Talking about Money

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father of the bride and author of Before You Say "I Do".  Visit often for more money-saving ideas for your beautiful day and your life. 

Marriage counselors continue to point out that financial issues are the number one reason why couples divorce.  But what with education debt, mortgages, car loans, and people generally living about their means, it's no wonder the money continues to be a primary source of stress in marriage.  (The Average American also spends something like 104% of income.)

But couples don't have to begin marriage with this burden in tow.  Solid planning, open and honest discussion about money, and a budgeting plan for life are some of the keys to lasting happiness.  Setting goals and striving together toward those goals not only affects a bank account, but also continues to capture the heart and imagination in marriage. 

As you plan your big day, don't forget to have those heart-to-heart talks about your financial philosophy and the goals that will keep you together.  Down the road, your relationship will benefit from these plans. 

And with a goal, you'll actually have a star to strive for.  But don't worry . . . you'll get there.  As long as you control your finances and don't let finances control you, life's a peach.

Talk Time

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, the blog written by a father of the bride and author of Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do" (3rd Edition).  Visit often for more money-saving tips.

Great marriages are built upon the solid foundation of love, commitment and common goals.  And when it comes to money--or more specifically, saving money--couples who plan together stay together.  Conversations about money should definitely begin in the engagement stage, and couples who set a budget long before marriage are far less likely to fall apart when finances become a focal point.  (And they always do!)

In fact, finances are one of the most common reasons why couples develop problems.  Or again, the inability or unwillingness to discuss money and share common financial goals is one of the biggest stressers in marriage.

A three-part solution to finances can begin in the engagement period if couples will discuss the following:

* What financial goals do we agree upon for our first five years of marriage (debt-reduction? obtaining a mortgage?  emergency funds?, etc.)?

* How will we/ can we use our finances to affirm what is most important in our lives?

* What long-term financial goals can we agree upon before we get married?

Ringing in the New Year

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do".  Visit often for money-saving tips on your beautiful day.


Since most brides begin planning their weddings at least a year in advance, January is the perfect time to make those financial resolutions that can lead to balance and a perfect wedding budget.  And remember:  the longer you begin making those plans for the wedding, the longer you will have to save in order to make them a reality.

Last-minute planning often leads to financial heartache.  There have been many brides who simply overextend their dreams and then overextend their bank accounts as well.  But with advance planning--and advance saving--most wedding dreams can be fulfilled and financed at the same time.

Put January to work for you by starting early.  Set aside money each week (or each month) for some of those honeymoon goals, or decor needs, or even for that down payment on a house.  The longer you stretch toward your goal, the greater the odds of achieving it. 

Toward this end, think of it as paying yourself first, or tipping yourself first, or even setting aside gratifications now for greater rewards later.  You are your greatest investment.