The Top 10 Financial Mistakes for Young Couples to Avoid
Money is a common marriage stressor. In a pandemic that’s seen a disproportionate number of young couples divorcing, minimizing money disputes can be especially important.

Talking about money may not be the most romantic conversation, but it just may be one of the best things you can do for your relationship.
At a time when the stress of a global pandemic has set divorce on the rise — particularly among younger couples, according to the National Law Review — minimizing money disputes is even more important.
But it’s not all doom and gloom: Setting a solid financial foundation is one of the first steps a newly married couple can take on their path to enduring financial harmony. Couples who can avoid the following financial mistakes may best position themselves for future success.

Mistake No. 1: Not talking about your money past
Many of our beliefs about money form at a young age, and we’ve all had different financial experiences as adults. You and your partner are not going to agree on everything when it comes to money, but understanding each other’s money beliefs and experiences can help you appreciate why they make the financial decisions that they do.

Mistake No. 2: Keeping money secrets
“Financial infidelity” can range from small purchases that one’s spouse doesn’t know about to running up large debts that threaten the couple’s financial security. In the case of more serious deception, the act can cause just as much harm to a relationship as an affair. Nearly 30% of Americans said that financial faithlessness is worse than physical cheating, according to a recent CreditCards.com survey.

Mistake No. 3: Neglecting to talk about your financial future
Many of the money decisions that you’re making now impact not only your current financial security, but also the way you’ll be able to spend and enjoy your money in the future. Thinking about that future together — and making a plan for how you’ll pay for it — is a great way to make sure you’re both on track to make it happen. It can also be one of the most enjoyable money-related conversations that many couples have.

Mistake No. 4: Letting one person make all the financial decisions
While it’s fine for one partner to take the lead on handling day-to-day bills, it’s important for both of you to have a broad understanding of the household finances and that you tackle big money decisions together. This not only helps avoid surprises or resentment later, but it also ensures that either partner could take over in the event that one person is unable to.

Mistake No. 5: Not having a safety net
Nothing causes financial stress (or arguments) like not having enough money when an emergency hits. Working together to build up a savings account with at least three to six months’ worth of expenses can alleviate that anxiety — and leave you better prepared when the unexpected happens. Plus, building up an emergency fund is often one of the first financial goals a couple achieves as a team. Once you’ve succeeded together, you may be more likely to see what other money mountains you can climb together.

Mistake No. 6: Avoiding uncomfortable conversations
Sometimes money conversations aren’t fun. You may have to decide whether to help a family member in dire straits, or make a financial plan for what could happen if one of you gets seriously sick or dies. But having that difficult conversation (in a respectful manner) can only strengthen your relationship. And depending on your specific situation, making sure you have the right life insurance coverage could also strengthen your safety net (see No. 5 above). Deciding whether you need life insurance, and how much, is a good place to start and could take less time than you think.

Mistake No. 7: Not agreeing on who’ll pay for what
The decision as to whether to combine all, some or none of your finances will vary from couple to couple. The important thing is to make sure you’re both comfortable with not only where you’ll keep your accounts, but also — if you have separate accounts — who’ll cover which bills. Once you’ve divvied up the expenses, automate as many payments as possible, so that you never have to deal with late or missed payments.

Mistake No. 8: Sending mixed signals to your kids
Just as you picked up money cues from your parents, your kids are learning from the way that you spend, save and invest your money. If you’re not on the same page about your family’s approach to money, you may wind up with a confused child, or a scenario in which one spouse is unhappy with (and potentially blames the other spouse for) the child’s future money choices.

Mistake No. 9: Not asking for help if you need it
Sometimes even the savviest among us could benefit from advice. Working with a financial professional can help you crystallize your financial goals, and make sure that you’re on a path to achieve them. Bonus: A financial professional can serve as a neutral third party when disagreements get heated or conversations get uncomfortable. Look for a financial professional who has experience with couples, and one who makes it clear that they want to connect with both of you, rather than focusing their energy on connecting with only one spouse.

Mistake No. 10: Thinking you’ve settled all your money issues
Your money needs and goals change over time, and just because you’re on the same financial page now, doesn’t mean you won’t need to revisit many of the same money issues again throughout your marriage. For example, your life insurance coverage needs early on in your relationship may change if you have children or a mortgage, so you’ll want to think about adjusting accordingly.
The good news is: The more you talk about money, the easier it gets, so having regular money conversations may make the discussions themselves less stressful, and ultimately help build a financial future you both feel good about.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Salene Hitchcock-Gear is president of Prudential Individual Life Insurance, a business unit of Prudential that offers competitive solutions to meet the needs of consumers through the manufacturing and distribution of a diverse portfolio of life insurance products. An insurance industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Hitchcock-Gear joined Prudential in 2017 as chief operating officer of Prudential Advisors, the Company’s national sales organization with more than 3,000 financial professionals, advisors and fee-based financial planners who offer clients a broad range of financial solutions. She became president of the Individual Life Insurance business in 2018.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Stable as Inflation, Tariff Fears Ebb
Constructive trade war talks and improving consumer expectations are a healthy combination for financial markets.
-
What Trump’s 'Big Beautiful Bill' Means for Your Utility Bills
If passed, the 'Big Beautiful Bill' could make home energy upgrades more expensive and raise monthly costs. Here's how much more you might pay and how to prepare.
-
Eight Estate Planning Steps to Protect Your Loved Ones (and Your Legacy)
Two-thirds of Americans don't have an estate plan. If you're one of them, these are the essential steps to take now to prevent problems for your family later.
-
The Six Pros This Adviser Says You Need to Sell Your Business
Selling your business isn't as simple as getting the best price and walking away. These are the six professionals you'll need to get a deal across the finish line.
-
The Three C's to Financial Success: A Financial Planner's Guide to Build Wealth
Consistency, commitment and confidence in your chosen strategy are more critical to your financial success than finding the 'perfect' financial plan.
-
A Financial Adviser's Guide to Solving Your Retirement Puzzle: Five Key Pieces
If retirement's a puzzle you're struggling with, try answering these five questions. The answers will guide you toward a solution.
-
You're Close to Retirement and Cashed Out: How Do You Get Back In?
If you've been scared into an all-cash position, it's wise to consider reinvesting your money in the markets. Here's how a financial planner recommends you can get back in the saddle.
-
After the Disaster: An Expert's Guide to Deciding Whether to Rebuild or Relocate
Homeowners hit by disaster must weigh the emotional desire to rebuild against the financial realities of insurance coverage, unexpected costs and future risk.
-
A Financial Expert's Tips for Lending Money to Family and Friends
What starts as a lifeline can turn into a minefield if the borrower ghosts the lender. Following these three steps can help you avoid family feuds over funds.
-
What the HECM? Combine It With a QLAC and See What Happens
Combining a reverse mortgage known as a HECM with a QLAC (qualifying longevity annuity contract) can provide longevity protection, tax savings and liquidity for unplanned expenses.