June is wedding month
Some quick tips to keep you on the right financial track when planning your wedding
Wedding bells are ringing, especially during the month of June. Many couples plan a typical June date to “tie the knot”. Whether you are planning on getting married this June, or if wedding bells are in your future, this article is for you. Before the big day, there are many things to consider other than where to have the ceremony, what kind of cake you will have, who you will invite and where you will go on your honeymoon. Most couples agree that money is a major factor in planning a wedding. Start planning by having an open and honest conversation with your soon to be spouse.
Some tips to help you get on the right financial track include:
Bare all. When it really comes down to it, marriage is a merger. Two businesses wouldn’t merge without taking a close look at the books, and neither should couples. Both people should offer full financial disclosure as part of financial planning process. And the disclosure shouldn’t end there. Each person should agree to routinely review credit card accounts, bank statements and credit reports to ensure all information stays out in the open.
Analyze your “Money DNA”. Your Money DNA is your individual outlook on money and finances. Some people are super savers. Others are spenders. When two people, who have different views on spending money, start sharing bank accounts, it can become messy. The trick is to understand and acknowledging you and your spouse’s views on how you feel about setting goals and managing money.
Set a budget. Determine how much you will spend on the wedding. Make a budget for each item. Determine how much to budget towards the wedding dress, cake, tuxedos, rental on the building, reception, attendant’s clothing and gifts, honeymoon, etc.
Set a date. It is recommended that at least once a month, set aside an hour to meet about your family finances. This ensures an ongoing, open dialogue about money at a time when both people can free themselves from outside distractions. If you are planning a wedding, still set time aside to see how well you are sticking to the budget and if adjustments need to be made.
Divide and conquer. It’s typical in a relationship for one person to take on the role of chief financial officer, managing accounts and paying bills. But this arrangement can lead to unnecessary stress, tension and, at times confusion. Split the duties. One person can act as bill payer, the other as money tracker. This removes the burden from one person and provides a check-and-balance system.
Managing finances before and after the wedding may be the most challenging aspect of marriage. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service has several great tools to help you through the process. “The Marriage Garden” focuses on finances, communication, plus much more about the marriage relationship. This could be one of the most valuable gifts you will receive. If you have questions or seek information regarding financial matters, contact the Saline County Extension Service at 501-303-5672 or visit our office in Benton at 1605 Edison Avenue, Suite 15.
Recipe of the Week
Try this delicious dip at your next gathering or party. 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 (16 oz.) container sour cream
1 packet dry Ranch Dressing mix
2 cups shredded cheese
½ cup green onions, chopped
1 (10 oz.) can Rotel, drained
1 (15.25 oz.) can Mexicorn, drained
4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
In a large bowl, add softened cream cheese, sour cream and ranch seasoning mix. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Add all remaining ingredients. Stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Serve with crackers or chips.