Couples can have different philosophies toward money. But before you and your partner tie the knot, follow these steps to ensure financial bliss.
What to Do Before Marrying: Saver vs. Spender
You’ve found the one you love and have decided to get married. However, while making plans for your shared life, you and your soon-to-be spouse discover that one of you is a spender and the other is a saver! Luckily, there are ways to manage joint finances that will leave both partners happy. Here are some tips to help you successfully navigate your way to a financial agreement:
Talk About Your Feelings Toward Money
Much of our approach to money comes from our feelings: Money may make you feel anxious or excited, and money management may fill you with calm or dread. Take some time before you get married to explore how you feel about money and why. Did you grow up in a household where money was tight? Did you never worry about where money was going? Your upbringing will have a strong impact on your feelings toward money, and your future spouse may not always agree with your stance.
If you understand the source of your spouse’s point of view regarding money, you’ll be better able to empathize and communicate compassionately if you disagree on a financial issue. (For more, see 5 Ways to Control Emotional Spending.)
Discuss How You’d Like to Spend Your Money
One partner may value designer clothes while the other may have an expensive hobby. You both may love to travel, want to own a home or retire early. If you and your partner spend time discussing each of your desires, you will likely find some overlap. If you plan to save for the things you want together and then spend the money on an item or experience you both really value, you and your partner will walk away from the purchase happy. (For more, see Are You Spending Too Much?)
Read more: What to Do Before Marrying: Saver vs. Spender | Investopedia http://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/030316/what-do-marrying-saver-vs-spender.asp#ixzz41sdn8QOn
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