What you want to discuss before you get married
(And it's about money)
I'm still a bit in the bridal mood, so please don't hold it against me. It's because I got to be an officiant for my friends. But that does make me think about various wedding issues or at least that I'm thinking about bridal things. There seem to be some topics that you need to discuss beforehand. About money. Now we could pretend that this is a dirty subject, but it really is important. So go through this before you say ‘yes’.
1. How much should your wedding cost? Seems essential. Big party, small party? Expensive dress, cheap dress? Lots of drinks, few drinks? Exactly; important then.
2. Just talk about those prenuptial agreements. Whether you want it, don't want it, want it a little... And don't take it as an insult if the other thinks differently.
3. Those financial troubles from the past need to be on the table. Even if it's your study-debt-rent-debt. Share it with each other, because that's a lot more sympathetic than after you've signed that document.
4. Debts need to be paid off and those are euros you will never see again. Discuss this before you let it be deducted from the joint account. That prevents misunderstandings.
5. Invest time in your investments, but also in each other's. Make sure you think the same about this and maybe it's also handy to have one and the same advisor.
6. By the way, don't forget to mention how you see life in the short or long term and children might just come into play. Don't bring it up on that first date, but have the conversation before you get married. I can't imagine you don't do this, but I'm just saying it for the sake of certainty.
7. I just mentioned a and/or situation. Enough couples wait until the 'I do' before they step into the bank together, but know what you want. Do you both keep a separate account, throw everything into one pot, or split it to the max? It's better to know.
8. Set budgets. For vacations. For your clothing. For everything that isn't a cost for you, but is for him.
So, you're ready now. Let's get married.
Source: Workandmoney.com
