OMG Digital Magazine OMG Issue 335 13th December 2018 | Page 11

OMG Digital Magazine | 335 | Thursday 13 December 2018 • PAGE 11
Relationship
5 WAYS TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL SECURITY EARLY IN YOUR MARRIAGE
If you’re a newlywed or are getting married soon, it’s
time to start talking with your sweetie about money.
Being on the same page about money is critical to
having a successful marriage, because it sets you up for
financial security.
Money fights and money problems are the  top
predictor of divorce, but the good news is these issues
are preventable! Getting on the same page now creates
a strong foundation for financial security, leading to
a healthy marriage that will last ‘til death do you part.
Plus, you’re stopping money fights before they start!
What Is Financial Security?
Financial security is having the money to achieve a
desired standard of living nowwhile still being able to
cover emergencies and future financial goals. Imagine
not having to worry about your old car finally dying
because you have the cash to buy a replacement without
taking on debt! That peace of mind means you’re
financially secure—and stronger in your marriage. The
process of combining your finances doesn’t have to add
stress to your wedding planning or ruin your newlywed
bliss. It can actually be fun!
Here is a quick five-step checklist to help you start
building a foundation of financial security together:
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Be transparent
Combine your bank accounts
Make a budget together
Plan for the future
Always put your relationship first
Put It All on the Table
Transparency is key! Be open and honest about your
current individual situations, including your debt and
your views on money. You might want to discuss what
your parents taught you about money and what you do
and don’t agree with—kindly, of course. Stay away from
criticism and judgment. Learn how to communicate
effectively with your spouse.
“Marry” Your Bank Accounts
When you get married, combining your money into
joint accounts is crucial. You are becoming one, so your
finances should too. Keeping one area separated can
lead to separation in other areas, so you want to set a
precedent of unity from the get-go. Working together
from a shared account promotes honesty and a sense
that “we’re in this together!”
Start Budgeting Together
Once you’re married (but not before!), it’s time to give
every dollar of your combined income a name, assigning
it to a specific expense category before each month
begins. It’s good to go ahead and practice budgeting
together while you’re still engaged. That way, you
can adjust as necessary so things work smoothly once
you’re budgeting as Mr. and Mrs.  
Make A Plan for Financial Security
Once everything is on the table, determine what Baby
Step you’re on—as a couple. If you were on Baby Step
4, but your bride-to-be is on Baby Step 2, then guess
what? You’re on Baby Step 2 now! But that’s all right!
You love this person with all of your heart, so taking
on “their” debt as “our” debt is a small price to pay in
the grand scheme of things. Set priorities together and
make a plan  to achieve financial security by moving
through Dave’s Seven Baby Steps as a team.
Put Your Relationship First
If you want a satisfying relationship, you have to make
your finances a priority from the start. Couples who
agree about money and have healthy finances almost
always have a better marriage!
And lots of couples find that being unified about money
increases their intimacy overall. It’s healthy for all
aspects of their relationship! Like Dave says, “When you
can talk about money, you can talk about anything.”
If  that  doesn’t make you want financial security, we
don’t know what will.
As you begin this money journey together, you’ll build a
stronger marriage, future and family tree! You’ll create a
legacy that’ll be around long after you’re gone.
Congratulations on your decision to make financial
security a priority from the beginning, and blessings on
your marriage!
Financial Peace University  (FPU) is Dave’s class
that’s  perfect for newlyweds—get on the same page
with money before you tie the knot! FPU classes are
happening all the time, nationwide. Learn more about
this life-changing class and  find one meeting in your
area today!