5 MUST-HAVE CONVERSATIONS BEFORE YOU SAY “I DO” - Wedding and Lifestyle

5 MUST-HAVE CONVERSATIONS BEFORE YOU SAY “I DO”

They say love makes the world go round — but money pays for the ride. Before you walk down the aisle, there are some conversations every couple needs to have. Talking openly about money might feel unromantic, but it’s one of the greatest investments you can make in your future together.

1. The Wedding Budget Talk

Conversation: What kind of wedding can we realistically afford? 

 

Money Move: Create a joint wedding budget and decide who pays for what. Set clear limits and prioritize your must-haves versus nice-to-haves to stay within your means.

 

Advisor Insight: A financial planner can show you how to fund your dream wedding without jeopardising your long-term goals, and help you explore options like savings plans or alternative funding sources.

2. The Savings & Goals Talk

Conversation: Are we saving for just the wedding, or also for a home, honeymoon, future family, or other goals?

 

Money Move: Open a joint savings account and automate contributions to stay consistent with your savings plan.

 

Advisor Insight: Advisors like Dimension Wealth can help you balance short-term joy with long-term security, ensuring all your financial goals are aligned and achievable.

3. The Debt & Transparency Talk

Conversation: What debts (credit cards, loans, store accounts) are we bringing into this marriage? Are there any overdue balances or pending payments we should be aware of?

 

Money Move: Put everything on the table and agree on a repayment plan. Consider consolidating debt or negotiating lower interest rates to make repayment more manageable.

 

Advisor Insight: Debt can be a dealbreaker if left unspoken — a financial advisor can help you create a repayment strategy that still leaves room for your dreams. Open communication about finances now can strengthen your partnership and set a healthy foundation for the future.

Why? Because it’s about protection, clarity, and security — for both of you.

4. The Lifestyle & Priorities Talk

Conversation: What’s most important to us — travel, property, kids, or career growth? Understanding our core values helps us create a unified vision for the future and make intentional choices together.

 

Money Move: Set shared financial priorities and plan around them. Regularly review and adjust these goals as our circumstances and aspirations evolve.

 

Advisor Insight: Advisors help couples align their values with financial decisions, so money becomes a tool for your shared lifestyle. They can also assist in developing strategies for saving, investing, and managing risks to support your long-term dreams.

5. The Protection Talk

Conversation: What if one of us gets sick, loses a job, or faces an emergency? It’s important to have a plan in place so we’re not caught off guard and can focus on recovery and supporting each other.

 

Money Move: Get the right insurance cover and start an emergency fund. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses to provide a safety net during unexpected times.

 

Advisor Insight: Protecting your marriage financially is as important as protecting it emotionally — insurance and smart planning do just that. Open communication about your financial plans and concerns strengthens your partnership and ensures you’re both prepared for whatever life throws your way.

In the end, love is about trust — and so is money. By having honest conversations early on, you lay a solid foundation for both your relationship and your future together. These discussions not only foster transparency and understanding but also help prevent misunderstandings down the line. When you approach your financial matters with openness and respect, you’re setting the stage for a marriage that truly thrives in every way.

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