Money and Marriage

Summer is a season of weddings, filled with love, celebration, and planning for the future. But while most couples spend months choosing flowers and venues, far fewer sit down to talk about money. And yet, money and marriage are deeply connected.

Having open, honest conversations about finances before (or soon after) getting married can make a huge difference in the strength of your relationship and your long-term financial wellbeing. Whether you’re engaged, newly married, or living together and planning a future, these are seven conversations that can help you build a healthy financial partnership.

1. Talk About Your Money Mindset

Before you talk numbers, talk feelings.
How did each of you grow up thinking about money? Are you naturally a saver or a spender? What does money represent to you: security, freedom, power, independence?

We all carry beliefs and habits from childhood, and they influence how we approach financial planning as a couple. Understanding where your partner is coming from helps you avoid judgment and start building shared values.

2. Be Honest About Where You Stand

Transparency builds trust.
Share your current financial picture: income, savings, pensions, debts, credit scores, the lot. It might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if one of you is in a stronger position, but this is about being a team.

If you’re planning a life together, you need to know what you’re working with.

3. Align Your Goals

What does your ideal future look like, together and individually?
Do you want to buy a home? Have children? Travel the world? Start a business? Retire early?

Discussing your goals helps you make informed decisions together and puts your financial planning as a couple into perspective. The earlier you align your vision, the easier it is to plan effectively.

4. Decide How You’ll Manage Your Money Together

There’s no one-size-fits-all.
Some couples combine everything, while others prefer to keep things separate with a shared account for bills. Many use a hybrid model. The key is to agree on what feels fair, not necessarily equal, and set clear expectations.

Discuss how you’ll handle day-to-day spending, big purchases, and ongoing financial planning. Regular money dates can help keep you both in the loop.

5. Plan for the Unexpected: Legal and Financial Protection

Love comes with responsibility, and part of that is protecting each other if life doesn’t go as planned.

Start by making sure you have the right legal structures in place. Do you both have valid wills? What about powers of attorney in case one of you becomes unable to make decisions?

If you’re not married but living together, it’s even more important to understand your legal rights, or lack of them. And if this is a second marriage or there are children from previous relationships, things can get complicated quickly.

Then, think about life insurance and family protection insurance. Would your partner or children be financially secure if something happened to you? A good life insurance policy could help pay off the mortgage, cover childcare costs, or replace lost income. You might also want to consider income protection or critical illness cover, especially if one of you is self-employed or the main earner.

It’s not about being pessimistic, it’s about being prepared and making sure that those you love are looked after.

6. Understand the Financial Implications of Marriage

Marriage changes how your finances work, sometimes in your favour.
You may be eligible for the marriage allowance or find it easier to pass on assets tax-efficiently through inheritance tax planning. Certain pensions and life insurance policies may automatically pass to a spouse.

It’s worth reviewing your beneficiary nominations and making sure your plans reflect your new relationship status.

7. Create a Financial Plan as a Couple

Whether you’re just starting out or already building wealth, having a shared financial plan gives you clarity and confidence. That might include budgeting, saving, investing, reviewing your pensions, or building an emergency fund.

Working with a financial adviser for couples can help you map everything out and make sure you’re making the most of your resources, together.

Final Thoughts

Talking about money might not sound romantic, but it is one of the most loving things you can do as a couple. It’s not about control or compromise, it’s about clarity, trust, and building something that supports both of you.

The sooner you start the conversation, the easier it becomes.