I’m certain that by even reading this, you are aware that money is a very important and sometimes scary topic to broach before the “I do’s”. You’ve heard it before but I’ll say it again … you most definitely want to talk money before marriage. It does not get easier to discuss once you’re hitched and it is just good common sense to know about your intended’s money language, money comprehension and money fitness. This is the second installment of our P.E.C.K. pre-wedding money conversations! Our first installment spoke of the “P’s” – Practical. This installment is on the “E’s” – Emotional. As I wrote in the last installment, we have to remember that everyone grows up differently and both of your money needs, expectations and desires are so important to explore together. So, let’s talk about the top seven emotional money matter questions to ask your intended before the “I do’s”. 1) How did your family deal with money? Many of our money habits are born from what we experienced in our household growing up. Some are great habits and some simply do harm. For that reason, this is a very important question to ask each other. No shame. No “mine were better than yours”, rather, a frank discussion of how money worked in your household growing up and what you liked about it … and what you didn’t like about it. Then, ask your fiancé the same. I guarantee that, at the least, you will have more money insight into your fiancé and, at the most, you will know what your fiancé can not abide ~ or in other words, what money behavior will cause a big fight. That’s good to know going in! 2) How have you dealt with money in the past? I would highly suggest asking each other what has worked and why you want to keep working that way. In addition, it’s important to discuss the money mistakes… | Read More »
Author: Tanya Winch
P.E.C.K. your way to financial health, a newlywed’s guide
It’s Spring; wedding season is upon us! Weddings usually bring happy thoughts of holding hands and romance and new lives. But, that is only a small percentage of what actually goes into being married. The majority of marriage is grunt work, not romance. One of the touchiest parts of being married is money – who earns it, what it means, where it’s kept, when it’s saved and how it’s spent. Money is a subject that will continue throughout your whole marriage. Before you get married, you most definitely want to talk money. It does not get easier to broach once you’re hitched. It is just good common sense to know about your intended’s money language, money comprehension and money fitness. It’s hard to do but if the tough questions can’t or won’t be answered, then you may have a much larger problem on your hands. I have heard people say that feels too awkward or out of bounds or threatening and sometimes even shameful to talk about money. But, it is simply imperative to your marriage’s health to ask each other hard questions and answer honestly. You will need to keep the money dialogue going without ridicule or eye rolling! We all grew up differently and need, expect and want different things from money. So, let’s talk about it. There are so many different aspects of marriage money that we’ve put together a series of questions for the bride and groom to be. We are calling it PECK, as in: Practical, Emotional, Contractual and Kids marriage questions that every couple needs to discuss before marriage. It might even save you from making a disastrous decision. Today we are tackling the P, as in Practical questions, you need to ask each other. We’ll cover the Emotional, Contractual and Kids aspects of the PECK program on consecutive Mondays here on this blog. We begin with the nine most bare bones, practical questions… | Read More »