When a newly married couple comes to a financial planner, there are always five different areas that seem to matter the most. They are starry eyed of course, thus putting these financial musts in front of them is of extreme importance. These are basically: 1. financial debts, 2. financial goals, 3. opening accounts, 4. making a budget, and 5. deciding who is going to act as accountant for the couple.
The first thing that any newlywed couple or couple about to get married needs to do is to understand what they will be bringing to the table financially. So they need to value what they have together in total assets which includes investments, bank accounts, cars, electronics, properties, and anything else that will fetch a price. This will give the couple a good idea of where they are starting out financially together.
The purchase of automobiles is an important discussion that couples need to have. How long does each partner plan on keeping their current vehicle? When an upgrade occurs how much money will be allotted to that purchase? These are questions that need to be answered early on in the relationship.
Couples also need to understand how much money each partner brings in. Things such as income from working, annuity payments and interest payment should be discussed so that the couple understands how much total money is coming into the house.
Debt is a big ticket item on most people’s books. Couple should share with each other how much is owed on any mortgages, credit cards, student loan payments, and other loans. They should be open and honest with one another so that they couple gets a clear understanding of how much debt they are in together; in turn they will be able to build a plan to get themselves out of debt.
The home’s equity, if they own a home, is of tremendous significance as well. First, they need a place to live, but secondly having equity in a home is one of the easiest ways to eventually accumulate wealth. Have the couple find out what their home’s actual fair market value is. With the advancements in what is located on the Web, they can look over what similar homes were sold for, themselves. Equity is the difference between fair market value and what remains to be paid in mortgages and such. They must be sure to look at equity loans too when arriving at the home’s equity.
Anyone helping a newly married couple with the financial side of their new status needs to be sure that they have opened a joint banking account. The account should be an “or” account but never an “and” account, so that either one can withdraw and use the account.
Retirement accounts should be adjusted as necessary so that the new spouse is the beneficiary of all assets. The couple can decide to get life insurance, but should together discuss the costs and benefits of it.
If neither one of the partners has a retirement package, then they should definitely consider getting one because you definitely want to keep things good until death do you part.
Dorthy Weatherbush didn’t have TheKnot.com to help her plan for and get ready for marriage. With the help of TheKnot.com couples now have lots of resources to not only help them plan for a wedding, but for marriage, kids, and the couple’s first house.
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