Marriage/Combined Households

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Life Stages: Marriage/Combined Households

Financial matters affect couples’ lives every day. Merging lives and money takes compatibility, and being able to successfully communicate about managing finances. With the right preparation, you are on the way to a financially healthy relationship.

Five questions to ask when you join a gym: As the new year draws near, many people are probably resolving to lose weight or get into better physical shape. If so, you’re not alone, because more than 45 million Americans belong to health clubs, according to the IHRSA, an industry group....
Don't get scammed when making travel plans: Many people take vacations or visit family at this time of year. That’s the good news. The bad news is that there are a number of scams that unsuspecting travelers can fall victim to if they are not careful. The Ohio Society of CPAs offers these...
Smart holiday shopping tips: The holidays are an exciting time, but they can also be an expensive one. Many people have tightened their belts during the last year because of the troubled economy, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss the joy of giving presents to loved ones...
Tax tips for recently married taxpayers: If you have recently gotten married or plan to get married in the near future, the IRS has some tips to help you avoid stress at tax time. Notify the Social Security Administration: Report any name change to the Social Security Administration,...
Cutting wedding costs: June is wedding season, and if you’re starting to plan ahead for your own future nuptials, you know that the price can be steep. In fact, the average overall cost of a wedding in the United States is around $28,000. However, it is possible to...
Smart steps for funeral planning: Many people dread the prospect of planning for a funeral, but a little forethought can ensure that your loved one receives the funeral he or she desires. It can also minimize unnecessary expenses and stress during a difficult time. Be aware that...
What you need to know about writing a will: Wills are not just for the very rich. They are important legal documents that help guarantee that your wishes will be followed and that your family or other beneficiaries can receive their inheritance without unnecessary delays. Everyone should...
Avoid work-at-home scams: With more and more people anxious to increase their income quickly in a depressed economy, being aware of scams is more important than ever. Work-at-home offers in particular can be enticing, and also worthy of skepticism. One popular scam offers...
What you need to know about your spouse’s finances: Are you and your spouse completely familiar with each other’s financial situation? Are critical documents up to date? Are you prepared if a spouse is incapacitated or dies? Failure to share information can magnify problems in a crisis.
How to choose the best bank for you: When opening a checking or savings account, security and convenience top the list of must-haves. But how do you know which bank, savings and loan or other choice is the right one for you? There are many different factors to consider.
Smart planning helps families achieve financial goals: Young families often are strapped with college loans, mortgages, medical premiums and the never-ending costs of raising children. It’s easy to put off saving until later. But later comes all too soon for many of us. Fortunately, with good...
Talking about finances before your wedding can reduce stress later: Money issues are one of the leading causes of marriage stress. Making sure both of you are on the same page when it comes to finances before you walk down the aisle can help avoid problems once the honeymoon is over.
Merging lives and money the right way: It’s important for couples to discuss their post-nuptial financial lives before anyone says, “I do.” According to a recent Money magazine survey, 84% of couples say money causes arguments in their marriages.