It's Wedding Season

Weddings have become huge affairs, often requiring a significant amount of time and money to plan. But it is even more important for couples to discuss their finances and be prepared to be honest about money. It should come as no surprise, money is one of the biggest stressors in a relationship. Some topics you may want to discuss include:  how much debt you have, what retirement assets you have, and whether you are more of a saver or a spender. If you are hesitant to discuss this with your spouse-to-be, ask yourself why. It's also important to talk about your goals, such as buying a house, paying off debt, starting a business, earning a degree or starting a new career. If you have assets or children from a prior marriage, you may want to consider having a pre-nuptial agreement. If you and the one you love don't see eye to eye on these issues, don't despair. You could agree to each have your own discretionary funds, keep assets solely titled, or find other compromises. The important thing is to not let financial issues take you by surprise!