Don’t Let Money Stress You Out of Your Relationship!

Broken-heart-1166622“Statistics show that finances are the leading cause of stress in a relationship, and more than 35 percent of the population name money as the primary trouble area with a partner.”

My Primetime News published a story last week, “Hearing Wedding Bells? Be Sure Finances are Included in Your Planning,” by Gerald Rome, Colorado Securities Commissioner.

Rome notes that summer is wedding season. Whether you’re taking the plunge later in life—maybe for the second time or advising a young couple about to make the ultimate commitment—much of the thought process is the same. There’s perhaps no topic less uncomfortable, but more important, than finances.

Before you or a loved one say, “I do,” be sure to consider the following:

Transparency. Many divorces stem from a lack of honesty about finances. Before you walk down the aisle, be sure you know everything about your betrothed’s financial past, spending habits, investing philosophy, and goals for the future. That means sharing information on major debts from education, business, and home loans, as well as credit scores and bankruptcy history. If you’re entering a second marriage, be truthful about any alimony being paid to or received from a former spouse.

For those marrying later in life, think about how or whether to merge accumulated assets and how to compromise on handling financial affairs, after what may have been many years of individual decision-making.

Financial Roles. For co-mingled finances, it’s important to be certain that you’re clear on who will handle what. Many financial issues that arise later in life, are due to one spouse not knowing what’s going on and being deluged with a mountain of new information and decision-making, in the event of a spouse’s sudden illness or death.

Prenuptial Agreement. Detailing what will happen to assets, if the marriage fails, isn’t about a lack of trust—it’s about being prepared.

Estate Planning. Organize your property to ensure that no matter what happens, your family’s financial needs will be met. This includes drafting powers of attorney, creating or revising your wills, purchasing life insurance policies, revisiting retirement accounts and investment funds, establishing trusts and naming beneficiaries and considering any tax implications.

An honest and sometimes difficult financial conversation isn’t something to which we look forward. However, couples who avoid this, because they’re love-struck and blind to what the future may hold, will regret it later. Work with an experienced estate planning attorney and plan now.

Reference: My Primetime News (May 2, 2018) “Hearing Wedding Bells? Be Sure Finances are Included in Your Planning”