Congratulations! You’ve survived the Big Day and the build up to it. So what comes next? Well, to put it succinctly: now comes the rest of your lives. Thinking about financial considerations do not just stop at saying “I do.” As you move forward with your spouse, there are numerous financial subjects you should be considering now and through the rest of your life.
Download our free Personal Capital Marriage Guide to learn more about the financial considerations that come after you tie the knot.
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Taxes
For most married couples, the difference between filing separately and jointly is one of the most impactful changes when your legal status changes from “single.” The way you file can impact the money you end up eventually taking home; there are benefits and drawbacks to each. Consult a tax professional or a financial advisor to see what might be the best choice for you.
Insurance
Insurance on its own is an exhaustive topic. When you’re married, it can become overwhelming. The questions are numerous: What type of insurance do you need? How is it secured? How much do you need? A lot of this is dependent on the types of insurance available. From health insurance to life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care insurance, there are myriad types of insurance policies that might be beneficial for you and your new family’s needs.
Retirement Planning
You should take the time to think through what you want your retirement to look like. Do you want to retire early? What Social Security benefits will be available to you in the future? Will both of you work long-term, or will you be a one-income household at some point? The sooner you talk about this and know your goals, the better off you’ll likely be to reach them.
Estate Planning
What will happen to your property when you die? What decisions will be made about children, how will taxes impact what you leave behind, and what decisions should be made on your behalf if you become incapable of making any? This is where estate planning becomes especially important.
Home Buying & Children
Buying a home and having children are often associated with getting married. Neither is an inexpensive decision. When embarking on the home buying journey, you will want to discuss a budget for the purchase and a savings strategy for the down payment, mortgage, taxes and other associated costs. Thinking about expanding the family with some children? According to CNN Money, raising a child from birth to age 17 can grow to $372,200 if you are part of a high-income household. With such a hefty price tag, talk about how many kids you can afford and what that may look like.
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