5 Tips for Financial Planning for Couples & Planner’s Role

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Ever thought a financial planner could be your marriage’s superhero? Surprise! 

Money issues are sneaky little villains causing many breakups today. Who knew?

Good couples’ financial planning can make all the difference between “happily ever after” and “we need to talk…” 

But let’s be real, effective financial planning for couples requires honesty, transparency, discipline, and maybe even rethinking everything you know about money. Yikes!

Sounds challenging, right? Don’t worry; if you and your partner put in some effort, you can totally nail it.

What is a financial planner in marriage?

If there’s one thing we can almost unanimously agree on, it is the disastrous effect that not having an effective financial planner can have on every aspect of our lives. 

Research highlight: According to a survey documented in 2020, more than one-fourth of American adults were either unable to pay their monthly bills or were (at least) $400 away from being able to pay them in full.

Here’s the sad part. You may think you’re doing well even when you are saddled with a partner who can’t seem to get their finances together. However, the burden of their financial challenges may soon get to you if you wait to do something about it.

What happens when you have to foot almost all the bills at home? 

Take care of the children? 

Fund your business and other personal goals while still having to cater to your spouse’s everyday needs? 

Soon enough, you may face the fact that financial planning for married couples is essential. Hence, the best way to go about it is to understand what a financial planner is right now and how to incorporate one into your love life today.

A marriage financial planner (or financial advisor) is a certified finance expert who works with couples as a neutral party to help them understand their finances, work on their goals, streamline communication, and improve the overall quality of their financial lives.    

Think about a financial planner as a therapist. This time, though, they aren’t interested in your emotional or mental health status per se. Their main job is to help you and your partner make better financial decisions so you can enjoy your marriage/relationship and avoid unwanted stress. 

5 tips for financial planning for married couples

Financial planning for couples might not sound like the most thrilling date night activity, but it’s crucial for a happy, stress-free marriage. 

Wondering where to start? 

Here are 5 essential tips to get you and your partner on the right track. 

Who knows? You might even enjoy it! Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Communicate openly about money

Learning how to talk about finances before marriage can feel awkward. Are we really discussing our debt over dinner? Yes! Open communication is key. Share your financial histories, goals, and worries. Lay it all out! The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Consider this

Set a monthly money date! Grab some snacks and discuss your budget, savings, and expenses. Make it fun and less intimidating.

2. Set joint financial goals

What do you want to achieve together? 

A house? 

A dreamy vacation? 

Setting joint goals keeps you motivated. It’s like being teammates on the same mission. Plus, it’s exciting to see your progress!

Consider this

Create a vision board with your goals! Visualizing them can make saving more enjoyable. Who doesn’t love a little motivation on the fridge?

3. Establish a budget

Yes, the dreaded B-word. But budgeting is vital. It helps you track spending and ensure you’re living within your means. Think of it as a roadmap for your financial planning for couples.

Consider this

Use budgeting apps to make tracking easier! They can help you see where your money goes and where you can cut back. Technology for the win!

4. Save for emergencies

Life is unpredictable. An emergency fund is your safety net. Aim for three to six months’ worth of expenses. It might sound tough, but think of the peace of mind it brings!

Consider this

Set up automatic transfers to your savings account. This way, you save without even thinking about it. Out of sight, out of mind!

5. Plan for the future

Retirement might seem light-years away, but planning now can make a huge difference. Discuss your retirement goals and how you plan to get there. It’s never too early!

Consider this

Meet with a financial planner to get professional advice tailored to your situation. A little expert help can go a long way!

12 ways a financial planner can save your marriage 

Money matters often become a source of tension in marriages. Differing financial priorities, spending habits, and investment strategies can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

A financial planner can provide valuable guidance and support to help couples align their financial goals, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions together.

Here are 12 ways financial planning for couples can be positively impacted by a financial advisor:

1. Assessing financial needs

Before marriage, you had individual life goals. You might have planned for higher education or buying a vacation home. These personal objectives might not have been discussed thoroughly with your partner. 

A financial planner helps align your financial goals as a couple, ensuring you prioritize together and avoid conflict.

Follow this:

• Review individual and joint financial goals with your planner.
• Identify and eliminate areas of financial controversy.
• Clearly define personal and joint ownership of assets to prevent resentment.

2. Building your long-term investment plan

Creating a joint investment plan can be challenging due to different backgrounds and financial perspectives. A financial planner helps with financial planning for couples by bridging these differences guiding you in assembling a portfolio that meets your shared goals for financial freedom.

