Couples recommend financial honesty before marriage

A recent survey from America has found that around 48% of divorced or separated adults questioned wished they had spent more time discussing finances before getting married. Around 29% of those currently married said the same.

Around 55% of divorced or separated adults said that if they had to do it all over again, they would definitely or probably get a prenuptial agreement to protect their finances.

Once couples tie the knot, honesty about spending habits can be challenging. In fact, the survey by CouponCabin.com found that 41% of married U.S. adults said they have hidden purchases from their spouse.

Those who have said “I do” before had a wide range of advice for soon-to-be married couples. When asked what was the number one financial lesson they would want to share with engaged couples, a random sampling of U.S. adults shared the following:

• Be honest and don’t keep financial secrets.
• Share a checkbook for 90 days before getting married.
• Be secure with your partner’s spending habits.
• Cooperate to make long and short-term financial goals. Develop trust and worth together.
• Dedicate an agreed upon amount to education and retirement funds and don’t deviate from that plan.
• You can never save too much.
• Don’t be afraid to talk about finances, especially when things are tight.
• Know each other’s credit score.
• Live debt-free at all times.
• Always make sure your rent or mortgage is paid first, then little bills. If anything is left, go out on a date.