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WisconsinChristianNews.com Volume 26, Issue 3 How Couples Can Legally and Financially Prepare for Marriage
By Attorney Maxx Forti, McLario, Helm, Bertling & Spiegel Law Offices (See display ad on Page 40
• “Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivor- ship” means if one of you passes away, the other automatically inherits the property. • “Tenants in Common” lets each of you own a specific share, which can be left to someone else. • In some states, “Community Property” laws mean anything earned during the marriage is split 50/50 by default. Couples should discuss how they wish to handle property ownership and
weds may include: • Creating or updating wills to outline how assets should be distributed and appointing guardians for any future children. • Designating beneficiaries on retire- ment accounts, life insurance policies, and investment accounts. • Assigning someone (usually the spouse) as a power of attorney to make financial and medical decisions if either partner becomes incapacitated.
income, and expenses. Then, talk through your money habits. Are you a saver, a spender, or somewhere in be- tween? Having an honest conversation now can help you avoid stress later. Once you have a clear picture about financial habits, set some shared goals. Short-term goals might include saving for a honeymoon, paying off credit card debt, or creating an emergency fund. Long-term goals could be buying a home, investing for retirement, or sav- ing for future kids’ education. Tools like budgeting apps can help you track spending, set limits, and keep both partners in the loop. It’s also a good idea to be strategic about joint accounts. Many couples open a joint checking account for shared expenses like rent and groceries but keep separate accounts for per- sonal spending. A high-yield savings account can help grow your joint sav- ings faster. And when it comes to debt—whether student loans or credit cards—make a plan together. You might consider refinancing or consoli- dating to make repayment easier. Finally, start investing for the future. Contribute to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, and if both spouses work, coordinate strategies to maximize employer matches and tax benefits. And if this all feels overwhelming? A fi- nancial or legal advisor (or even a mar- riage counselor with financial expertise) can help you create a plan that works for both of you. Marriage is about love, partnership, and building a life together, and that in- cludes the legal and financial aspects of life. While it might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, tackling these topics early shows real commitment to your future. Think of it as one more way to say, “I do.” McLario.com their sworn enemies (Matthew 23:3). Truth be told, they did not want their congregants to see what it was that they failed to do in the face of the Lord they claimed to have been serving (Numbers 13:30). They made sure to safeguard themselves from seeing anyone that was doing just that. Friends, the best way to raise up disciples for Christ is to emulate Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). These are the same type of professors who would talk of how radical we were in obedience to Christ (He- brews 13:7), but now, because their backs are up against the wall, he is left only to acknowledge the ob- vious, and that Christianity is radical and controversial (Hebrews 1:7). What a reproach. “For our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much as- surance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:5 When I first entered the ministry by God’s call, not mine (John 3:6), I thought within myself that the Church, which is the body of professed believers, was going to be there to back us up in every step that we took when reaching out to high schoolers in assemblies across the country. However, it was just the opposite. These are enemies of the cross of Christ. Read Philippians 3:18- 19. They do not want to endure what genuine Chris- tians have to go through. As a side note, the school students in this country, from elementary to middle and high school, are the greatest demographic mission field (Psalm 2:8) in our country. Despite this, trillions of dollars are spent on missionaries from the American church to go overseas to preach a message to foreigners that they fail to preach to their children in their backyards. How hate- ful! This is a lack of Christianity on this man’s part, though not just this man because it is prevalent across the country. He is expecting the Lord that he claims to serve to do for him what it is that he is failing to do. This is why he is asking, “Where is the Church?”
of this issue of WCN) Summer 2025
Summer in Wiscon- sin is a busy time for
weddings! And while they’re full of ex- citement, it’s just as important to plan for what comes after the big day. From prenups to estate planning to setting shared financial goals, below I outline some tips for how to cover your bases and build a secure future together. 1). Consider a Prenuptial Agreement Talking about prenups isn’t exactly romantic, but it is smart. A prenuptial agreement is a legal document you sign before getting married that outlines how assets and finances would be han- dled if the marriage ends in divorce or death. While they’ve gotten a reputation for being just for the ultra-wealthy, prenups are actually useful for couples at any income level. Maybe one of you owns a business, has inherited property, or just wants to make sure everyone’s on the same page about money. A prenup can help pro- tect what’s yours, define financial re- sponsibilities, and avoid messy conflicts later on. For the prenup to be legally binding, both partners need to sign it willingly with full financial trans- parency. It’s also a good idea for each of you to have your own lawyer review it to make sure it’s fair. 2). Figure Out Shared Property Own- ership Once you’re married, combining fi- nances and buying property might be part of your next chapter. But before opening joint accounts or putting both names on the house, it’s worth under- standing how ownership works.
whether to maintain separate accounts for individual expenses. Joint accounts can simplify bill payments and budget- ing, but separate accounts may be pre- ferred for personal spending or if each spouse wants to maintain financial in- dependence. 3). Start Estate Planning Now While you’re sorting out accounts and property titles, it’s also a good time to get your estate planning in order! No, estate planning is not just for retirees; it is important to revisit estate planning after big events, like marriage. Some key estate planning topics for newly-
• In some cases, including if you have more complex assets or goals, a trust can help manage assets more efficiently and avoid probate. And don’t forget to revisit these docu- ments after other big events, like buy- ing a house or having kids. 4). Start Building a Financial Future Together Money isn’t always an easy topic, but getting on the same page early can set you up for success as you begin saving for those bigger purchases and even re- tirement. Start by taking a financial in- ventory. List out your assets, debts,
Where’s the Church? Same Place Its Always Been By Bradlee Dean, Sons of Liberty Summer 2025
SonsOfLibertyRadio.com
Recently, I was going through a news reel to see what was going on in the streets of America, and no surprise to me whatsoever, I heard a popular (Gatekeeper – keeping the people’s eyes on himself as the standard and not Christ; 1 King 13:33) “people pleasing” preacher (who loves the approbation: approval and praise of men; John 12:43) asking the question to his congre- gants as to where the church is right now. Instantly, it made me righteously angry, and for good reason. The Church of Jesus Christ is in the same place that it al- ways has been, and that is on the move (James 2:14- 26), bearing the reproach of Christ without the camp in seeking and saving that which is lost (Luke 3:19; He- brews 13:13). You know the ones I’m talking about; those Christians who are suffering unjust persecutions from the ungodly, enduring scoffing, mocking, trials, tribulations, death threats, and more! These are those who are enduring hardships as good soldiers of the cross of Christ (2 Tim- othy 2:3). They are those “Christians” who understand that it is not about hiding behind the four walls of the church in elevating self week after week in the face of biblically ignorant and entertained goats (Matthew 25:31-46), who do not take the time to search the Scriptures to know for themselves. The audacity of him to ask where the Church is! Again, let me tell you where the Church is: The Church is in the same place they have always been, on the move, bearing their cross! His lethargic and tolerant example has aided in its os- tracization of real Christianity by leading his flock to do nothing more than remain impotent within the four walls, in following his lack of leadership (Psalm 78:9). These are the same types of professors who did not reach out to add to our Christian endeavors. Instead, they ignored us. In fact, many of them rejected us for reaching out to their kids as they were dropping them off at the school gates to be illegally indoctrinated by
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