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Message from Lynn:
Dear Friends:
Communication is key in any relationship, but especially between a married couple. One of the most important topics to discuss with your loved one is finances. Studies show that financial issues are the number one cause of divorce in the country. To avoid this outcome and lots of heartache, below are some tips on finances for couples from www.choosetosave.org. Talking about finances will probably be one of the most difficult, but one of the most important, conversations you'll have with your spouse.
- Get organized: Gather all important financially-related documents to a central location that is equally accessible to both partners.
- Track your spending and pay yourself first: Write down where you are spending your money. Re-route some of your spending to a savings account: pay yourself first for a secure financial future.
- Plan to save: Start a savings account to cover expenses like clothes, Christmas/holidays, and insurance. Plan for future expenses throughout the year.
- Build an emergency fund: You never know when you will need additional cash so try to have two to three months of living expenses in a readily accessible savings account or money market account.
- Don't Go Into Debt, and if you are, Get out of debt: Avoid Credit CARDS. If you must use them, control your credit card spending and try to pay off any debts you have (e.g., car, credit card, student loan, etc.). Pay more than the minimum monthly payment. Once you have paid off your debts/credit cards, take the money and put it towards savings or some other debt. If possible, the goal is to simultaneously pay off your debt while still putting some amount into savings. Remember, you are loaned money so that you will pay interest and late charges while making other people money.
- Set goals: Decide what you want to do with your money. Do you want to pay off debts/student loans? Buy a house? Save for a new car or additional education? Write down your goals and your strategy for achieving these goals. Write a budget.
- Review your insurance coverage: Every year, review your health, life, disability, renter/homeowners, auto, and personal liability policies to make sure you are both adequately covered.
- How much should you save and/or invest? Save at least 15% of every dime you earn beginning with your first job. The older you are the higher the percentage has to go unless you think you can work forever!
I hope these tips will make communicating about your family finances a bit simpler.
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MoneyWI$E is an informational service provided by Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, CPA for
the people of Kansas. The material contained within MoneyWI$E does not necessarily reflect the
views of the State Treasurer, the State of Kansas, or other contributing sources. MoneyWI$E is a
free newsletter; materials contained within this issue may not be reproduced without express
written permission of the State Treasurer or the contributing source. The opinions provided herein
may or may not be appropriate for any individual's specific financial situation. Individuals
are advised to seek the advice of a licensed financial planner, stockbroker investment advisor,
or attorney before acting upon the information provided herein or making any investment decisions.
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