Getting Married
Marriage merges two financial lives. A few honest conversations and a handful of paperwork updates now prevent years of friction later.
Your checklist
Work through the steps in order. Progress saves in this browser, without an account.
Pre-Wedding
3–6 months before
Couples who discuss money before marriage report far less conflict — align on values, goals, and spending styles.
Each partner's credit affects joint borrowing. Pull free reports and review for errors together.
Decide together how you'll tackle each other's balances.
Tool: Debt Payoff CalculatorMarriage usually means someone now depends on your income.
Check 401(k), IRA, and life insurance — these override your will.
There's no single right answer; pick the structure that fits how you both operate.
Post-Wedding
1–3 months after
Open joint accounts, transfer funds, and move autopays as you decided.
Target 3–6 months of combined expenses.
Input both incomes and all expenses to see your true monthly surplus.
Tool: Budget AnalyzerMarried-filing-jointly changes your withholding math.
Tool: W-2 Tax Optimizer
First-Year Planning
3–12 months after
Written goals with dollar amounts get achieved more often.
Capture both employer matches first, then coordinate Roth vs traditional.
Tool: Retirement PlannerBlock two hours each year to review spending, savings, insurance, and goals.