I'm not so sure Loggins & Messina got it right in "Danny's Song" when they sang:
Even though we ain't got money
I'm so in love with you honey
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
An' everything will bring
A chain of love, oh, oh yeah
The fact is, the top source of anxiety among couples is finances, according to a recent survey commissioned by American Express. So if you're getting married soon and think that your financial situation doesn't matter because you're in love (because love conquers all, right?), think again.
Here are some more statistics from the American Express couples and money survey that you should be aware of before you tie the knot:
-- 61% of couples say discussions about household finances lead to arguments
-- 50% of couples say the financial habits of their partner drive them crazy
-- 75% of couples have financial secrets they've kept from their partner
I'm not telling you to reconsider marriage because your days will be filled with fights over money or hiding purchases from your spouse. Just the opposite: You and your spouse-to-be can avoid a lot of friction by realizing that money plays a prominent role in marriage.
Start by asking these four critical money questions before you get married to make sure you and your partner are financially compatible. Also discuss whether you should use separate or joint accounts and how you'll merge your finances once you're married.
If you're already married but didn't talk about money matters before tying the knot (or since), schedule a money date to discuss big-picture financial issues. If you and your spouse argue about money, follow these five techniques for identifying financial conflicts and easing tensions.
-
Stock Market Today: The Dow Adds 15 Points To End Its Losing StreakEquity indexes opened higher but drifted lower as markets priced in new Fed forecasts.
-
What Is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?Tax Breaks A QCD can lower your tax bill while meeting your charitable giving goals in retirement. Here’s how.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before tossing these items into your shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
