Marriage

  1. Home
  2. People & Relationships
  3. Marriage

Top 7 Financial Questions for Couples to Discuss

By Sheri & Bob Stritof, About.com

At least once each year, couples should sit down and discuss their finances in depth. Pick a neutral time and location. Here are questions that will help the two of you know where you stand financially. This will also help you both know the best way to handle a financial crisis. Money can be a tool that can strengthen your marriage or it can become a wedge between the two of you.

1. Location of Important Documents

Do you both know where important documents such as insurance documents, wils, tax information, bank account numbers, investment information, etc. are located?

2. Current Debts and Assets

How much do the two of you owe in debts and what are your assets?

3. Budget

Where does your money go? Even if your budget is a general one, it is important to know how your dollars are being spent. If you don't have a workable budget, develop one.

4. Financial Planning

Do you have any financial goals for your future? If you do, re-evaluate the progress you are making toward your goals. If not, make some goals, both short-term and long-term.

5. Financial Vulnerability

Where are the two of you most vulnerable in your finances? Is it a lack of job security, over spending, not enough income, too much debt? Decide together how to strengthen your financial position.

6. Bill Paying

Who actually sits down and pays the bills? Do you do this together or has one of you volunteered for this task? Reevaluate if the way you have this set up is working or not.

7. Financial Differences

How do you think your upbringing, culture, and gender are influencing how each of you approach money? Do you know what your financial personalities are?

Explore Marriage

More from About.com

Browse All About.com

Marriage

  1. Home
  2. People & Relationships
  3. Marriage
  4. Points of Conflict
  5. Money
  6. Financial Questions for Couples to Discuss

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.