Adhil Shetty | Updated: Nov 29 2013, 15:38 IST
Financial planning is necessary as marriage changes an individual’s life in many ways.

Marriage changes an individual’s life in many ways, bringing a lot of joys, additional responsibilities and worries in small measures as we try to adjust to the new person in our lives. After marriage, both of you might be working or either one of you. This will determine your income source and as for expenses, it is largely based on the standard of living that one maintains. There are a lot of things that a couple must clarify right at the onset of their marriage such as life goals and financial aims. In fact, keeping in mind the rate of inflation, it is sensible to start planning for children’s education, marriage and retirement right from the first day of marriage.

Managing money and family planning

Mostly, in India, people begin any serious investments such as gold or property only after marriage. Money management takes serious undertones as family planning also enters the picture. Many couples make the mistake of paying greater importance to either money management or family planning, whereas both must be managed simultaneously. Expenses towards children begin right from their delivery, schooling to higher studies. There is an argument both for and against starting a family early in life; on one hand, it means that you will be through with all the big responsibilities of your life by the time you retire; and on the other, it means more financial stability before you take on the responsibility of a child.

Changing percepts

Contrary to the previous era when the majority of the weddings went unregistered, most of the urban marriages are registered formally, often in the marriage hall itself where the wedding is conducted. There are numerous legal rights and obligations that come into action once a marriage has been legally formalised. There are a few age old financial precepts of marriage which hold true even today such as: Have at least one bank account which is held jointly by the couple. This is very helpful especially when you are making investments or taking a loan jointly.

As far as possible, apply for home loans jointly, as the chances of sanction rise.

Also, in case both the partners are working, then both can enjoy tax concessions. Register all real estate property in both your names for administrative as well as loan purposes. Change the wife’s name on all legal documents including bank accounts, PAN card, passport etc. Have a budget to keep track of your monthly expenses and how to manage them.

Financial planning for the newlyweds

As is the case of all personal financial planning, it is essential to have short-term, medium-term and long-term financial plans which can be used as a definite plan or as a yardstick by which you can measure your financial success and also keep a tab of the roadmap you have set for achieving your joint goals. These goals may be further categorised into needs and wants to mark their importance.

Financial planning is a dynamic process that will evolve as the years pass and the couple assumes new roles and responsibilities. However, it is essential to have a shared vision and attitude towards expenses as this financial stability is highly essential for a stable future.

The writer is CEO, BankBazaar.com

Source: http://goo.gl/Tf3tTp