Hi! Finances are a big part of marriage. Before you say "I do" be sure you know what you are signing up for financially. If you are about to get engaged or are engaged these 3 key financial questions need to be asked and answered with our partners. If you are dating, and no where near marriage, then this information is still private and I would not be sharing this information. Once we marry someone, we tie ourselves financially to them even legally. If you are in a relationship where you do not feel safe to ask these questions, or your partner refuses to answer them, I would seek help and wait on the marriage and possibly not marry at all. If you are in a safe relationship and you both want to be sure you on the same page and make the best decision for you both, then continue on the questions below. Remember, not everyone is proud of where they are financially and there can circumstances that out of the normal. It's important to discuss things that concern you, they may not all be deal breakers but they can be. Please be sure you show each other respect and complete the exercise with care.

1. How much do you have in each of your accounts? Ask to SEE the accounts, ALL the accounts.

This is a time when you both show each other your accounts. This can be checking accounts, savings, investment accounts, etc. This is not something you tell each other, you need to see it for yourself in real time. If your partner refuses to show you and you are engaged, you can pause the engagement and seek help. We do not want to enter into marriage where there is no financial transparency.

You can check this video for more in depth information.

2. How Much Debt Do You Owe?

This is a great time to ask your partner to show you account balances and to print out a credit report. You want to see what is on someone's credit report for yourself before you financially tie yourself to them. You can also show each other your credit scores. All debts would need to also include any debt owed to family, friends, cash advances , etc. This again is something to show each other not just tell each other.

3. How Much Money Do You Make Each Month?

This is the time to pull out your pay stubs, or show direct deposits you each receive. This again is not something you tell each other, you need to show each other.

Check Do I for more great premarital exercises!

I hope you both found these 3 key financial questions helpful. It is better to know what you are both dealing with and walk into the marriage with eyes open then to be feel hurt and surprised by them later. Remember to seek help in your area if you are struggling to have these conversations before you get married, don't wait.

Take good and all the best to you both!