Getting married is a massive step in anyone’s life. It’s a commitment of time, energy, and love. Millions of Americans get married annually and start a family. However, rushing into marriage can be a mistake. Before taking the plunge, you must ensure you have a few things in place. Here are five essential things you need before you get married.
Solid Relationship
This one may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating nonetheless. Getting married is a big commitment, and you must be sure you’re ready for it. That means having a robust and healthy relationship with your partner. Here are three ways you can build the fundamentals of a strong relationship:
Counseling
Don’t be afraid to seek outside help if needed. Couples counseling can be valuable in working through issues and improving communication.
Trust
Trust is essential in any relationship, and it’s important to trust your partner before getting married. Are they honest with you? Do they keep their promises? Can you rely on them when times are tough? If the answer to these questions is yes, trust is present in your relationship.
Shared goals and values
Both parties must be on the same page about major life decisions such as having children, finances, career paths, and where to live. This will prevent conflicts down the road and ensure that both partners feel supported in their plans for the future.
Home
You can’t start a family if you don’t have a stable place to live. So before you marry, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation in the form of your home. Here are three ways you can get home before you get married.
Loans
You have options if you’re struggling to buy a home with cash. Your very first option is an affordable mortgage . This is the most reliable option since it allows for a set payment each month, but it requires good credit and income. Another option is to get a loan from family members or friends. But, this can be risky since it involves money and relationships. A final option is a rent-to-own property, where you pay a certain amount monthly until you own the property outright.
Savings
It’s always wise to have an emergency fund before getting married. This will ensure financial stability in case of job loss or unexpected expenses.
Research
Before committing to a property, research the location and neighborhood. Is it safe? Are the schools good? Are there local amenities such as parks, shops, and restaurants? These are essential factors in finding a home that will suit you and your future family’s needs.
Good Understanding of Your Finances
Money is one of the leading causes of marriage arguments, so it’s essential to have a good understanding of your finances before tying the knot. Know how much debt each of you has, your credit scores, and how much money you each make. Having a joint bank account and credit card is essential to building financial stability as a couple. Additionally, here are some things you need to know when financing a marriage.
Budget
The average American family spends about $60,000 annually . Keep this in mind when creating a budget with your partner. Make sure to include housing, groceries, utilities, and entertainment expenses.
Insurance
Health, car, and homeowners insurance are necessary for any married couple. And don’t forget about purchasing life insurance in case the unexpected were to happen.
Investments
Smart couples invest in their future. This can include retirement plans, saving for children’s education, or buying property as an investment. Think of the assets you’ll make as a couple and work on them.
Retirement
It’s never too early to start saving for retirement. But first, determine how much you will need to retire comfortably and establish a plan to keep that amount over the years. This can involve contributions to 401ks or IRAs as well as investments in stocks or real estate.
Plan for Your Career Goals
Career goals are essential for both partners in a marriage. You’ll need to know where you see yourself in the next five or ten years and how that will impact your spouse. Do you want to move to a new job? Start your own business? Change careers entirely? These are all things that need to be discussed before getting married so that both partners are on the same page.
Getting married is a big decision—probably one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make in your life. It’s not something to be taken lightly. Before getting married, you should ensure you have a few things in place. Once you have all of these things squared away, then you’ll be ready for marriage!
