How to Talk About Finances Before Marriage: 5 Tips

Getting married is one of life’s biggest milestones. But before you say, “I do,” there’s one conversation every couple should have: money. Finances can be a sensitive topic, but learning how to talk about money before marriage sets the stage for a healthier, more connected relationship. It helps you build trust, align your values, and plan your life together with clarity and confidence.

Here are 5 practical tips to help you and your future spouse open up, get aligned, and feel good about your financial future as a team.

1. Talk openly and honestly about your finances

If you’re wondering how to talk about finances before marriage, start with transparency. Open and honest communication is the foundation of any strong relationship—especially when it comes to money.

Discuss your current financial situation, including:

• Income and job stability
• Existing debt (like student loans or credit cards)
• Spending habits
• Credit scores
• Savings and investments
• Financial obligations (like child support or family assistance)

You don’t have to be perfect. The goal is to understand each other’s reality and to lay the groundwork for future decisions.

Action step: Set aside dedicated time for this conversation, free of distractions. Come prepared with your financial details and use this moment to ask questions and listen to your partner’s perspective.

2. Understand your partner’s financial values

We all grow up with different experiences around money. Maybe one of you learned to save every dollar, while the other saw money as something to enjoy in the moment. These backgrounds shape how you think and feel about finances—and they can influence your relationship if you don’t talk about them.

Understanding your partner’s money mindset can prevent misunderstandings and help you find common ground.

Action step: Reflect on how money was handled in your family growing up. Then share those experiences with each other. Were there financial struggles or privileges? How did your parents talk about money? Use this conversation to uncover any unspoken beliefs or habits that may impact your joint financial future.

3. Create shared financial goals

Setting goals together is more than just good planning—it’s a way to dream out loud with your partner and align on what matters most. Whether it’s owning a home, traveling more, or saving for retirement, having a plan gives your money purpose.

Start with your shared values, then translate those into financial goals. Think both short term (like paying off debt or saving for a wedding) and long term (like investing or starting a family).

Action step: Write down your individual and shared financial goals. Group them by priority and timeframe—then talk through how you’ll achieve them together. Not sure how to start? Consider consulting a financial advisor.

4. Choose a budgeting strategy that works for both of you

Once your goals are clear, the next step is managing your money in a way that supports them. Couples have several options:

• Combine everything: All income and expenses go into joint accounts.
• Keep finances separate: Each person manages their own money.
• Use a hybrid approach: Combine some finances while keeping separate accounts for personal spending.

There’s no one right answer. The best method is the one that makes both of you feel respected and in control.

Action step: Decide together how you’ll budget. Track spending, set savings goals, and monitor your financial habits together. Schedule monthly money check-ins to review your progress and adjust as needed.

5. Plan ahead for financial curveballs

Even the best financial plans can be disrupted by life’s surprises—job losses, medical emergencies, or unexpected home repairs. Talking about how you’ll manage tough times is just as important as dreaming about the future.

Being prepared doesn’t mean being pessimistic—it means building resilience into your relationship.

Action step: Build an emergency fund with enough to cover at least 3–6 months of essential expenses. Start small if you need to—even $500 is a great first milestone. Decide together how much you’ll contribute each month, and under what circumstances you’ll dip into it. Learn more in our guide to preparing for financial emergencies.

Your financial partnership starts with a conversation

Figuring out how to talk about finances before marriage may not sound romantic, but it’s one of the most loving things you can do for your future together. Money touches every part of life—housing, family, career, even leisure—so it pays to be on the same page.

By opening up, setting goals, and planning for life’s ups and downs, you’re not just building a financial plan—you’re building trust, transparency, and teamwork.

Remember: Once the honeymoon is over, the real marriage begins. While every couple’s financial path is different, the key is staying curious, being honest, and working as a team.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide financial, tax or legal advice. You should consult a professional for specific advice. Best Egg is not responsible for the information contained in third-party sites cited or hyperlinked in this article. Best Egg is not responsible for, and does not provide or endorse third party products, services or other third-party content.