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Buzzkill? Reality testing? Yes. However, you both need to ask:
If you’re ready to take the big walk then it’s time to have that talk and here’s why it shouldn’t be delayed until after the rings are slipped on your fingers and the limousine is racing to the wedding reception or the airport.
The sooner both of you discuss your personal financial preferences, credit standings, individual spending habits and joint future goals, the sooner you can identify and hopefully avoid major problems.
Most people recognize that money and sex are two major potholes that can trip up happily married couples and lead to a rocky road of conflict, distress and disputation. And, as you are now a couple, it’s good to get into the habit of joint problem solving and negotiating so you can set the stage for a sustaining dialogue that fuels togetherness and intelligent conflict resolution.
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Fact: The longer you can avoid plunging into debt and all of the traps that come with achieving instant gratification and overspending, the better you’ll be prepared as a couple to save for the things you want, get ready for little bundles of joy, and build your retirement nest egg. In addition to the size of your investment accounts, the health of your credit is paramount.
Unfortunately, many couples enter a marriage with credit baggage. Like a suitcase that is so stuffed all of the clothes can’t be jammed into it, one spouse and sometimes both may have overspent in their previous lives, racked up significant debt and made mistakes that severely damaged their credit. While one partner’s bad credit score won’t damage the score of the other, it could inhibit their ability to jointly purchase a home or a car at an affordable price, and must be addressed as early in the relationship as possible.
[Related Article: The First Thing to Do Before Buying a Home]
It is important that when entering into the bonds of holy matrimony, each partner must commit to building a strong individual credit profile while building a solid joint credit history. That means keeping debt under control, cutting costs where appropriate, merging expenses with a prospective life partner to get the benefits of “economies of scale,” making all payments in a timely fashion and not overspending. Here are some other useful tips:
There is no substitute for talking things out. You’re a couple now and everything you do from here on in should be done as two-some, a partnership, and a marriage. Don’t hold back, don’t fudge, don’t mislead and, of course, never lie. Be straight, get everything out in the open, and reach an agreement in principle about how you plan on straightening out any bad debt from the past, cleaning up any credit issues, and establishing a positive joint profile and track record for the future.
Stanley Kubrick once directed a film entitled “Eyes Wide Shut,” but in this case, eyes wide open is the operative way to behave. Be open with your spouse; learn to talk things out. Collaborate on establishing positive joint credit, fixing any problems of the past, and embarking on a new sterling financial record. This will lead to material happiness and emotional health as well.
[Related Article: Is Your Wedding Becoming A Money Pit?]
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