Newlywed life can be challenging and exciting at the same time. To make sure that you both are prepared, there are several things you can do in advance. Here are some of them:
Communicate about your expectations for married life
One of the most important aspects of marriage is clear communication. It is essential to discuss expectations and make sure you and your spouse are both on the same page before you say your vows. Depending on what each of you has been taught or observed growing up, there can be vastly different expectations when it comes to married life.
Starting this conversation early can help prevent misunderstandings and disappointments as you transition into your newlywed life. Talking through things such as household responsibilities, financials, sex, family planning, careers, hobbies, and dreams will open the lines of communication and lay the groundwork for a successful marriage. Taking time to prepare for newlywed life by talking about expectations will save potential heartache down the road.
Set shared short-term and long-term financial goals
Newlyweds should prepare for their future together by setting shared financial goals. These goals can be both short-term, like planning a budget and putting money away for emergencies, and long-term, such as saving for a house or other important investments.
Having these conversations early on in the marriage will help to ensure that each partner is on the same page about where they are financially and how they can work together to maximize their resources now and in the years to come. Setting specific financial expectations, such as monthly savings goals or an emergency fund goal, can help newlyweds plan for their future with security and peace of mind.
Create a budget and decide who will handle the finances
Deciding who will handle the finances can alleviate some of the stress, so both partners should discuss their comfortable level of involvement and come up with a plan that works best for them. It may be a good idea to have regular conversations about money management as well, so couples gain insight into each other’s relationship with money and are better able to recognize discrepancies between expenses and budgeted amounts. All of these steps will help newlyweds navigate their new financial situation more confidently.
Create shared values
One of the best things couples can do when they first marry is to establish shared values. It’s important that each partner explain their core personal value system so both parties truly understand what their spouse’s outlook on life is. This conversation should allow each spouse to go into detail about why certain values are important to them, allowing for a greater level of mutual understanding and respect.
While differences in values may cause occasional tension, an open dialogue until expectations can be agreed upon is key to weathering any tough times in newlywed life. Honing in on shared principles will become a foundation for the relationship, giving each partner something to point back at during smaller disagreements and helping rebuild trust if needed. Having these conversations early will set the stage for a more successful marriage down the road.
Discuss how often you’ll see family and friends
Being mindful of both partners’ needs will help ensure that relationships and meaningful connections are not lost in the wake of marriage. This might include setting up dates for lunch or dinner with friends, having family stays or shopping trips together, carving out time to take part in long-standing traditions, or trying new activities with those close to you.
By making the effort to nurture these relationships while also allowing individual interests space, it is possible to keep both partners satisfied without sacrificing their connections with their support systems outside the marriage.
Consider buying a new home
For many newlyweds, the dream of purchasing a home is tantamount to starting their own new life. Before you take the plunge and make one of the biggest investments of your adult life, it’s important to consider all mortgage options available to you. Choosing the mortgage plan that works best for your financial situation can make all the difference in enjoying the journey to homeownership or feeling overwhelmed throughout the process.
Many lenders offer competitive mortgage packages specifically tailored for young couples just starting out, so be sure to take advantage of those great deals before making this major commitment!
Discuss any household duties or chores to be completed
Discussing household duties and chores ahead of time can help by setting clear expectations for both partners. It is not necessary for every chore to be done every week, but having the plan to rotate through certain tasks on an agreed-upon cycle helps ensure that there is an equal distribution of responsibilities. This way, couples avoid piling all the work onto one person and create a welcoming environment at home.
Following these steps can help set a solid foundation for married life before diving into it head first!