Getting Married

Marriage is not only the connection of two lives but two different sets of finances. To be successful you need to be able to talk about how you are going to manage your finances, so put it all out on the table. Your financial history as well the decisions you make together will create a new financial life for you as a couple. The key is to be ready. So take the time to create a plan. As a newly engaged couple, you can open a joint account, maintain separate accounts or have a combination of both as you plan your wedding.

Budgeting for the "Big Day"

Weddings can vary in expense depending on both size and extravagance. It is important to plan and establish a budget that will include all the elements you want for your wedding. Once completed, this will determine what you can afford. There are two options. If you have a significant amount of time before your wedding you can establish a savings plan to build your wedding fund. If time is limited you can apply for a Personal Loan or Home Equity Loan. Once your wedding financing and budget is in place your wedding planning process can run much more smoothly.

Say "Yes" to Saving

Wedding planning brings many opportunities for gift-giving including bridal showers, engagement parties and wedding receptions. A popular form of gift for these occasions is cash. The smart place to put these funds is in a high-yielding savings account to put towards the wedding, for future purchases or, as a down payment on a first home consider opening a Money Market Account or Premium Savings.

Couples who save begin to save early in their relationship, develop great skills and awareness of how saving a little amount each month can make the difference in being able to reach your goals and dreams.

Financial "I do's"

After you become husband and wife it's time to figure out how to handle your finances. You will need to communicate with your partner when you use Online Banking and Bill Payment, whether you want to receive eStatements or paper statements and if you will use your Visa® Check Card to make purchases rather than carrying cash.

Be sure stop by or fax in an Account Update Form to the Credit Union with your new name and any other updated information.