Skip to content

Web Wealth: Money help for married couples

Money means more in a marriage than many couples realize early on in the relationship. Knowing how to sort out finances might not come naturally, but it has to be done. These sites help.

Money means more in a marriage than many couples realize early on in the relationship. Knowing how to sort out finances might not come naturally, but it has to be done. These sites help.

Not just mommies. The site is called justmommies.com (part of eHarmony Inc.), but a couple doesn't need children for concerns to crop up over finances. This page names key ingredients for stabilizing expenses, such as treating the household as a business - at least when it comes to money - sharing a single credit card, and celebrating when a debt is paid. Perhaps there should be a note to keep the celebration expenses to a minimum.

http://go.philly.com/marriagemoney1

Methods may differ. At mydollarplan.com, this article stresses that no single formula works for every couple. Some pool income, some keep separate accounts and pay separate bills. The important thing is to agree on a plan - and have each partner hold to it. General guidelines that make sense include budgeting, allowing spending money for each spouse, setting joint savings goals, discussing the status of finances regularly, and being "open to change if it isn't working."

http://go.philly.com/marriagemoney2

Money problems. Here's some advice on handling money problems if they arise. As in the advice above, your approach should be businesslike, not loaded with personal issues. Money problems usually mean you need to adjust your lifestyle in important, even painful, ways. To do so without ruining a relationship might require the help of a financial adviser or other neutral party. And, the sooner the better.

http://go.philly.com/marriagemoney3

Better luck next time. OK. So maybe that didn't work out. Here's a plan for talking money and marriage the second time around. In this post, a financial planner says couples should put their financial plans in writing. After all, a remarriage that involves blended families can be extremely complicated in financial terms. Going forward, it's a good idea to schedule a monthly "money date."

http://go.philly.com/marriagemoney4

Contact staff writer Reid Kanaley at 215-854-5114 or rkanaley@phillynews.com.