Older . . . And Debt-Free

A recent (2010) study showed that the new median age for first-time marriages has now shot up to 27.2 years (for men) and 26.1 years (for women).  Pros and cons for this growing trend at wedding later in life, with many now choosing to marry after 40 years of age.

Pros . . . couples who wait to get married can establish careers, save money (if they are frugal and wise!) and otherwise gain an advantage in being able to navigate and balance home, independence, and career.

Cons . . . couples who get married later in life have firmly established habits and ideas that may not translate well to the shared life that marriage requires, or they may also bring greater debt into a marriage.

Regardless, what counts in marriage is maturity (relationally, emotionally, financially) . . . and couples who are able to discuss/converse/and decide on a deeper level will do well in marriage.

Couples who wait to get married, and who save, save, save also stand a better chance of having a debt-free wedding. 

What do you think is the optimal age for getting married . . . and why?