When a newly married couple comes to a financial planner, there are always five different areas that seem to matter the most. They are starry eyed of course, thus putting these financial musts in front of them is of extreme importance. These are basically: 1. financial debts, 2. financial goals, 3. opening accounts, 4. making a budget, and 5. deciding who is going to act as accountant for the couple.
First and foremost, couples need to look at their total assets and determine the value of those assets. They can be investments, furniture, electronics, cars, and more. This will give the couple a good idea of the total dollar value of what they have in assets which is the first step in understanding where they stand financially.
Discussing the automobiles they currently own, one should also look at how long they expect to hang onto that automobile, and how they plan to purchase a replacement when the time comes? This is part of their financial planning, and does need to be included as an important expenditure.
Couples also need to understand how much money each partner brings in. Things such as income from working, annuity payments and interest payment should be discussed so that the couple understands how much total money is coming into the house.
Debt is a big ticket item on most people's books. Couple should share with each other how much is owed on any mortgages, credit cards, student loan payments, and other loans. They should be open and honest with one another so that they couple gets a clear understanding of how much debt they are in together; in turn they will be able to build a plan to get themselves out of debt.
One of the couple's biggest assets together is going to be their home. It is important, therefore, to understand where the couple stands financially with their home. Do they own more than they owe? Do they owe more than they own? How much equity if any is there in the home? These are all questions that need to be answered and understood by the couple so that they can make good decisions about where they are going to live now and in the future.
Anyone helping a newly married couple with the financial side of their new status needs to be sure that they have opened a joint banking account. The account should be an "or" account but never an "and" account, so that either one can withdraw and use the account.
Retirement accounts need to be changed too, so that the newly acquired spouse is now the beneficiary. If the couple does not have life insurance or disability insurance, they should be counseled as to the importance of acquiring some at this juncture.
If neither one of the partners has a retirement package, then they should definitely consider getting one because you definitely want to keep things good until death do you part.
First and foremost, couples need to look at their total assets and determine the value of those assets. They can be investments, furniture, electronics, cars, and more. This will give the couple a good idea of the total dollar value of what they have in assets which is the first step in understanding where they stand financially.
Discussing the automobiles they currently own, one should also look at how long they expect to hang onto that automobile, and how they plan to purchase a replacement when the time comes? This is part of their financial planning, and does need to be included as an important expenditure.
Couples also need to understand how much money each partner brings in. Things such as income from working, annuity payments and interest payment should be discussed so that the couple understands how much total money is coming into the house.
Debt is a big ticket item on most people's books. Couple should share with each other how much is owed on any mortgages, credit cards, student loan payments, and other loans. They should be open and honest with one another so that they couple gets a clear understanding of how much debt they are in together; in turn they will be able to build a plan to get themselves out of debt.
One of the couple's biggest assets together is going to be their home. It is important, therefore, to understand where the couple stands financially with their home. Do they own more than they owe? Do they owe more than they own? How much equity if any is there in the home? These are all questions that need to be answered and understood by the couple so that they can make good decisions about where they are going to live now and in the future.
Anyone helping a newly married couple with the financial side of their new status needs to be sure that they have opened a joint banking account. The account should be an "or" account but never an "and" account, so that either one can withdraw and use the account.
Retirement accounts need to be changed too, so that the newly acquired spouse is now the beneficiary. If the couple does not have life insurance or disability insurance, they should be counseled as to the importance of acquiring some at this juncture.
If neither one of the partners has a retirement package, then they should definitely consider getting one because you definitely want to keep things good until death do you part.
About the Author:
Dorthy Weatherbush didn't have TheKnot.com to help her plan for and get ready for marriage. With the help of TheKnot.com couples now have lots of resources to not only help them plan for a wedding, but for marriage, kids, and the couple's first house.
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