20 Financial Questions to Ask Before Getting Married
Money matters can make or break a marriage, so it’s crucial to have honest financial conversations before saying “I do.”
- Chris Graciano
- 6 min read
Finances are one of the major sources of stress in relationships, thus it is critical to talk about money freely before marriage. Aligning on major issues like debt and spending patterns, as well as savings objectives and financial priorities, might help to avoid future disagreements. Here are 20 crucial financial questions any couple should address before getting married.
1. What Are Your Current Debts?
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Understanding one another’s financial commitments is critical. Student debts, credit cards, auto payments, and mortgages can all influence future financial decisions. Being open about debt helps create reasonable expectations. A payment plan helps to avoid surprises later on.
2. What Is Your Credit Score?
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
A partner’s credit score might influence shared financial decisions, such as purchasing a home or getting a loan. Poor credit may result in higher interest rates or loan rejections. Discussing this early provides an opportunity to enhance credit if necessary. Good credit can lead to greater financial chances.
3. Do You Prefer Joint or Separate Bank Accounts?
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Some couples merge finances entirely, while others prefer to maintain separate accounts. Understanding each other’s comfort level with shared money helps avoid tension. A hybrid approach—joint for bills and separate for personal spending—is also an option. Finding a system that works for both is key.
4. How Do You Feel About Budgeting?
Vodafone x Rankin everyone.connected on Pexels
One partner may be meticulous about tracking expenses, while the other prefers a looser approach. Aligning on budgeting expectations prevents future disagreements. Discussing tools like apps or spreadsheets can make it easier. Having a financial game plan ensures both partners stay on the same page.
5. What Are Your Long-Term Financial Goals?
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Do you both want to buy a home, travel frequently, or retire early? Misaligned financial goals can lead to frustration. Creating a shared vision helps prioritize spending and saving. Aligning major life milestones builds a strong financial foundation.
6. How Much Do You Save Each Month?
Alex Green on Pexels
Savings habits vary widely, and it’s important to know where your partner stands. Some people save aggressively, while others live paycheck to paycheck. Discussing this helps create a balance that suits both partners. A shared commitment to saving ensures future financial stability.
7. Do You Have an Emergency Fund?
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
An emergency fund offers stability in the event of unforeseen costs, such as medical expenditures or a loss of employment. Financial stress may be avoided by setting an emergency fund goal.
8. What’s Your Attitude Toward Debt?
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Some people see debt as a tool, while others avoid it at all costs. Knowing where your partner stands can help in decision-making. If one person is comfortable with debt and the other isn’t, compromise is needed. Agreeing on debt management strategies prevents future conflicts.
9. How Do You Handle Unexpected Expenses?
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Car repairs, medical bills, and home maintenance costs are inevitable. Does your partner dip into savings, use a credit card, or have a financial cushion? Discussing this ensures neither partner feels financially vulnerable. A joint plan for handling surprises prevents stress.
10. What Are Your Spending Priorities?
Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Everyone values money differently—some prioritize experiences, while others focus on material items. Understanding each other’s spending triggers and priorities prevents judgment and resentment. A balanced approach respects both partners’ financial values. Aligning on spending helps avoid unnecessary friction.
11. How Do You Feel About Splitting Expenses?
Vodafone x Rankin everyone.connected on Pexels
Will you divide bills evenly, contribute based on income percentage, or have a different system? Clearly defining expectations ensures fairness. If one partner earns significantly more, a percentage-based split may feel equitable. Finding a system that both partners feel good about avoids future resentment.
12. Do You Want Kids? If So, How Will You Afford Them?
Ninthgrid on Pexels
Raising children is a major financial commitment. Discussing childcare, education, and parental leave helps avoid surprises. Planning for future expenses like college savings is also important. Having a financial plan for kids ensures stability.
13. What Are Your Retirement Plans?
Ninthgrid on Pexels
One person may envision retiring early, while the other plans to work indefinitely. Discussing retirement expectations helps shape savings strategies. Contributing to retirement accounts early ensures long-term security. A shared vision prevents mismatched expectations later.
14. How Do You Feel About Financial Risk?
Reelssman on Pexels
Is your partner a risk-taker or financially conservative? Understanding their stance helps with investment and savings decisions. If one person loves stock market investments and the other prefers cash savings, compromise is key. Aligning risk tolerance ensures both partners feel secure.
15. What’s Your Plan for Healthcare Costs?
Rūdolfs Klintsons on Pexels
As people age, medical costs can be a significant financial strain. It is essential to talk about long-term care planning, health insurance, and emergency funds. Financial hardship is avoided by making sure both couples have sufficient coverage. A crucial component of financial stability is healthcare planning.
16. Have You Ever Had Financial Problems?
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
A history of bankruptcy, overspending, or money mismanagement can affect the future. Being open about past financial struggles builds trust. Learning from past mistakes helps create better financial habits together. Transparency prevents surprises and fosters understanding.
17. How Do You Handle Financial Disagreements?
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Money fights can damage relationships, so it’s important to establish a strategy for resolving conflicts. Some couples use monthly check-ins to discuss finances. Agreeing on a conflict resolution approach prevents unnecessary stress. Healthy communication ensures financial harmony.
18. Do You Expect to Support Family Financially?
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Some people plan to help parents or siblings financially, while others do not. Understanding expectations about family obligations and boundaries is crucial. If one partner expects financial assistance for relatives, the other should be on board. Discussing this prevents future disagreements.
19. How Will We Handle Major Purchases?
Thirdman on Pexels
Buying a home, car, or making large investments should be a joint decision. Agreeing on spending limits and when to consult each other is important. Establishing a price threshold before discussing big purchases can help. Avoiding surprises ensures financial decisions are mutual.
20. Who Will Handle the Finances?
Thirdman on Pexels
One partner may be more comfortable managing money, but both should stay involved. Setting up monthly financial meetings ensures transparency. Even if one person handles the bills, both should understand the overall financial picture. Being informed prevents future misunderstandings.