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.