Planning for Couples
Couples have special financial-planning needs together—whether it’s deciding if they want to merge their accounts, making decisions about spending and investing, employing certain tax strategies, and determining estate plans to ensure that their spouse or partner inherits their assets.

From Me to We: A Guide to Balancing Finances and Independence
Discover how to balance finances and independence in a relationship with practical tips from Akeiva Ellis, CFP®. Learn how to combine finances, set joint goals, create a "fun money" allowance, and maintain autonomy while building a life together.
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Discussing finances before marriage is key to a strong future. Learn seven essential money questions to ask your partner to align goals and build trust.

Planning a wedding is an exciting experience that celebrates love and commitment while marking a significant life milestone. However, this exciting time also comes with financial considerations, from choosing between a local ceremony or a destination wedding to managing the overall budget.

The journey to parenthood is unpredictable, but embracing change and staying adaptable can make the experience more manageable and enjoyable. As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, remember that no financial plan is foolproof.

It’s important to take proactive financial steps now, such as eliminating debt including credit card debt and any other significant debt that could get in the way of arriving at your retirement savings number (the amount of savings you will need to cover your projected retirement expenses).

One of the quickest ways to gauge an appropriate budget number is to see where your money went last year. To set your summer budget and fund this year’s fun, review your May through September bank statements and credit card spending summaries.

Schedule these financial check-ins on a consistent basis to reassess goals, address concerns and adjust plans as needed. Review your budget and your personal balance sheet monthly together so you understand your combined financial situation.

Recent events have accelerated discussion around estate planning and end-of-life preferences. But we don’t need to wait for a world event to review our estate plans – personal life events matter, too.

What happens as blended couples hit their later years, and their children move out of the house? This major season of life can be often overlooked, but it is especially important for blended couples. With an empty nest, their priority and their financial goals may change, and they can focus on being a couple again. To be successful as a blended couple with money management, you need to answer four key financial questions.

BIPOC individuals and couples have unique personal finance and money needs that must be embraced by the financial planning professionals with whom they work. Here are some tips to prepare for and recommended questions to ask during your first meeting with a financial planner.

Just like building a house, your marriage needs to stand on solid ground. This the perfect opportunity to consult with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional to assist you and your partner in preparing for your engagement and wedding expenses.