The Financial Conversations Newlyweds Should Have

No one wants to think about marital discord when you’ve just had the wedding, but the truth is that anticipating areas where conflict might arise can actually help you avoid it. Finances remains one of the biggest topics that couples fight about, but in many cases, those fights are not inevitable. By talking about money early on and making some plans, you can lay the groundwork for healthy finances and a healthy relationship.

Clear the Air

Talking about money can be an uncomfortable experience for many people, but if this is the case, the first thing you need to do is normalize it. People often bring unspoken assumptions about money, often from their family of origin, into their new relationships, and it can be important to get those assumptions out in the open. You should also talk about your own financial situation if you have not already.

Saving Versus Spending

One common area of conflict involves disagreements over how much money should be saved versus how much should be spent. This is one reason for talking about family attitudes about money could be helpful. For example, one person may be concerned about spending recklessly because of a parent who did so, constantly leaving the family in a precarious situation financially. Another may be reacting to a parent who was very controlling about money and who never allowed splurges. Getting these concerns out in the open can help you both understand the underlying motivations of the other and reach a compromise. For example, one approach might be to agree on a joint account that each person contributes to expenses and savings. Each of you then has your own money that you can spend or save as you like.

Debt

This part of the conversation should include a discussion of current debt as well as anticipated future debt. It is common for both people to have student loan debt and to plan on eventually taking on debt to buy a home. You may also want to talk about paying for your children’s education as well. This could include a discussion of how you feel about cosigning for their student loans eventually, particularly if your parents will need some support as they get older. If one or both of you has a credit card or medical debt, you might want to make a plan for paying it off.

Goals

There are two different ways to talk about goals, and you should cover both of them. One is to talk about the kind of lifestyle you envision in general and how to support it financially. The other is to set specific goals, such as putting away money for retirement, planning to buy a home, purchasing a boat, starting a business, or further education for one or both of you. You might even want to consider a postnuptial agreement in some cases. While many people shy away from these types of documents, imagining that they mean creating a blueprint for divorce, writing one can actually bring any remaining issues out into the open where you can address them.

Published On:

Last updated on:

Disclaimer: The informational content on The Minds Journal have been created and reviewed by qualified mental health professionals. They are intended solely for educational and self-awareness purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing emotional distress or have concerns about your mental health, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider.

Leave a Comment

Today's Horoscope

Accurate Daily Horoscope for 12 Zodiac Signs

Daily Horoscope 25 June 2025: Prediction For Each Zodiac Sign

🌟 Ready to unlock the secrets of 25 June, 2025? Discover your personalized horoscope and see what the stars have in store for you today! ✨🔮

Latest Quizzes

Music Taste Quiz: Find Out Your Strongest Personality Trait

Music Taste Quiz: The Music You Like Can Reveal Your Strongest Personality Trait!

Whether you’re the life of the party with a pop playlist, or a deep thinker grooving to jazz, your choice in music can say a lot about who you are.

Latest Quotes

Weekly Horoscope 23 June To 29 June part one

Weekly Horoscope 23 June To 29 June

Weekly Horoscope 23 June To 29 June Aries (March 21 – April 19)Tangible progress on home & wellness goals. A heartfelt reset in family matters or living arrangements. An unexpected insight around 27th may reshape how you handle emotional security or finances. Taurus (April 20 – May 20)This is the week to act on long-held…

Readers Blog

Dear Me At 23 Lessons Learned And Dreams Ahead

Dear Me At 23: Lessons Learned And Dreams Ahead

I think of life as a ride that propels us to live through the synopsis of time, that stargazes us through life, that guides us through our darkest moments, that comforts and confronts us. Striding through the odyssey of journey that mesmerises us in its finest beauty and haunts us with its darkness, that binds…

Latest Articles

No one wants to think about marital discord when you’ve just had the wedding, but the truth is that anticipating areas where conflict might arise can actually help you avoid it. Finances remains one of the biggest topics that couples fight about, but in many cases, those fights are not inevitable. By talking about money early on and making some plans, you can lay the groundwork for healthy finances and a healthy relationship.

Clear the Air

Talking about money can be an uncomfortable experience for many people, but if this is the case, the first thing you need to do is normalize it. People often bring unspoken assumptions about money, often from their family of origin, into their new relationships, and it can be important to get those assumptions out in the open. You should also talk about your own financial situation if you have not already.

Saving Versus Spending

One common area of conflict involves disagreements over how much money should be saved versus how much should be spent. This is one reason for talking about family attitudes about money could be helpful. For example, one person may be concerned about spending recklessly because of a parent who did so, constantly leaving the family in a precarious situation financially. Another may be reacting to a parent who was very controlling about money and who never allowed splurges. Getting these concerns out in the open can help you both understand the underlying motivations of the other and reach a compromise. For example, one approach might be to agree on a joint account that each person contributes to expenses and savings. Each of you then has your own money that you can spend or save as you like.

Debt

This part of the conversation should include a discussion of current debt as well as anticipated future debt. It is common for both people to have student loan debt and to plan on eventually taking on debt to buy a home. You may also want to talk about paying for your children’s education as well. This could include a discussion of how you feel about cosigning for their student loans eventually, particularly if your parents will need some support as they get older. If one or both of you has a credit card or medical debt, you might want to make a plan for paying it off.

Goals

There are two different ways to talk about goals, and you should cover both of them. One is to talk about the kind of lifestyle you envision in general and how to support it financially. The other is to set specific goals, such as putting away money for retirement, planning to buy a home, purchasing a boat, starting a business, or further education for one or both of you. You might even want to consider a postnuptial agreement in some cases. While many people shy away from these types of documents, imagining that they mean creating a blueprint for divorce, writing one can actually bring any remaining issues out into the open where you can address them.

Published On:

Last updated on:

Leave a Comment

    Leave a Comment