Different views on the family budget are one of the common causes of divorces, so when planning a wedding, the bride and groom should openly discuss financial issues. Before you say yes to your loved one, ask him seven questions that are given in the article. Believe me, in the future you will be grateful to yourself that this conversation took place.
1. Do you have debts?
Make sure you know exactly how much debt your fiancé has and how much he owes. Start with these questions:
- Do you have credit card debt?
- Do you owe money to friends or family members?
- Do you have a card debt?
Tell each other about your debts and agree on how you will pay them.
2. What is your credit history?
It is important to talk about your credit history with each other, especially if you plan to apply for a mortgage or other major loan. If you want to spend life together, you should be prepared to share your credit score. If your soulmate refuses, this may be a sign that something is wrong.
3. How much are you willing to spend money on your hobby?
For a marriage to be happy, both spouses must maintain their individuality, and not adapt to each other, wishing to please the partner. It is important that your spouse knows and supports your goals, hobbies and dreams.
Talk about this with your soulmate and discuss how far you are willing to go to achieve them. For example, if you dream of a trip to Europe, and your loved one wants to buy a car, then you will need to agree in advance on how you will save money to fulfill your desires.
4. Will we merge bank accounts?
A joint bank account can help couples feel like one family. If you decide to combine your accounts, then try to make the process comfortable for you and your partner. Tip: pay bills from one account so that both parties can see all transactions.
For some couples, merging accounts may not be desirable, so no matter what you decide to do, talk about it and ask each other these additional questions:
- Which of us will pay which bill? For example, a husband pays telephone expenses, and a wife pays utility bills.
- Who will pay the emergency costs?
5. How do you prefer to travel?
If one of the spouses likes to relax in expensive hotels, and the second prefers outdoor recreation, then it will be difficult for you to agree on joint travels. Talk about when, where and how often you would like to travel and how much you are willing to spend money on vacation.
6. How will we spend money on our future children?
Parenting is a noble, useful and expensive affair. Since it is likely that the spouses were brought up in families with different incomes, each of them formed their own views on the upbringing of children. Discuss these questions:
- Will we hire a nanny or will I stay at home with the children?
- Will our children go to a private or public kindergarten? Will we pay for additional classes (dances, sports sections, etc.)?
7. How much do you expect to spend on buying a house?
Each family dreams of their own housing, so discuss in advance how much you are willing to spend on buying it. It is also important to discuss other financial issues, such as how much you are willing to invest in the construction, repair and decoration of your home.