6 Money Talks to Have Before You Marry

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I would add:
7. What are your current assets and income?
This establishes separate property rights and can open a discussion of whether and when separate property will be commingled with community funds.

Ellen Peabody Bradford Ph.D. of CA 2:40PM July 21, 2010

When someone has been an adult for more than 5 years, he or she should, by that time, have some control over his expenditures as well as a vision about the future concerning debts and sources of income without having to constantly tap and harass family members and friends for money. A rare emergency might arise, but these emergencies should be the exception and not the rule. Some people have to learn personal financial responsibility the difficult way..by experience.

Jessie of PA 12:22PM April 30, 2010

I am getting ready to get married next month to a man with a really bad credit history. I've thought things over and in order to not let money stand in the way of true love, I've opted to us having separate accounts. I think that I will continue to run my household financially and just allow him to help out in small ways. Unfortunately, because I'm 40 and he is 50 yrs old, we know that our credit and finances will continue to remain separate. All we will do is share love and households but its gotten to the point that financial ruin can come so easily that you can't take chances on even trusting a brand new spouse. I guess the economy has gotten the best of even the best of people and there just aren't enough years left to correct financial blunders or at least that's the problem in our case.

Evelyn of CA 10:52AM April 30, 2010

The moment I came across this article, It made me giggle... You see, when someone asks my husband what is the key to being married so long (26 yrs.), he always replies by saying, "Why Separate bank accounts"... then everyone bursts out laughing. At first, I thought he was just being funny, then as time passed, I started to wonder, if having individual accounts has been part of the key to avoiding years of money fighting issues. Looking back, I can honestly say that I think this Separate Bank Accounts formula really works and can bring happiness to a marriage!!! Because so far, I have enjoyed our money-arguing FREE ATMOSPHERE... Although I would like to add that my husband and I also try to stay away from outrageous/unnecessary/temptation splurging, to a minimum. As an example, if I may, there was a time when we had an open $100,000 credit line. I could have easily reached in and used it here and there, as could he, but we NEVER touched it... Yay! Happier, and still married are we for it! And truth be told, I could not have asked for a better money managing husband! As for Vienna, Va.-based couple Gene and Bettina Donohue, I wish them continued JOINT success!
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6 Money Talks to Have Before You Marry
Separate versus joint accounts and long-term goals are two key topics
ShareComment Print By Kimberly Palmer Posted: July 13, 2009

Judith Rodriguez of CA 10:19AM April 30, 2010

I have done the same thing for my sister. I finally told her sorry cant help right now.It was hard, but I know I will never see a penny come back. And she is old enough to run her life without my money .I let it be know with short and sharp hints in our family. And to her. I am done ! I know they can never help me in a pinch but this bank is closed for good.There comes a time when you just have to I can't . That came for me when my cat was sick. I t was either give my cat the needed care or give it to family memeber. My cat is doing fine now. My sister will and can learnand should.

gina of IL 12:42AM April 30, 2010

My significant other bends over backwards for his sister. She just expects from him at this point. He continues to give although does let her know he does not have the money. We are on a shoestring budget at this point due to circumstances. How do you get someone who is needy off your back?
She knows how I feel also. Her brother feels obligated for she helped him out many years ago. They are both co-dependent..
THANK YOU
Carol

Carol of AR 9:35PM April 29, 2010