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Relationships can get complicated in many ways. Money is one of them. Here is a guide that may be helpful for understanding the financial issues involved at different stages of union (or disunion) and possible strategies for handling them.
Financial flirtation
Dating is a starting point. And, when the connection clicks, it can lead to better outcomes and more meaningful involvement. Here are some things to consider when starting out.
- The economics of dating
- Money questions before moving in together
- Buying a home together … unmarried
- Money questions to ask before getting married
- Prenuptial agreement basics
Wedding time
Many relationships lead to nuptials. Here are some things to keep in mind when you walk down the aisle.
- Marriage and finances: A newlywed 'to-do' list
- How to save on a wedding
- Microwedding pros and cons
- Newlywed tips for blending insurance benefits
- Holiday weddings: Pros and cons
Being married
Once you’ve tied the proverbial knot, responsibilities — moral and legal — will set in. And they can involve different financial considerations depending on the nature of the relationship involved.
- Steps for merging money after marriage
- 8 tax breaks for married couples
- LGBTQ+ marriage perks
- How age gaps affect finances in May-December marriages
- How to share finances in marriage: The mutual payoff
- Married to a non-citizen? Estate planning traps
It’s around this point that many unions lead to the creation of families. Families can take many forms and parenting can involve a myriad of financial issues. This financial guide for parenting can help.
Rocky times
Of course, all relationships, marriages, and unions can experience friction. Here’s some guidance that can help.
- 5 ways money problems can wreck your marriage
- Are you a couple in need of financial counseling?
- Recognizing financial abuse in relationships: What you need to know
- 4 alternatives to divorce
Divorce
Of course, relationships don’t always work out. Dissolving a union obviously involves emotional costs. But the financial consequences can be serious too.
- Things sometimes overlooked in divorces
- Divorce and life insurance
- Why divorce settlements should include disability income insurance
- Divorcing same-sex couples face unique challenges
- Financial tips and advice for women in a divorce
- How students with divorced parents can maximize college financial aid
- Divorce after 50: Planning for the financial impact
- Social Security benefits & filing options for ex spouses
- Suddenly single: Navigating the financial risks
Second time around
Many people move on to new partners and second marriages. Such situations can get complicated financially, especially if you already have kids and assets from a prior relationship.
- Second marriages and finances: Checklists and planning
- Handling budgets in a blended family
- 4 tips for new stepparents tackling blended family finances
- How will getting remarried affect my child's financial aid?
Retirement and marriage
Retirement can be a financial challenge. Marriage can add a level of complication to the equation. Here are some of the issues to consider.
- Surviving retirement with your spouse
- Married couples and Social Security
- 5 ways a survivorship life policy might help protect your interests
- When your spouse needs long-term care – but you don’t
- Estate planning for LGBTQ couples
Widowed
Needless to say, the loss of a life partner can be shattering. Being prepared for the financial consequences won’t take away the grief, but it may help manage the day-to-day to make things a little more manageable.
- A financial guide for widows and widowers
- Social Security and the widowed
- Social Security spousal vs. survivor benefits
Since 1851, MassMutual has been focused on helping people secure their financial future and protect the ones they love. That mission is why we have thousands of financial professionals to assist you on your journey through insurance, investing, retirement planning, estate management, and more. You can find a MassMutual professional with this tool or you can let us know you’d like to talk to one and we’ll have one of our financial professionals contact you.
Discover more from MassMutual …
Your savings guide: Goals and strategies
Your ultimate retirement road map
A guide for handling debt throughout life
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