Love and Money

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How to Talk About Money With Your Partner

Starting a conversation about money can feel intimidating, especially if you were raised in a household where finances were kept private.

Partners often bring different experiences, habits, and anxieties into a relationship, which can make even simple topics feel emotionally charged. The first step is creating a predictable space for these discussions, whether that means setting aside time each month or simply agreeing to speak honestly when financial situations change.

Couples benefit from talking about their current responsibilities, income, savings habits, and any financial concerns they carry from the past. Transparency may feel uncomfortable at first, but it prevents misunderstandings later and helps both partners make informed decisions.

Reviewing free weekly credit reports together at AnnualCreditReport.com often helps ground the conversation in facts rather than emotion. Once couples understand each other’s starting points, they can begin planning more confidently.

8 Topics Every Couple Should Talk About »

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Debt-Free Wedding Planner

Weddings have become increasingly expensive, and the latest publicly available national data shows that the typical cost now falls somewhere in the mid-$30,000 range, depending on location and guest count.

These figures generally do not include a honeymoon. It’s easy for couples to feel overwhelmed or pressured to spend beyond their means, especially when expectations from family or social media are involved.

But starting a marriage with debt is avoidable. Couples who communicate openly about priorities — such as whether they value a large guest list, a particular venue, or specific traditions — can often create a celebration that fits their budget without sacrificing meaning. The key is to make intentional choices early and resist the temptation to treat wedding costs as unavoidable. A thoughtful, realistic plan allows couples to enjoy the moment without carrying high-interest credit card balances into their future.

Tips to tie the knot for less »

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Merging Finances After Marriage

There is no single correct way to manage household finances. Some couples combine everything into one system, others keep accounts separate and share only certain bills, and many choose a hybrid model that gives each partner autonomy while maintaining clarity around joint obligations. What matters is that both partners understand the structure and agree it feels fair.

A shared budget is at the center of successful financial management. It reflects income, recurring bills, personal spending needs, and long-term goals. It should evolve as life changes, whether through career shifts, growing families, or new financial responsibilities.

When couples treat the budget as a shared tool rather than a source of conflict, communication becomes easier and both partners gain a clearer sense of stability.

9 Topics to Considering When Merging Finances »

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Facing Financial Infidelity

Keeping financial secrets — whether hidden debt, undisclosed accounts, or unapproved spending — can seriously undermine trust in a relationship.

The most recent publicly available surveys suggest that financial secrecy is more common than many couples realize. These situations often arise not from malicious intent but from fear, embarrassment, or the belief that revealing the truth will cause conflict.

Repairing trust begins with open, honest conversation and a commitment to transparency going forward. If partners agree to review accounts together, share upcoming expenses, and communicate about financial stress before it escalates, they can often rebuild confidence and avoid future secrecy. Couples who struggle to navigate this alone may benefit from speaking with a counselor or financial professional who can help guide the conversation.

How to get past financial infidelity to move forward »

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Credit Counseling for Couples

Credit counseling allows you to get a handle on debt, often through enrollment in a debt management program, but what happens when both your names are on an account? Or what if only of you wants to enroll? We explain how credit counseling works for couples so you can find the right path to freedom from debt.

How should you enroll as a couple? »

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Finance for a Growing Family

As relationships grow, financial decisions become more complex. Couples begin thinking about buying a home, starting a family, advancing their careers, or planning for retirement. These decisions require ongoing communication about changing goals, evolving responsibilities, and the practical realities of life transitions. Revisiting plans regularly ensures both partners remain aligned and feel supported.

Long-term planning also includes preparing for unexpected events. Building emergency savings, reviewing beneficiaries, updating important documents, and understanding each partner’s financial values create stability and reduce stress during uncertain times. When couples view planning as a shared responsibility rather than an individual burden, they strengthen both their financial security and their relationship.

Money management for your growing family »

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