Financial Planning for Marriage

Align joint finances, merge or keep separate accounts strategically, and build a shared financial foundation before and after the wedding.

18 action items~20 min to complete4 sections

0/18
completed

Overall progress0 of 18 items

💬

The Money Conversation

0/5 completed

Share your complete financial picture: income, assets, debts, and credit scoreKey

Discuss your money philosophies, spending styles, and risk toleranceAction

Discuss attitudes toward debt: who owes what, and how you'll handle it togetherWatch out

Discuss your financial goals: homeownership, children, retirement, travel, career changesKey

Consider a prenuptial agreement if either partner has significant assets, debts, or children from a prior relationship

🏦

0/4 completed

Decide on your account structure: fully joint, fully separate, or hybrid (most common)Action

For hybrid approach, determine contribution amounts to joint accountKey

Open or update a joint checking account for household expenses

Decide whether to maintain separate emergency funds or build a joint one

📜

0/4 completed

Update beneficiaries on all retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank accountsKey

Draft or update wills to reflect your new family structureWatch out

Create or update powers of attorney (financial and healthcare) for your spouseKey

Update your tax withholding (W-4) based on your new combined income and filing statusAction

🎯

0/5 completed

Review and consolidate health insurance — compare employer plans for the best combinationAction

Review life insurance needs with your new combined financial pictureKey

Add your spouse to auto insurance — rates change

Set 3 joint financial goals for the first year of marriageKey

Schedule a monthly or quarterly joint money conversation going forwardAction