On Marriage and Money: A CFP's Perspective

For those in a committed relationship or recently engaged, there's lots of online advice about how to get through wedding planning and still have a wedding. From the "irritable bride/groom syndrome" to the planning-induced insomnia and worries about family drama to come, there's probably an article out there to help you deal with the issue and retain a measure of sanity.

Unfortunately, there isn't much advice about using the engagement period to build a lasting foundation for a successful financial life together. Even though money consistently tops lists as a frequent source of conflict in a relationship, the blueprint for talking about it is curiously absent. As someone who happens to be in the financial advice field and is recently engaged, I'd like to close the gap and start the conversation.

When a new prospect is interested in financial advice, I begin by compiling "a total client profile." Through guided discovery, I learn about their values, goals,