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for richer and for poorer...
Tips for merging finances as a couple
Union. “Be realistic about what you can afford, or perhaps more importantly, what you want to afford. If having a particular wedding dress (with a steep price tag) is important, that’s OK — just see if you can economize elsewhere.”
While some couples opt to take out a loan to pay for their wedding, Lepper advised against it. “If you’re looking to upgrade your living arrangements,” she said, “Such as buying your first house or upgrading your home, or if you have any other reasons for needing a loan in your near future (like a car on the verge of replacement), you don’t want to be hampered by a loan for a wedding. A wedding loan could prevent you from qualifying for something you truly need or want. Also, consider the affordability factor; even if you don’t have foreseeable loan needs, can you afford the additional payment?”
Instead, consider saving up in advance and “cash flowing” your nuptials. By having a frugal wedding, you may be able to afford a nicer home or take a great anniversary vacation a year or two down the road.
Meshing financial styles
Often times, a saver will marry a spender. This type of partnership can be great, since the saver can encourage the spender to budget for the future, while the spender can encourage a bit of relaxation and fun.
“If you have a saver in your marriage, put them in charge of some of the goal-setting, and have them plot the roadmap to help you get there,” Lepper said. “It’s important that the couple set a budget and maintain the plan so the spender stays on track.”
Merging finances — yay or nay?


While many couples choose to adopt the “what’s mine is yours” attitude after marriage, merging their finances 100 percent, many couples keep things separate. This could include maintaining two checking accounts, along with a joint account for shared household expenses.

“There is no right or wrong way to do this,” Lepper said. “Whatever works best for the couple is the best way. If you combine your accounts into one, just make sure you’re wellaware of who is spending what and when. You don’t want to wind up in a situation where the money has run short for the pay period because you’re both spending.”
Lepper advised that if accounts are kept separate, that each
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