Congratulations. If you’re getting married, or there’s someone close to you who’s tying the knot, you must be very excited.  It may seem strange to talk about finances right now – unless you’re paying for flowers! – but living as a married couple means there are plans to make for the future.

Whatever your situation was as a single person, when you get married you take on new responsibilities.  For many people, loving your partner means supporting them – and that means making sure that both of you have a strong focus on your personal finances.

Things like which mortgage is best and who’ll pay the bills (if you’re not already living together), are big decisions that you’ll make together.  But there are simple things that need to be done too, like changing your name on bank accounts and life assurance policies.  With the help of an independent financial adviser (IFA), you can make a structured plan that will help you cope with your finances as a couple.

You could also benefit from expert guidance if you’d like to make arrangements that secure your assets outside the marriage.  For example, you may have savings and investments that you’d like to use for the benefit of children from a previous relationship.

In every situation, getting a little professional advice before you walk down the aisle is a good idea.  On pension planning, investments, savings, paying for your home, protecting your income and your health – maybe saving for children.  An IFA could even help you find ways to spread the cost of your wedding or make sure you aren’t out of pocket if winter weather means your wedding gets postponed!

Questions you might like to ask an IFA…

What’s the best way to organise our savings for tax-efficiency?

What are the implications of having our house in joint names?

Can we set up life assurance policies on each other?

How could we benefit from making pension plans together?