A second marriage can give two people in love a wonderful fresh start. But it can also present complex financial challenges, especially for couples blending families and assets. That’s why it’s important to address these issues early, preferably before walking down the aisle, to help you create a secure future you both feel good about.
Here are five steps that can help smooth the way.
1. Start With Open Communication
Protecting your spouse, your children and yourself starts with honest conversations about where you stand today and what you want for the future.
- Share Your Financial Picture. Be transparent about what you own, what you owe, and any long-term plans and obligations.
- Align Your Priorities. Discuss your shared goals, your individual strengths and how each spouse will participate in managing the household finances.
- Clarify Nonnegotiables. Identify the commitments (to children, charities, business interests, etc.) that are most important to maintain.
2. Coordinate Finances and Retirement Planning
Once you’ve covered the basics, you can work through the details of how you’ll manage your household finances together.
- Establish Your Budget and Cash Flow. Decide how you’ll handle your shared and individual expenses and whether separate or joint bank accounts make sense.
- Maximize Retirement Income Sources. Work with a CFP® professional to coordinate retirement savings, Social Security benefits, pensions and survivor options.
- Reevaluate Insurance Needs. Review life, disability and long-term care coverage to help ensure both spouses and all children in the blended family are protected.
3. Review Estate and Other Legal Documents
Thorough estate and legal planning is especially important in second marriages.
- Revise Wills, Trusts, Retirement Accounts and Insurance Policies. Update beneficiary designations and documents to reflect any changes you and your spouse want to make.
- Consider Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements. These agreements specify how certain assets will be handled in the event of a divorce, separation or death.
- Update Powers of Attorney and Health-Care Directives. Confirm that the right people are authorized to make decisions for you if you’re ever unable to communicate your wishes. Furthermore, it’s important to clearly document how you wish to be cared for, and by whom, since second marriages can add complexity to family dynamics.
4. Consider Tax Implications
Your tax planning may change when you remarry. Before you file, it’s a good idea to:
- Assess Your Filing Status Options. An experienced tax advisor can help you review the pros and cons of filing jointly or separately.
- Prepare for Capital Gains. Understanding capital gains rules and exclusions can help you make informed decisions about when to sell a home or other assets.
- Reevaluate Gift and Estate Tax Strategies. Smart planning can help minimize taxes and pass on more of your wealth for future generations.
5. Stay Flexible and Open Minded
Building a unified plan is essential as you merge your finances, but so is flexibility as your life together evolves.
- Plan Regular Check-Ins. Meet with each other, and with your financial and legal advisors, to stay aligned as goals, family dynamics and circumstances change.
Second marriages require thoughtful financial planning — and that can take time, patience and some difficult conversations. If you’re unsure where to begin or prefer not to go it alone, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional can help guide the discussion, serve as an impartial sounding board and support you in building a trusted team of advisors with every step of your plan from start to finish.
Proactive planning can give you and your new spouse a head start on your fresh start — and the freedom and confidence to enjoy your happily ever after.
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