Money Guide for Unmarried Couples
Personal Finance for Unmarried CouplesMillions of unmarried opposite-sex couples live together in the US. These single couples face unique money issues, and are less likely to plan for their financial future than married couples. Here are the top three personal finance issues facing unmarried couples living together. Dating is expensive. If you’re single and seeking the company of the opposite sex, you can kiss a lot of money goodbye before you find Mr. or Ms. Right. Marriage: Tying the Financial KnotSo you’re getting married? Have you sat down with your fiancé and discussed finances? Disagreements about finances is the number one cause of divorce, so getting these issues out in the open and coming to an understanding before marriage can greatly increase your chances of staying out of divorce court. What You Need To Know About Buying a Diamond Engagement RingIs a diamond a good investment? How much should you spend on an engagement ring? Should you surprise her or choose a ring together? What can you expect to pay for a diamond engagement ring? How can you buy a beautiful engagement ring for less? Plan An Affordable, Memorable WeddingThe total average wedding in the US cost $33,900 in 2019, including the engagement ring. Imagine what you could do with $33,900 as you start out your new life together, like making a sizeable down payment on your first home. You can have a beautiful, memorable wedding for less. Wedding Budget WorksheetTake control of your wedding costs with this wedding budget worksheet.
Personal Finance Advice for Married Couples
Financial To Do List for NewlywedsMany newlyweds are 30-something and are combining households and finances. Whether you’re 19 or 90, there are a number of financial items that should be on any newlywed’s To Do list after the excitement of the wedding dies down. Couples and Money: How to Talk the TalkIt’s been estimated that money issues are the driving force in 90% of divorces, but you CAN live happily ever after, financially speaking, if you work at not letting financial issues come between you and your partner. The Family CFO: The Couples Business Plan for Love and MoneyThe Family CFO takes a novel approach to personal finance among couples by teaching them to apply the same principles they use at work to their money lives. Joint or Separate Checking Accounts?These days, it’s not necessarily a given that newly married couples will merge their individual checking accounts into one joint account. Finances are often complicated by previous marriages, child support or alimony, student loans, existing mortgages or credit card debt, and other issues such as a sense of autonomy and financial independence. Sometimes combining all income into a joint checking account can muddy the waters, add confusion and complications, and cause resentment and power struggles. So, what’s a couple to do? Can You Afford To Have Kids?Financial experts say a home is the biggest investment most people will ever make, but they’re forgetting about the cost of raising children, which far exceeds the average home price in the US. The changes that accompany adding a new little member to your family can be stressful, but you can reduce the stress greatly by minimizing the financial factor. You Can Afford To Stay Home With Your KidsIf you or your spouse want to stay home and raise your kids, but think you can’t afford to, you’re not alone. But you may be mistaken in thinking that you couldn’t get by on one salary. More and more women (and men) are finding creative ways to enable one parent to stay home. Dollars and Sense for KidsKids don’t learn about money by osmosis. They don’t magically learn to become financially responsible. Nor do they usually learn sound personal finance practices in school. How will you teach your children to be more financially successful, avoid living from paycheck to paycheck, and steer clear of crippling credit card debt? Financing Your Kid’s College EducationIf you’re the parent of a newborn or young child, the cost of four years in a public college by the time your child is 18 is expected to cost in excess of $100,000; a private school, over $200,000. What’s a parent to do? Learn how to prepare for the $100,000 price tag.
Personal Finance Advice for Divorced or Divorcing Couples
The death of a spouse or a divorce is a traumatic experience that can shake the very foundations of your life. In the midst of dealing with the grief and pain of the loss of a loved one, what pressing financial matters do you need to address? The true cost of divorce is its effect on the family, but it’s also very costly financially. Knowing your rights and obligations, and how to protect yourself, can make it less expensive and perhaps a little less painful. Financial Issues of DivorceAdvice on dividing property and debt, child support, alimony, taxes, and retirement funds in a divorce. Collecting Child SupportWho is obligated to pay child support? How do you get a court order? How do you collect unpaid child support? What if your ex lives in another state? Find answers to these and other questions about child support. Dividing Retirement Plan Assets in a DivorceLearn how a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) can protect your rights.