Follow this:

• Discuss long-term and short-term investment goals with your planner.
• Evaluate your financial capacity and investment options.
• Choose assets that align with your shared objectives.

3. Creating a budget and debt reduction plan

Budgeting is crucial for preventing financial conflict in marriage. A couples financial advisor can help you create a realistic budget that accommodates both income and expenses, guide you through the process of sticking to it, and develop effective debt reduction strategies.

Follow this:

• Work with your planner to draft a workable budget.
• Develop a debt reduction plan, including prioritizing debt repayments and consolidating debts.
• Monitor and adjust the budget as needed to maintain financial stability.

4. Improving financial communication

Financial infidelity, or keeping financial secrets, can harm a relationship. A financial planner promotes transparency regarding financial planning for couples by facilitating open discussions about spending habits and financial expectations, helping you draft solutions to identified problems. 

This improved communication fosters trust and understanding, reducing the likelihood of financial misunderstandings.

Follow this:

• Schedule regular financial discussions with your planner.
• Share financial responsibilities equally.
• Decide on separate or joint checking accounts in a supportive environment.

5. Discussing your current financial reality

A financial planner helps you understand your current financial situation and make informed decisions at every stage of your life. 

They provide expertise that ensures your financial choices are appropriate for your income level. This helps you adapt to changes in your financial circumstances, making smarter decisions that benefit your relationship.

Follow this:

• Regularly review your financial status with your planner.
• Adjust financial strategies based on your income changes.
• Make decisions that benefit your immediate and long-term financial health.

6. Setting realistic financial goals

A financial planner helps set realistic financial goals that both partners agree on. This promotes a sense of teamwork and shared purpose when it comes to financial planning for couples. By setting achievable goals together, you build a foundation of mutual support and motivation, helping each other stay on track.

Follow this:

• Define short-term and long-term goals together.
• Break down goals into achievable steps.
• Celebrate milestones to stay motivated.

7. Handling major financial decisions

Making significant financial decisions can be stressful. A financial planner offers objective advice, helping you make these choices calmly and rationally. This reduces stress and ensures that both partners are comfortable with the decisions made, promoting a healthy partnership.

Follow this:

• Consult your planner before making big financial decisions.
• Weigh the pros and cons together.
• Plan for potential risks and benefits.

8. Managing unexpected financial changes

Life is unpredictable, and financial situations can change suddenly. A financial planner helps prepare for these changes, ensuring you have a plan in place. This preparedness can reduce anxiety and stress, providing stability during uncertain times.

Follow this:

• Establish an emergency fund.
• Regularly update your financial plans.
• Stay flexible and adapt to new circumstances.

9. Educating on financial literacy

A financial planner provides education on financial literacy, empowering both partners to make informed decisions. This knowledge fosters confidence and independence in managing your finances, which can enhance your partnership.

Follow this:

• Attend financial workshops or sessions with your planner.
• Read financial books or articles recommended by your planner.
• Stay informed about financial trends and updates.

10. Mediating financial conflicts

Conflicts about money can strain a marriage. A financial planner acts as a mediator, helping resolve disputes objectively. By providing a neutral perspective, they help you find common ground and develop mutually beneficial solutions.

Follow this:

• Address financial disagreements early.
• Seek your planner’s input to mediate conflicts.
• Focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions.

11. Encouraging joint financial responsibility

A financial planner encourages both partners to take joint responsibility for financial matters, encouraging a sense of partnership and equality. Sharing financial tasks strengthens your bond and ensures that both partners are equally invested in your financial future.

Follow this:

• Share financial tasks equally.
• Support each other’s financial decisions.
• Maintain open communication about financial responsibilities.

Watch this TEDx Talk where Brent Hines talks about how to make financial wellness your reality:

12. Providing ongoing support

Financial planning is an ongoing process. A financial planner provides continuous support and guidance, helping you adapt to changing financial needs and goals. This ongoing support ensures that you remain on track and can make adjustments as necessary.

Follow this:

• Schedule regular check-ins with your planner.
• Review and adjust your financial plans as needed.
• Stay committed to your financial goals together.

Final takeaway

The role of a financial planner in your marriage must be emphasized. From offering bespoke financial advice, helping you keep track of all your income and expenses, and showing you how to multiply your money, consider hiring one as soon as possible. 

If your partner requires more convincing, consider educating them on how hiring a financial advisor for couples can help improve your relationship and marriage. Financial marriage counseling might be the first step toward helping them see reasons with you. 

You’ll enjoy working with a financial planner once you are on the same page concerning the relevance of a financial planner to your home.