When most people think about their biggest financial decision, they picture buying a house, investing in the stock market, or choosing the right career path. But the truth is, none of those choices will impact your financial future as profoundly as the person you choose to marry.
Marriage is a partnership in every sense of the word. You’re not just sharing a bed and a Netflix account—you’re merging financial habits, goals, and, sometimes, baggage. It’s not exactly the romantic stuff of a Nicholas Sparks novel, but if you’re serious about building a secure, fulfilling life, who you marry matters. A lot.
Let’s break it down.
1. Financial Values Are Everything
It’s not about whether your partner prefers oat milk over almond milk or whether they splurge on a fancy watch. The real question is: Do they value the same things you do?
- Are they focused on saving for the future or living paycheck to paycheck?
- Do they believe in the power of investing, or does the idea of putting money in the market make them break out in hives?
- Are they generous with their money, or do they hoard every dollar like it’s their last?
If you and your partner don’t see eye-to-eye on the fundamentals—how to spend, save, and grow money—you’re in for a tough road. Financial compatibility doesn’t mean you have to agree on every line item in the budget. It means you’re aligned on the big picture.
2. Debt Can Be a Dealbreaker—or a Bridge
Debt is one of the most uncomfortable financial topics to discuss, but it’s also one of the most important. If your partner is bringing $50,000 in credit card debt into the relationship, that’s your debt now. (Cue the reality check.)
But debt itself isn’t the enemy. It’s how you and your partner handle it. Are they actively working to pay it down? Do they have a plan? Or are they avoiding it like a gym membership they forgot to cancel?
Talking openly about debt isn’t just about dollars—it’s about trust, accountability, and partnership. And trust me, you don’t want to discover a hidden mountain of debt three months after the wedding.
3. Communication > Everything Else
Money fights are one of the leading causes of divorce. Not because couples don’t make enough, but because they don’t talk about it. Seriously—how often do you and your partner sit down and have an honest conversation about money?
Here’s the kicker: Talking about money isn’t about fighting over who spent too much on DoorDash last month. It’s about asking questions like:
- What kind of life do we want to build together?
- What does financial security mean to us?
- How do we handle unexpected expenses?
The more you talk, the more you’ll build trust and understanding. And the more trust you have, the fewer fights you’ll endure. Period.
4. A Partner Can Accelerate—or Derail—Your Growth
The right partner doesn’t just split bills or help you save on rent. They amplify your potential. They support your career ambitions, encourage you to take calculated risks, and celebrate your wins.
On the flip side, the wrong partner can hold you back. Maybe they constantly complain about your work hours, make you feel guilty for being ambitious, or, worst of all, sabotage your financial progress with reckless spending or poor decisions.
Marriage is a multiplier. The question is, are you multiplying your growth—or your problems?
5. It’s Not Just About Money—It’s About Mindset
At the end of the day, money is a tool. It’s there to help you live a rich life—whatever that looks like for you. The person you marry should share your mindset about what that means.
Are you building a life where you travel the world, retire early, or support causes you care about? Or are you constantly stressed about making ends meet because your partner refuses to rein in their spending?
Your partner’s mindset will shape your life. Choose someone who inspires you, pushes you to grow, and shares your vision for what’s possible.
The Bottom Line
The person you marry has the power to make or break your financial future. But this isn’t about picking the perfect partner or creating some idealized version of marriage. It’s about being honest—with yourself and with your partner—about what you want and how you’ll get there together.
So before you say, “I do,” make sure you’re on the same financial page. Your future self will thank you.