Combining Finances After Marriage

Marriage brings about a lot of changes in your life, with one of them being finances. While some couples may decide to keep their finances separate and maintain multiple accounts, others may feel it is time to combine finances the same way you would other marital assets. The process may seem simple, but it may quickly get challenging unless properly thought through.[1]

When You Want to Combine Finances After Marriage

While combining finances after marriage is a personal choice for couples, certain conditions should exist to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Combining finances is the ideal choice if you both have the same financial priorities, which means you both must openly discuss both current finances and future aspirations.

You may also want to consider merging your finances if you plan to have a shared household budget, but doing so means you will also have to agree on spending ideas and goals. Wanting to save and spend on the same types of things will reduce arguments when using marital accounts.

How to Combine Your Finances After Marriage

The process of combing finances after marriage usually consists of moving money into shared accounts or listing your spouse on your current accounts. No matter which option you choose, below are a few simple steps to include in the process.

Be Transparent

The only way that combining finances after marriage works is if you are completely honest about your current financial situation. Sit down with your partner and discuss all of your various assets and where they are located.[2]

The next step is to then review the debt you owe and your current plan for paying it off. Don’t hide debts. It is important to make them known and to come up with a plan to attack them—together. Avoid passing judgment on your significant other for the financial choices they have made in the past, as this will lead to hurt feelings and little to no progress.[3]

Create a Balance Sheet

Combine all your assets and debts into one balance sheet. Then, add in your income. Together, this will give you a clear picture of your combined finances as well as the information you need to create an effective budget. When drafting your combined marital budget be sure to set aside money each month for emergencies so that you won’t run into surprises that may derail it.[4]

By following the tips above, you will have an easier time combing your finances after marriage and hopefully enjoy a smoother financial transition.

Important Disclosures:

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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https://www.moneymanagement.org/budget-guides/combine-your-finances-after-marriage

https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/blog/combining-finances-after-marriage/

[1] https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-pros-and-cons-of-merging-money-when-you-marry-2020-01-24

[2] https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-merge-your-finances-2385829

[3] https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-good-and-the-bad-of-combining-finances-when-you-get-married-2019-08-12

[4] https://www.investopedia.com/so-you-re-getting-married-4687193

Sources

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-pros-and-cons-of-merging-money-when-you-marry-2020-01-24

https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-merge-your-finances-2385829

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-good-and-the-bad-of-combining-finances-when-you-get-married-2019-08-12

https://www.investopedia.com/so-you-re-getting-married-4687193

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Keri Pugh

Keri Pugh is a Wealth Advisor with Fusion Financial Group, an independent financial planning firm and fiduciary based in Denver, CO. Keri has over 20 years of experience in the industry, as both a financial advisor and Principal. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Northern Colorado and is an alumna with national sorority Delta Zeta. Keri holds a variety professional licenses, carries the esteemed mark of Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), meeting rigorous education and experience requirements in key areas of financial planning, as well as the designation of Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), a symbol of her dedication to upholding the fiduciary standard for clients. As a wife and mother to two young children, Keri is particularly drawn to working with thriving families and women. This is not only reflected within her practice but also in her regular sponsorship of the local PTA and volunteer work with the elementary school. Outside of the office, Keri enjoys traveling, skiing, and the Colorado great outdoors with her family. She often lines up movie marathons for the family and, in line with many clients, is a beginner golfer and a wine enthusiast. To learn more about Keri, connect with her on LinkedIn.