We spend time with our brides helping them create the wedding of their dreams. There are a myriad of decisions to be made and many areas that require discussion and then decision. Over the years we have learned that too many couples avoid having one of the most important discussions – a talk about financial matters that impact their lives together beyond the marriage celebration itself.
Some couples can/do talk about all aspects of marriage but balk when the subject of money arises. They discuss children, where to live, dreams for the future and career moves. But for many, their conversations about money focus on the wedding itself and then STOP. We encourage our brides to go further and spend time discussing life finances and figure out if they as a couple are at least on the same page.
In an article in the STAR TRIBUNE on June 12, 2011, Kara McGuire wrote, “ Planning a wedding presents a natural opportunity to discuss everything from income and debt, to budgeting and establishing priorities. However, a recent survey from Country Financial shows that about half of couples don’t talk about handling the family finances before marriage. And money is a major point of disagreement for most couples, married or not.”
We encourage our brides to pause and assess their life goals and their financial situation. They need to enter into this marriage with honesty and clarity. If they can’t manage the discussion without embarrassment or honesty, we encourage them to consult a financial advisor to help guide the discussion.
We can help our brides create a beautiful wedding within their budgets. But we want our brides to “live happily ever after” and part of that scenario is getting their future financial house in order.
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