13 Financial Changes to Make Before Getting Married

Marriage is not just the union of two hearts—it’s also the merging of two financial lives. From budgeting styles to credit scores, your money habits will influence your relationship in ways you may not expect. Making smart financial changes before saying “I do” can build a solid foundation for your future together. Here are 13 important financial changes to make before getting married, complete with real-life examples to help you prepare wisely.

1. Have the “Money Talk” Early

Open communication about finances is critical. Discuss your income, debts, spending habits, savings goals, and financial dreams.

Real-Life Example: Anna and Tom discovered they had very different views on debt. Talking it through helped them agree on a joint strategy for paying off loans.

2. Check and Understand Each Other’s Credit Reports

Credit affects your ability to buy a home, finance a car, or get approved for loans together. Knowing each other’s scores and histories avoids surprises.

Real-Life Example: Before getting engaged, Jamie learned that his fiancée had credit card debt in collections. They worked together to pay it down and improve her score.

3. Create a Joint Financial Plan

Map out how you’ll manage money as a couple—will you combine accounts, split bills, or keep some finances separate?

Real-Life Example: Mike and Lauren created a hybrid system: joint checking for shared expenses and personal accounts for individual spending.

4. Build or Strengthen an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund becomes even more essential when you’re financially tied to another person.

Real-Life Example: Daniel and Casey saved up a 6-month emergency fund before their wedding, giving them peace of mind during a job transition.

5. Discuss and Align on Financial Goals

Whether it’s buying a house, traveling, or retiring early, aligning your financial goals ensures you’re working toward the same future.

Real-Life Example: Kelsey wanted to buy a home, while Mark prioritized starting a business. They agreed on a 3-year plan to save for both.

6. Decide on a Wedding Budget Together

Avoid starting your marriage in debt by setting a realistic wedding budget and sticking to it.

Real-Life Example: Michelle and Andre budgeted $15,000 for their wedding, stayed within it, and avoided taking on any wedding-related debt.

7. Consolidate or Organize Bank Accounts

Whether you go fully joint, partly combined, or keep things separate, make sure it’s clear and intentional.

Real-Life Example: Sarah and Ben created a shared checking account for bills and a joint savings account for vacations.

8. Review and Update Insurance Policies

Make sure you both have adequate health, renters/home, and life insurance. Add each other to policies as needed.

Real-Life Example: After getting married, Jason added his wife to his health insurance plan, saving them $150 a month compared to separate plans.

9. Create or Update Wills and Beneficiaries

Marriage changes your legal and financial rights. Update wills, insurance beneficiaries, and retirement accounts.

Real-Life Example: After getting married, Alex updated his 401(k) beneficiary from his sibling to his wife.

10. Discuss Pre-Existing Debt and How to Handle It

Be honest about student loans, credit cards, or personal debts. Make a plan together on how to manage or pay them off.

Real-Life Example: Lena had $35,000 in student loans. Her husband offered to split the monthly payment while she covered more of the rent.

11. Talk About Kids and Future Expenses

Even if you’re not planning a family soon, it’s helpful to know where each of you stands on saving for kids, education, or related costs.

Real-Life Example: Brittany and Jeff opened a separate savings account for future childcare and education expenses before their wedding.

12. Get Professional Financial Advice if Needed

A financial advisor can help create a joint plan that considers both partners’ goals and situations.

Real-Life Example: Jasmine and Sean worked with a financial planner to combine their budgets, plan for homeownership, and set savings goals.

13. Set Up a System for Ongoing Financial Check-Ins

Create a routine to review your finances together—weekly, monthly, or quarterly.

Real-Life Example: Natalie and Jack do a “money date night” every month where they talk about budgets, bills, and future goals over dinner.

20 Inspirational Quotes About Marriage and Money

“A strong marriage requires two people who choose to love each other even on the days they struggle to like each other.” — Dave Willis
“Money is an opportunity to reach unity in marriage. When couples work together, they can achieve great things.” — Unknown
“To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.” — Mark Twain
“Marriage is not about age; it’s about finding the right person.” — Sophia Bush
“Love and honesty are the basis of a solid financial partnership.” — Suze Orman
“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” — John C. Maxwell
“Marriage is a partnership, not a dictatorship.” — Unknown
“Financial peace isn’t the acquisition of stuff. It’s learning to live on less than you make.” — Dave Ramsey
“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.” — Nat Turner
“When you marry, you marry their financial habits, too.” — Unknown
“Build your relationship like you build your wealth—together, patiently, and intentionally.” — Unknown
“Transparency in finances is love in action.” — Unknown
“Financial compatibility matters just as much as chemistry.” — Unknown
“Be on the same page financially before you walk down the aisle.” — Unknown
“A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” — Ruth Bell Graham
“Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant.” — P.T. Barnum
“Plan together, win together.” — Unknown
“Great marriages are built on teamwork.” — Michelle Obama
“It’s not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“Aligning your goals is just as important as aligning your hearts.” — Unknown

Picture This

Imagine standing at the altar, not just with love in your heart but clarity in your finances. You know each other’s goals, debts, dreams, and priorities. There’s no guessing, no secrets—just a shared vision. As you take your vows, you’re also stepping into financial teamwork with a plan to grow together.

What would your marriage look like if your finances were built on trust, communication, and shared goals?

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Disclaimer

This article is based on general financial practices and real-life experiences. It is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed financial or legal advisor for personalized guidance before making major financial decisions.