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Couple’s Financial Compatibility Survey When you marry, your financial future is all in with that other person. For the most part, their after-marriage debts are your debts. Your financial success is their financial success. It’s the ultimate share. Blinded by love, most couples head down the aisle having had zero discussion about how they’ll handle money. That’s pretty crazy considering that, according to experts, the third most common reason for divorce in the U.S. is money issues. Moreover, it’s usually not a lack of money, it’s a lack of financial compatibility. Partners find they have completely different financial goals, spending and saving habits, and investment risk tolerance. Your job: Pick a classmate to be your faux fiancé. Complete the Couple’s Financial Compatibility Survey and compare scores. Select the three questions in which you had the largest score differentials. Discuss your differences. Can you come up with a plan to resolve them and live happily ever after, or are your differences deal breakers? On a scale of 1–10 (10 = “Totally agree!” 1 = “No way, not at all.”) 1. I am committed to building wealth and financial stability, including making financial sacrifices and working hard for many years. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 2. I will be totally honest with my fiancé about my pre-marriage financial condition including credit card debt, student loans, and my credit score. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 3. Managing household finances is a joint responsibility with joint decision making powers. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 4. I will obtain a college degree. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 5. I have an intense work ethic. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 6. My investment risk tolerance is (circle one: very high high moderate low no risk!) and it is important to me that my spouse has the same level of risk tolerance. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Hmmm, I wonder how much debt he’s in...? PRODUCT PREVIEW
I don’t even know her credit score...
Chapter 16 | Share with Care! 320
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