Marriage is a wonderful thing, but planning the wedding is a difficult task. The coming together leaves many things as an afterthought to the wedding. Each has their own credit cards, checking accounts, and utility bills. Hopefully, neither has a lot of debt.
Most people do not think about finances when they are getting married. It takes the romance out of it. But it is necessary to make some sort of arrangements, or at least a plan of how to get things consolidated.
Let's start with checking accounts. There are a couple ways to go about it. Many financial experts believe that you should keep your individual accounts. It will be easier to manage and keep track of transactions with only one hand in the cookie jar.
Open up a joint account for your expenditures. Each should deposit a certain percent into the joint account to cover your allotted expenditure budget. What is left over can be deposited into your separate accounts and savings account.
Credit cards are a different story. Each of you will probably have numerous cards of your own. Take an evening and call all of the issuing banks. Tell them that you just got married and are eliminating some of your accounts. Whichever card issuers give you the best rates are the ones you keep. They will add your spouse onto the account with a phone call and send out your new cards.
Settling your accounts is easy it just takes a little time. It is best to take care of these matters quickly, as time will not make it any easier. Some of the institutions may ask for your marriage license, and be prepared to send it. They will send it back if you provide a self addressed stamped envelope.
Robb Ksiazek is a successful author and publisher for http://www.checks-4u.com. He has researched and written hundreds of articles and can simplify your online search by recommending merchants for the best value and selections in business or personal checks, address labels, rubber stamps and envelopes. More information about personal checks may be found at http://www.checks-4u.com/Personal%20Checks.htm.