Skilled Migrant Professionals Winter 2015 | Page 20

Money We Need to Talk Finance Y Five financial ou have been dating a while, and you are questions you thinking of longer term commitments. You should ask might even think of marriage. There are some things that are uncomfortable to talk about, yet esbefore sential before you tie the knot. Money is one of those marriage topics. Many of us feel uncomfortable talking about the subject of money. We learn from a young age, that this topic can create many arguments and debates, and unless you have bucket loads of the stuff, a constant cause of contention. Marriage has enough challenges, so if you enter a lifelong contract of happiness, it is best to put all the cards on the table; warts and all. So what are the important questions to ask about money, before marriage? By Alida Cubbage, Entrepreneur, Philosopher, Writer 1. TRUTH ABOUT THE FINANCES Why would you want to know? It is kind of important when you might want to build a house, or anything else which requires some form of lending for the two of you to build a life together. It would also give you a sneak preview into how your sweetie thinks about money as well as their saving habits. Besides, once you’re married, there is no hers or his anymore, and why would you want to carry someone else’s debt around your ankles? Yes, debt and money; it can create a great bone of contention, arguments and even divorce. Better to have all cards on the table so there are no nasty surprises. 2. WHAT’S YOURS IS MINE AND WHAT’S MINE IS MINE. Sound familiar? Even at a time of women’s liberation, we girls get it all wrong sometimes. There is still a belief by the man in the relationship that they must be the breadwinner, and as a woman your money is yours to spend as you see fit. It is important to discuss things like how much money can we spend as individuals without consulting the other, and who pays for what bills? You may even create a financial roadmap with goals along the way so you both know you are on the same team, travelling the same journey. What are their saving habits? A lot of arguments can occur when one is a saver, and your partner is a spender with apparently no care in H