Financial Conversations to Have Before Getting Married
Getting married is one of life’s most exciting milestones. Between planning celebrations and envisioning the future, it’s easy to focus on the joy of the moment. But marriage is also a financial partnership—and the conversations you have early can help shape a more confident future together.
There’s no single “right” way to manage money as a couple. What matters most is understanding each other’s expectations and building a plan that reflects your shared values.
Start by Getting on the Same Page
Before combining finances, it’s important to talk openly about goals, priorities, and assumptions.
Some helpful questions to explore together include:
- How do you each view saving versus spending?
- What role do careers and work-life balance play in your future plans?
- How do you feel about risk, investing, and long-term planning?
- What does financial security mean to each of you?
These conversations aren’t about agreeing on everything—they’re about understanding each other well enough to make thoughtful decisions together.
Discuss How You’ll Manage Day-to-Day Finances
Practical details matter. Couples often benefit from discussing:
- How bills will be paid and tracked
- Whether accounts will be combined, kept separate, or managed in a hybrid way
- How monthly cash flow will be handled
- What kind of budget supports both daily life and long-term goals
Clear roles and expectations can help reduce stress and prevent misunderstandings later.
Understand What Each Person Brings Into the Marriage
Marriage often means combining more than just lives—it can also involve combining assets.
This may include:
- Bank and investment accounts
- Retirement savings
- Real estate
- Existing debts
Talking through how assets will be handled—and whether any should remain separate—can help set clear expectations and protect both partners.
For some couples, discussing a prenuptial agreement is part of that process. While these conversations can feel uncomfortable, they’re often about reducing future uncertainty rather than questioning commitment.
Plan Thoughtfully for Wedding Costs
Weddings are deeply personal, and no two celebrations look the same. Regardless of size or style, it’s worth considering how wedding expenses fit into your broader financial picture.
Avoiding unnecessary debt, prioritizing what matters most, and weighing trade-offs can help ensure the celebration doesn’t create long-term financial strain. Often, the most meaningful memories come from the day itself—not the price tag attached to it.
Building a Strong Financial Foundation Together
Marriage marks the beginning of a shared journey—one that includes both financial opportunities and responsibilities. Taking time to talk through money early can help strengthen communication, reduce stress, and support long-term goals.
If you and your partner have questions about how to approach financial planning as you prepare for marriage, we’re here to help you talk through your options and build a foundation that supports the life you’re creating together.
Disclosures:
Advisory services are offered through Assurance Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor in the State of Texas. Assurance Wealth Management is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, or any other government agency.
Whenever you invest, you are at risk of loss of principal as the market fluctuates. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Purchases are subject to suitability. This requires a review of an investor’s objective, risk tolerance, and time horizons. Investing always involves risk and possible loss of capital.
All written content is for information purposes only. The information contained herein has been derived from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.
