Relationships and Finances

Many people who marry young don't even think about a prenuptial agreement. Oftentimes, this is because young people don't have assets to consider before the marriage takes place. But what happens when things change? Can a couple sign a prenup post nup? Thankfully, yes. At any point during the marriage, a couple can sign a legal agreement about their finances, aka a postnuptial agreement. Let's look at this idea a little more in depth.

Who Needs a Postnup?

A retirement that includes sipping mai tais on a tropical beach may sound wonderful to both you and your spouse, but are you truly financially prepared? Or are you on the other end of the spectrum, where you haven't even discussed retirement plans yet? No matter your situation, have no fear: planning a retirement together can begin at any age. Let's look at how to plan a retirement together, starting at the very beginning.

When Lovebirds Meet

You may not have dreamed of the day when your future spouse asks you, "Will you sign a prenup?" It's just not as romantic as "Will you marry me?" However, prenups can be an integral part of any marriage, protecting you both in the event of a divorce. Even if neither of you is rolling in the dough before the wedding bells ring. How? Well, let's take a look at all that prenups involve.

The Lowdown on Prenups

Communicating about finances is vital for healthy relationships.

Finances can get you in trouble with your partner faster than anything. So these tips will help guide you, from learning how to talk about finances with your partner to dealing with the super-important topics.

Take your first steps towards building a strong financial future together by learning to communicate, setting firm goals and blending different personalities.

These articles will get you started!

Getting Started on Your Financial Journey Together

It's oftentimes very easy to let personal celebrations slide when life gets busy or you're on a budget. Especially when children enter the mix. Buying that jumbo pack of diapers just might seem higher on the priority list than, say, going out for an anniversary dinner with your husband. But it doesn't have to be one or the other, if you and the hubby are a little creative about your anniversary plans. Let's look at a few ways to cut costs while snuggling up to your spouse for a romantic evening.

Coupon It!

As everyone knows, the offer of a raise is usually very welcome. In fact, I don’t know any people who will turn down a cost of living raise. However, when that raise comes with some give on your part (let’s say in the form of moving across the country), the decision may be a little more difficult to make, for both you and your spouse. Let’s take a look at this idea in more detail, including how to weigh your options together.

The Offer

Love is a wonderful thing. Really, it is. Of course, everyone who’s ever been in a relationship knows that that love often comes with a lot of compromise…and one of the biggest places for compromise is in finances. This is completely understandable when you think about it: people are different and they want to purchase different things. Makes sense. But what do you do if your spending habits are worlds apart from one another? How do you accept your differences and skip off into the sunset?

Talk About It

My mom's young and vibrant. She can hike the Mississippi River bluffs and trails with ease, chase after grandkids with glee and run a 5K with energy to spare. But she has a secret: she's not getting any younger. There will be a day when I must turn the tables and care for her.

So you want to stay home with the kids? Or you want to go back to school? If you have some big idea for your family’s future that could change your financial dynamics, it may seem more intimidating to discuss the possibility with your spouse than to actually make the changes.

A while back, I shared my grandparents' financial story. Long story short, Grandpa liked to gamble while Grandma wanted to feed the seven children who, for some strange reason, always seemed to want to eat. When money kept running short, my grandma finally took over the finances and put Grandpa’s gambling on a strict budget.