Finances should be among the top areas of conversation among couples. When you get married, your lives and your finances merge alongside this relationship. Down the line, you may need to work together to overcome debt. Finding a debt strategy can be a major component of your finances. Our debt counselors recommend that couples consider these money tactics on their journey.
If you or your significant other need help paying off debt, contact ACCC.
Money Tactics For Couples – What Can Work?
There are three basic money tactics for couples.
- Combine all of your finances
- Keep your finances separate
- A mix of the above
Let’s dig into these money tactics for couples and find what might work best for you.
Combine All Your Finances
If you decide to combine your finances, this means you are combining your credit card payoff plans, student loans, housing expenses and more! This also means that all your income will be pooled into a joint account and both you and your partner will have access to it.
While you will have your own credit lines, debt management will be a joint effort. You will both be aware of your bill payments, expenses, and income. It is crucial that you have a budget to work with so you are both on the same page. Setting savings goals together and agreeing on purchase thresholds are also important areas to work out together.
Keep Your Finances Separate
You should have assigned responsibility on what bills are yours and what belongs to your partner. The downside of this method, however, is it is somewhat difficult to see a big picture on your finances. In key financial decisions such as purchasing a home or retirement goals, this method can create confusion and contradiction.
However, there are some money tactics for couples that can help them succeed in this method. Keeping a close watch on your bills at all times is important. You can even agree on a day in a month to reconcile your finances to see no bills or debt is going unpaid. The bigger saving and retirement goals are important to track as well. You can decide to contribute individually based on your income. But consistency and commitment are what you can offer one another.
A Mix of Both
This is a more open way of managing your finances. You will have a joint account and share certain bills in your households and decide to manage others individually. While each party is free to make their spending decisions, major purchases, major debts and savings goals will come under discussion. In order to succeed with this method, each party needs to commit to the goals of the couple or family.
Every couple is different. Use these tactics and strategies to help in your planning and discussions.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
