Just got married? 3 ways to effectively manage money as a couple

Before you assent to any marriage proposal, you must assess the mindset of your prospective partner regarding finances. It is important to check if the money styles of partners meet to ensure that marital bliss is not marred by fear of financial insecurity. Couples employ various strategies to manage their finances, and these strategies typically fall into one of three categories:

Separate accounts: In this approach, each partner maintains their individual income and expenses separately. This method suits couples who cherish their independence or have distinct financial objectives. However, it can pose challenges when it comes to budgeting and saving for common goals due to the division of finances.

Joint accounts: Couples who opt for joint accounts pool their incomes into a shared account and use this collective fund to cover shared expenses. This method is ideal for those seeking a deeper financial interconnection or desiring a more straightforward budgeting process. Nonetheless, it may make it harder to maintain individual financial autonomy.

Combination of separate and joint accounts: This hybrid approach combines both separate and joint accounts. For instance, couples may have a joint account designated for shared expenses like rent and utilities, while each partner maintains their personal spending in individual accounts. This strategy caters to couples who aim to strike a balance between financial independence and working towards mutual financial objectives.

Keeping accounts separate 

To start with, newly married couples can manage their accounts separately. Opting for separate accounts can serve as a solid initial choice for numerous couples, particularly those who are well-accustomed to individually managing their finances and have yet to accumulate many joint financial obligations. Additionally, it can be an advantageous route for couples with varying income levels or distinct financial obligations. Below are several advantages of maintaining separate accounts:

Financial independence: Each partner retains financial autonomy, exercising control over their personal expenditures.

Financial transparency: While upholding separate accounts, couples can maintain financial transparency by openly sharing their budgetary plans and financial objectives.

Flexibility: This approach affords couples greater flexibility in addressing their unique financial requirements.

Reduced conflict: Separate accounts often mitigate conflicts related to spending habits and financial priorities, fostering a more harmonious financial partnership.

Having separate accounts even after being in a relationship has its share of challenges too. Here are some key considerations associated with separate accounts:

Budgeting challenges: Managing shared expenses becomes more challenging when maintaining separate accounts.

Communication requirement: Effective communication is essential for couples to align their financial goals and stay on the same financial page.

Estate planning complexity: Separated financial accounts may introduce added complexity to the process of estate planning.

Even though separate accounts can give couples financial autonomy, it is important to communicate regularly about finances and to discuss who will be responsible for paying what. This is especially important for shared expenses, such as rent, utilities, and groceries.

Some couples decide to split expenses down the middle, regardless of their income levels. This can be a fair and simple approach, but it may not be the best option for all couples. For example, if one partner earns significantly more than the other, they may be able to afford to contribute more to shared expenses.

Other couples choose to split expenses proportionately according to their income levels. This can be a fairer approach, but it can also be more complex to manage. Couples need to track their income and expenses carefully to make sure that they are splitting expenses equitably.

No matter which approach couples choose, it is important to be transparent with each other about their finances and to communicate regularly about their budget and spending habits. This will help to avoid conflict and ensure that both partners are on the same page.

Maintaining a joint account

Maintaining a joint account can represent the most straightforward method for managing a couple’s finances. It eliminates the necessity of monitoring distinct accounts and assigning responsibilities for payments. Additionally, it simplifies budgeting and the monitoring of expenditures. Here are some of the advantages of opting for a joint account:

Simplicity: Joint accounts simplify financial management, eliminating the need to monitor separate accounts.

Transparency: Joint accounts promote financial transparency and openness between partners.

Convenience: They make bill payments and shared expense management a hassle-free process.

Budgeting: Joint accounts facilitate easier budgeting and spending tracking.

Estate planning: Joint accounts streamline the estate planning process.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that joint accounts also come with certain challenges:

Financial responsibility: Both partners share responsibility for all debts and expenses associated with the joint account.

Spending habits: Differing spending habits between partners can lead to conflicts.

Communication: Regular communication about finances and spending habits is essential for a harmonious financial partnership.

If you’re considering opening a joint account, it’s vital to discuss your financial goals with your partner and establish a system that accommodates both of your needs.

There are pros and cons of maintaining a joint account with your partner. A lot depends on how willing you both are willing to budget and spend. However, a nitpicking partner can result in unwanted resentment, especially, if one partner earns more than the other or if both are not on the same page when it comes to deciding expenses. Couples who maintain joint accounts collectively manage their savings, debt, and retirement planning.

Decide in advance about bill payment

Planning in advance to designate bill responsibilities and automating payments whenever feasible is essential. This proactive approach ensures timely bill settlement and helps sidestep any late fees. Consider the following practical tips for automating bill payments:

• Establish scheduled transfers from your joint account to cover your recurring bills.
• Utilize a bill pay service provided by your bank or credit union for seamless payments.
• Opt for paperless billing to have your bills delivered directly to your email inbox, simplifying the payment process.
• Set up alerts to receive timely notifications regarding upcoming bill due dates.

Additionally, maintaining open and regular financial discussions with your spouse remains crucial. This practice fosters alignment and helps the couple progress toward shared financial objectives.

Managing finances as a new couple doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all approach. However, through effective communication, trust, and some thoughtful planning, you and your spouse can build a harmonious marriage without financial conflicts. If you find it challenging to devise a joint financial strategy that suits both of you, consider seeking guidance from a professional financial advisor to benefit from his expertise and experience.

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Updated: 02 Nov 2023, 08:45 AM IST