So you found the one — he completes you in every way, she finishes your sentences — you’re compatible on every level (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), but are you compatible financially?
The hard truth is 36% of all divorces in America are due to financial incompatibility.
What if you are a saver and he is a spender?
Or she is ridden with debt and you are debt free?
What if he had a bankruptcy in the last 5 years and you have a credit score above 800?
What if you received a large inheritance and she needs to care for her parents?
What if he has children from a previous marriage + alimony and you don’t?
These are real questions that must be addressed before you tie the knot. 🙏 Before you walk down the aisle, you must have an honest but potentially difficult conversation with your partner about finances.
It is best to seek a professional to help you navigate through the difficult questions and answers. And no, I am not talking about the 30 minute session with your clergy, pastor, rabbi, or other spiritual counselor. I am talking about an expert in this field who has years of experience dealing with couples and financial matters.
Yes, love is grand and love can conquer all, but love is also understanding and these issues need a lot of understanding from both parties to avoid pitfalls later on, after you both say, “I do.”
If you are happily married and finances are not an issue, kudos to you. I encourage you to keep working together towards financial freedom and happiness. However, if you are not where you should be or want to be, I encourage you to seek help from a professional, because it may save your relationship. Lastly, if you are at the beginning of a relationship and see it getting serious, it may be time to start opening the dialogue about finances and financial compatibility.
