Thinking of getting married in the near future? If so, there are a few key financial questions that you should ask your future spouse before you tie the knot. You may be thinking: "All this can wait until after we're married." Wrong. Having a discussion regarding key financial issues before your married is essential. Now is the time to understand your future spouses' position on certain issues, and to learn about your future spouse's total financial picture before so that you can resolve any disagreements and plan for how to deal with any debt or income issues. Remember, once your married, what's yours is theirs and vice versa. It's best to ask the below listed questions now. If you don't, you may end up finding out the answers from your spouse's Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit during your divorce.
1. What's your credit score?
Learning your future spouse's credit score is a good way to gain some insight on how he or she manages their finances. Suggest to your future spouse that you both learn your credit score and share it with each other. This way, not only will you learn about your fiancé's financial fitness, but also verify your own as well.
2. Do you have a budget?
If the answer to this question is yes, go a step further and ask whether your future mate actually adheres to this budget. It is often easier to plan than it is to follow through. Find out now if your spouse is a saver or a spender.
3. Are you in debt?
This is a critical question, because if your future husband or wife is in debt, it is likely that the two of you will spend time and money satisfying that debt. So, be sure to find out exactly what to expect upon marriage. Additionally, in addition to leaning the amount of debt your paramour is carrying, it is also essential to learn how your spouse to be accumulated their debt. If your spouse has significant credit card debt, this may be a sign that he or she has trouble budgeting. On the other hand, if your spouse's debt is comprised of student loans or mortgage debt, this may be an indication that your spouse has his or her sights on building a good future for your family.
4. What is your monthly saving plan?
Put another way, ask your future spouse how much money they plan to save each month, and how much money actually makes its way into their savings. If your future husband or wife is unable to put aside some money each month for the future, this may be an indication the he or she is either overspending, under earning, or a combination of both. Regardless of which category your paramour falls into, the earlier you learn this information, the earlier you and your future spouse can discuss what modifications are necessary to facilitate saving.
5. Do you have life and medical insurance?
This may seem like an odd question to ask, but trust us, it is imperative that you do so. Although no one likes to think about the unthinkable, accidents do happen, and spouses sometimes pass away expectantly. What would happen if your spouse to be became ill, or even worse, what would happen if he or she passed away? How would you cover medical bills or funereal expenses? Please be sure that both you and your spouse are covered.