Just married? Do these 3 things.
You are officially married—congratulations! As you step into this exciting new chapter of your life, there are a few steps you should take to ensure a strong and secure financial future together. After all, a successful marriage is built on more than just love. Finances play a huge role in working towards a strong and lasting marriage.
Here are three important action steps to prioritize after saying “I do.”
Your married finances checklist
Get a home buying game plan.
One of the most significant decisions you and your spouse will make as a newly married couple is whether to buy a house. While it may seem like a distant dream, setting up a game plan early on can help turn that dream into a reality. Purchasing a home is not only a milestone achievement but also a significant investment that can provide long-term stability and financial growth.
If you just aren’t in a position to buy a house, that’s okay. Renting is the best option for a lot of people—especially newlyweds. Instead of feeling shame about missing out on homeownership, get a FREE Home Buying Game Plan from a licensed Home Loan Advisor at Stewardship. It doesn’t matter if you’re 3 months or 3 years away from getting a house!
Armed with your newfound knowledge, you will walk away with actionable steps to turn your dream of owning a home into reality.
Get a simple financial assessment.
Personal finance can be overwhelming, especially when you’re merging two lives and financial histories. Now that your two balance sheets are one, consider getting a FREE financial assessment from a Stewardship financial advisor.
Our financial assessment will review the different areas of your finances, called Elements, to give you a picture of your overall financial health. Our advisor will offer encouragement in areas you are excelling and provide suggestions on what areas you should focus. No in-office appointment is needed, and your time commitment will be under 15 minutes.
Get clear on your financial values.
Money is more than just numbers on a balance sheet. While our financial assessment is good at figuring out your next steps, just as important is taking the time to openly discuss and align your financial values.
Start by having an open and honest conversation about your individual attitudes and experiences with money. Share your financial goals, fears, and aspirations. Discuss how you envision your lifestyle, family planning, and retirement. This dialogue can help you better understand each other’s perspectives and build a strong foundation for making financial decisions together.
Next, identify your shared financial values. Are you both focused on saving for a comfortable retirement? Do you place a premium on travel and experiences? Are you committed to charitable giving? By recognizing and prioritizing your joint values, you can allocate your resources in a way that brings fulfillment and satisfaction to both of you.
Remember that financial disagreements are natural, but they don’t have to be destructive. Regularly revisit your financial discussions and make adjustments as your circumstances change. The key is to approach these conversations with empathy, active listening, and a willingness to compromise.
