STARTING out your new life as newlyweds mean not just blending as individuals but into each other’s family and also each other’s finances.
This includes getting used to making decisions as a family and making prudent decisions that can have a big impact on the family.
Having a discussion on finance and money may not be the most romantic idea but it is a key part of a successful marriage that will set one up for financial security today and into one’s golden years.
Each family unit is unique as there are no circumstances that apply to all young couples equally – although there are similarities and general good advice that can be followed.
Granted, there is no “best practice” for bespoke advice; it’s best to consult a professional, not too dissimilar with engaging a lawyer or doctor for legal or healthcare advice.
One guaranteed method of success, however, is to have a roadmap of one’s past, present and future to get organised and get the conversation going as newlyweds to understand your financial situation and goals.
Past
Talk about how money has been managed individually in the past. Are there any spending habits or hobbies that take up a large chunk of monthly expenditure?
Living as a bachelor is different. Hence, it is important that a couple discusses lifestyles and what is expected for them to continue into married life.
Present
Talk about joint expenses. Consider opening up a joint bank account so that both husband and wife can contribute to pay for household expenses. This can cater to rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries and the occasional dining out together.
The purpose for this is so a couple can easily see how the family unit spends.
This becomes more relevant when you have young children so that the financial expenses for childcare, baby supplies, schooling and tuition fees are transparent for both parties to see.
Future
Be honest about “marrying” your finances with your spouse. Start planning for short-, medium- and long-term goals together.
For Muslims, this could mean planning for the Hajj or umrah. For example, how will this be financed?
Budgeting for monthly expenses are important but so are big expenses that can also be planned, whether it’s something like a family holiday, acquiring a property or buying a new car.
Buying a home is also something that should be discussed as a family – having both the husband and wife’s names on the title has financial implications, especially for inheritance and legacy planning.
Even ambitions as to how many properties the couple may want to buy in the future as investments should be discussed.
Coming up with a saving and investment plan will help the couple to achieve these goals.
Conclusion
Open and honest communication is key to success as a married couple; doing this with an open mind and as a team is essential to maintaining a healthy marriage (and this is not limited to finances).
Money is sometimes a sensitive issue but it doesn’t have to be that way all the time.
If this becomes an uncomfortable topic, consider getting a professional to mediate so that the ultimate goals can be met. – Sept 11, 2022
Rozanna Rashid, CFP, IFP is a director and licensed financial planner with Alpine Advisory Sdn Bhd.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
