Although money might be the furthest thing from the minds of two people in love, it is a subject for discussion if the relationship is serious. Many marriages in New Jersey and across the country have ended in divorce over financial disagreements. Relationship advisers recommend open and honest discussions about spending, saving, investing, debts and financial independence before saying, “I do.”
Entering a marriage typically leads to buying a house, having children and raising a family, and in some cases, one or both spouses may become involved in a business venture. All these goals involve money and finances, and couples need to work together to reach their goals. For that reason, discussing preferences and roles from the onset can avoid contention later. Whether finances are kept separate or dealt with on a “yours, mine and ours” basis is up to the couple, as long as they are on the same page.
Many people are financially independent by the time they consider marriage, and discussing upfront whether saving, investments and other assets will be kept separate to maintain financial independence is crucial. Student loans and other debts that are brought into the marriage are also points of discussion, along with each party’s financial responsibilities. This includes expenses, debts, and savings or investments as they work toward their mutual goals.
Dealing with financial issues before walking down the aisle allows couples to focus on the loving part of marriages. However, they would be wise not to lose sight of the possibility of a divorce somewhere in the future, and even that can be dealt with in advance, New Jersey couples can draw up Prenuptial agreements to provide peace of mind.