Financial Disclosure Before Marriage 1

I’m Miriam Neff, and I’m Valerie Neff Hogan, with Wise Women Managing Money.

M Are you contemplating marriage?  One vital area to address is finances.  In two words, here it is:  Full disclosure. 

What debt does each have? What credit rating? What expectation for financial freedom?  Whether that first marriage, or marriage after widowhood or divorce; this is vital information. Is either spending more than they earn?

V Why know this before marriage?  Because each of you is a steward of all God has entrusted to you, Matthew 25.  How has each of you been doing?  Marriage does not change habits, or past facts. 

V If communication is hard now, marriage does not change that news. If full disclosure does not happen, marriage should not happen.  Some churches offer classes pre-marriage that can be helpful.