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When you just walked down the aisle in the most romantic mood you’ll ever be in, the last thing on your mind was money and marriage tips. However, you might be surprised how soon this will become the major topic in your new household. <\/span><\/p>\n The wedding itself (read – the insane expenses that were meant to make that the best day of your lives) is usually the cause of the first official finances-related talk for newlyweds. So, before you let money become a problem, read these tips on how to make both work. <\/span><\/p>\n Yes, getting married doesn’t mean that your spouse’s debt automatically becomes yours<\/a>. But, romantic idea aside, it will affect your life. If your spouse has a debt (or you do) or has a low credit rating, there will be things you cannot do. <\/span><\/p>\n For example, that might make it difficult for you to get a mortgage approved for your dream house. Or, your daily expenses might need to be tailored and adjusted until the debt is paid off.<\/span><\/p>\n So, the absolute priority for you needs to be tackling all the existing debts. Together. Yes, one spouse’s debt is a hindrance for you both, but the opposite also applies. Now you have twice the power to deal with it. Sit down, do the math, and see what it is that you can do to address all the financial loose ends first.<\/span><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong> Dealing Wisely With Marriage, Money, <\/a>And Property<\/p>\n If there is more than one debt between you, you can assume one of the two approaches. You could either tackle the greatest debt first, to lower the interest you have to pay. Alternatively, if you need some motivation, you can also decide to get rid of the smallest debt first. But whatever you choose, do it right away and do it together.<\/span><\/p>\n There are many ways in which couples organize their finances. But they can mostly be divided into two main categories. One option is to join all the earnings and all the expenditures and just have one big shared pool of money and spending. <\/span><\/p>\n The other is to keep finances as separate<\/a> as possible and to chip in for the shared expenses. But whatever the system in your marriage is going to be, the priority is to sit down together, discuss the options, and decide on one that suits you both.<\/span><\/p>\n If you decide to share it all, you should design a system that will ensure none of you feels that they are contributing more and enjoying less. It can be tricky, but with sincere and open communication<\/a>, it is entirely possible. <\/span><\/p>\n Create a chart of expenses, categorizing them into necessary and fixed (such as a mortgage), needed but adjustable (like food), and discretionary. And assign amounts of money to each. Be sure you’re on the same page at all times to prevent any subsequent problems.<\/span><\/p>\n If you choose to keep separate accounts, the main thing to consider is how you are going to contribute to the shared expenses. The best system might be for both of you to set aside a percentage of your earnings. Chipping in with raw dollars will inevitably cause imbalance if your earnings differ significantly.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>1. Sit down and address your debts first – as a team<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/span>2. Decide on the financial arrangement that suits you both<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/span>3. Don’t be a killjoy or an insane spender<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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