When it comes to your money it’s way easier to keep track of your own finances than someone else’s. So when joint back accounts and payments are now a part of your life, you need to readjust your thinking when it comes to your money. Because everyone has different financial goals of what they want to do with their money and how they want to spend it, when it comes to joint accounts and allocating funds, are you and your partner on the same page when it comes to your finances? There are many commons money mistakes couples make which is why we’ve created a guide so you know what to look out for.
Communication 101
Do you know who is responsible for what payment? Do you know what debt you’re taking on with your partner? What are your partner’s spending habits? These are all questions you need to ask and learn about before you take on someone else’s financial responsibilities. We’re not telling you to ask for their credit score on the second date, but when it comes to making bigger decisions money matters should be something openly communicated so you are both on the same page. The last thing you need is both of you assuming the other person is paying the hydro bill and you falling behind in payments.
Taking Debt Seriously
Debt is just one of those things some people carry more of than others. Depending on your financial means and spending habits, debt can come in all different forms. Student loans? Credit cards? Mortgage? No matter what kind of debt it is, making sure you’re doing your best to pay it off and not getting deeper into debt is what matters. Not all debt is bad or something you should be embarrassed of either and you should utilize your significant others resources and pick their brain to come up with some debt management strategies to help tackle it together.
Savings Plan
When it comes to your savings plan everyone has different ways they like to save and manage their spending. So when it comes to personal savings goals, your retirement and future depend on it. This is something that needs to be compatible with your partner and making sure your money goals are on the same page. Do you both have the same savings goals? Have you discussed your retirement game plan? Making a long-term savings plan together can help maximize savings and can be beneficial for you both in the future.
These are only some of the money matters you should consider to avoid financial mistakes as a couple.
