A newlywed financial checklist is a great starting place if you are thinking about marriage or have recently been married. Using the 10 steps in this financial checklist can guide couples as they discuss spending habits, debt management and more.
Couples can tackle debt management together.
Newlywed Financial Checklist in 10 Steps
Financial checklists serve as a plan, keeping both parties on the same page. ACCC’s newlywed financial checklist will do just that for couples working through their personal finances together. Consumer debt or other financial challenges might not be as difficult when following a checklist; it’s just another step in the process.
As many studies have pointed out, finances are one of the leading causes of stress and divorce in marriage. Instead of creating a plan for how to eliminate debt, couples who aren’t working together may only play the blame game. That’s why it’s very important for each person’s financial histories, habits, goals and values to be explored.
Newlywed Financial Checklist
Follow these 10 steps to start sharing and planning a financial future together.
- Decide to combine or not combine finances.
- Discuss spending habits.
- Assign financial responsibilities.
- Create a budget together.
- Discuss debts.
- Strategize debt repayment options.
- Set future financial goals.
- Decide whether to open joint accounts.
- Discuss any major purchases.
- Review your finances monthly.
This list starts with the couple getting familiar with one another’s financial background, then moves to working as a team to manage the day-to-day finances and finally building financial goals and plans together. Whether debt reduction is a major goal or you want to save for frequent world travel, working together is key to turning those goals into a reality.
Just like other areas of your marriage, finances should be a partnership. If both people are honest and honor the financial plans you make together, money will hopefully not become an obstacle in your marriage.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
