Open Communication

Begin with open and honest communication about your finances. Discuss your attitudes towards money, your spending habits, and your financial goals. It’s essential to understand each other’s perspectives to manage your money effectively as a team.¹

Set Financial Goals

Identify your short-term and long-term financial objectives. Whether it’s saving for a house, planning a holiday, or preparing for retirement, having shared goals can help you stay focused and work together towards your financial future.²

Create a Joint Budget

A budget is a financial plan that helps you track your income and expenses. Work together to create a budget that reflects your joint lifestyle and priorities. This will help you control your spending and save for your goals.³

Joint or Separate Accounts

Decide whether you want to have joint accounts, separate accounts, or a combination of both. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so choose what works best for your relationship and financial goals.⁴

Build an Emergency Fund

Life is full of surprises, and having an emergency fund can provide a financial safety net. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an easily accessible account.⁵

Manage Debt Wisely

If either of you has debt, create a plan to pay it off. Prioritise high-interest debts and consider strategies like debt consolidation or balance transfers if they make sense for your situation.⁶

Plan for the Future

Think about your retirement early on. If your employer offers a pension scheme, make sure you’re both enrolled. Additionally, consider setting up individual retirement accounts to supplement your savings.

Conclusion

Managing money as newlyweds doesn’t have to be daunting. With open communication, shared goals, and a solid plan, you can build a strong financial foundation for your marriage. Remember, the key to successful money management is working together and making informed decisions.

¹ Michael Outar, ‘Your Newlywed Financial Checklist (A must-Read Guide)’, (Savelby, Newlywed financial checklist, published 01 February 2024, updated 10 February 2024)

<https://www.savebly.com/newlywed-financial-checklist/> accessed 16 April 2024.

² Elizabeth Renter, ‘Budgeting for Newlyweds: A Guide to Family Finance’, (Nerdwallet, Budgeting for newlyweds, published 04 May 2017, updated 27 July 2020)

<https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/budgeting-for-newlyweds> accessed 16 April 2024.

³ Anastasia Paulus, ‘A Guide To Smart Money Management For Newlyweds’, (myfinancialweekly, Management for newlyweds, published 28 December 2023)

<https://myfinancialweekly.com/finance/newlyweds/> accessed 16 April 2024.

⁴ Editorial Staff and Joseph Nolan, ‘Money Management for Newlyweds: 4 Tips To Get Started Right’, (thehealthymarriage, 20 September 2022)

<https://thehealthymarriage.org/money-management-for-newlyweds> accessed 16 April 2024.

⁵ Lauren Bowling, ’45 pieces of financial advice for newlyweds’, (financialbestlife, published 19 November 2018, updated 04 January 2024)

<https://financialbestlife.com/money-advice-for-newlyweds> accessed 16 April 2024.

⁶ MintGenie Team, ‘5 money management strategies for newlyweds’, (LiveMint, 28 February 2024),

<https://www.livemint.com/web-stories/5-money-management-strategies-for-newlyweds-11709115396213.html> accessed 16 April 2024.