•I get so tired of hearing everyone say we need a budget! •I hate budgets because I don't want to feel guilty every time I want to stop at Starbucks on my way to work! •A budget is so restricting! We won't be able to spend any money! •We don't even know what our expenses are, so how can we create a budget? I have heard engaged couples say every one of those things.
I have even said a couple of them myself.
It is true, creating a budget won't be nearly as exciting as shopping for your wedding dress.
It is much more fun to pick out decorations than decide how much money you will spend on gas each month.
Although it may not be the most exciting part of planning for your wedding, it is one of the most essential parts.
An added benefit of creating a budget before you get married instead of after is that you get the more mundane task of budgeting done and out of the way.
You may get frustrated with your fiance for the minuscule amount he thinks you can get by on in the clothing category.
He may think you are crazy for wanting to put that much away for retirement when you are both so young.
Yes, creating a budget may lead to some small disagreements.
Wouldn't it be better to get those types of fights over with now before you have to deal with the toothpaste residue he leaves in the sink or the stinky socks in the living room? Sit down now, before your wedding, and map out a financial plan.
Creating a budget is essential for your financial well-being, but it is also great for emotional bonding.
Creating a budget together will allow you to...
1.
see what matters most to your fiance and understand his priorities 2.
make sure you are both working toward a common goal 3.
practice the most important key to a great marriage-the art of compromise 4.
spend quality time together talking 5.
dream together of what your future will hold By creating a budget now, you will be establishing a positive practice of spending time together planning a future for your new marriage.
What could be more important?