12 Debt Questions to Ask Before You Get Married

While these questions are purely for guidance, if the answers to these questions raise red flags, perhaps an appointment with a financial planner is in order before an appointment with a wedding planner!

1. How many credit cards do you have?
2. What are the balances and interest rates on each of those cards?
3. Do you pay your bills ahead of time, on the due date or late?
4. Are there dings on your credit history that might affect our ability to reach our financial goals?
5. What is your credit score?
6. Can I see your credit report?
7. Do you have any regular “guilty pleasures” (like buying Coach purses, gambling or Xbox games) that I need to know about?
8. What are our financial goals (salary and saving expectations, retirement plans, future education, etc.)
9. Do you have any assets (real estate, investments, retirement funds, savings accounts)?
10. Do you want children? If so, what are your (our) financial plans for supporting them?
11. Do you owe any debt from a previous marriage? Are there any financial obligations that still need to be fulfilled to your ex-spouse?
12. How do you expect us to support your children financially from a previous marriage or relationship?

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I do = I owe? Check their financial health before you say “I do.”

We all know that many couples divorce over money.  However, few people think to ask about or get to know the financial side of their potential spouse before they take the plunge.  You may know about physical, mental, or sexual health, but what about your potential mate’s financial health?  Certainly you would want to know if you are financially compatible before you say “I do.”  Among the things you need to find out are your intended’s credit score, credit history,  spending habits, debts and assets, and guilty spending pleasures. 

You can prevent marital discord by communicating with your sweetheart about financial matters before you get married; try to make sure you are both on the same page.  Another great idea is to plot out your financial goals–whatever they may be–on a timeline.  These goals aren’t written in stone, but may be a good indicator of your financial future together. 

The best way to get this information is to ask your sweetheart about it.  A way to ease into the conversation is to offer your credit report and information, then request to see the other person’s. 

If you are the good credit person, offer to teach the less than good credit person about gaining and maintaining good credit.  

With credit information, scores, goals, and future plan in hand, you will have the knowledge you need to decide if your sweetheart’s financial future is as sweet as you hoped. 

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