Page 125 - Wedding Essentials & Essential Groom Issue 7

6 TIPS FOR PREVENTING FINANCIAL ISSUES IN YOUR MARRAIGE
Married life can have its challenges over time, many of which can be avoided with an open line of communication. One area that needs to be discussed
is your nances as a couple. Here are some ways to avoid nancial problems in your marriage.
FINANCIAL EXPECTATIONS It is important that
as a couple you sit down and discuss the nancial expectations in the marriage. Talk about what money should be spent on, what should be shared expens- es, which of you will be responsible for paying the bills and the like. When a couple understands their expectations, nancial problems can be reduced or avoided.
PLAN FOR THE FUTURE A marriage is the unity of two people who promise to live the journey of life together forever. Forever may include children, a house, cars and educational advancement. Forever may also include unemployment, death, illness and natural disasters. It is important that as a married couple you have a nancial plan for the negative possibilities as well as the happy ones. Planning will reduce the stress of unforeseen expenses.
BUDGET Making a budget in a marriage incorpo- rates the couples nancial expectations and nancial future, while providing a guide for the couple as nancial needs change over time. Budgeting builds - nancial discipline, and nancial discipline eliminates nancial problems. So make a monthly budget incor- porating all sources of income, listing all expenses.
DEAL WITH ISSUES THERE AND THEN
Even when you set expectations, plan and budget, nancial problems can still arise. Hiding any nancial issue whether from the past, current or of the future is not healthy for the marriage. Through commu- nication, the couple can grow stronger and prevent ongoing nancial instability.
REMEMBER YOUR VOWS On your wedding day, you made a vow for better or for worse, and this vow should be central to all nancial discussions. It is not a license to be nancially irresponsible, but it is the gentle reminder that your love will get you past any nancial problem.
125 | Wedding Essentials