Engaged? Financial Planning for Your Future

Planning for a wedding ceremony can often overshadow other planning which is necessary for a healthy future as husband and wife. One area that is often overlooked is the area of financial planning. Newly Weds in this generation face a huge amount of pressure to attain to an affluent lifestyle. While their parents were able to save for things and gradually improve their home Newly Weds are often drawn in to the ‘need’ to have the newest and best for their homes and to have it now.

Many couples enter marriage already having amassed a huge amount of debt, their investment being on their wedding day rather than their long term future. Others have already poor spending habits which cause marital stress further down the line.

Tips for a healthy financial future together

• Don’t let financial issues become a taboo subject.
  
• Don’t wait until you are married to start planning for your financial future.
  
• Discuss your financial goals: remember that you are coming from two different backgrounds so you probably have different financial viewpoints.
  
• Agree on your plans for vacations, cars, house, savings and children.
  
• Create a budget by looking honestly at your income and spending patterns.
  
• Avoid the trap of getting into debt to purchase your furniture (sitting on a second hand sofa is less stressful than facing huge repayments).
  
• Don’t overspend on housing! The mortgage lenders are often willing to lend more than you can repay comfortably.
  
• Save for your future.
  
• Think about retirement, it probably seems too soon but planning now is key.