marriage Archives | Page 6 of 12

Are You On The Same Page About Money As Your Partner?

As a couple, discussing about finances can be a hard pill to swallow. After all, money is a common source of issue in martial relationships. It is not something you discuss casually without emotional attachments.

Whether you like it or not, being transparent about your finances is essential in building a strong relationship. Talking about money increases understanding and facilitates cooperation as you work on the same financial goals.

You and your partner probably would not get too in-depth about your finances in the early stages of the relationship. As your relationship gets serious, so does your conversations.

Conversations about money often takes places when a couple moves in together. When this happens, do tap the fundamental elements such as your income and debt.

The next step is to decide how you are going to manage your finances as a couple and as individuals. Decide whether you will combine all your finances or keep them separate. The decision depends on your preferences and spending habits.

If you decide not to combine your finances, you need to discuss how you are going to divide the household expenses. Usually, couples prefer to either split things down the middle or to divide the expenses based on their incomes.

You will realize how different it is to be completely on your own financially and to have somebody to help you. Discussing money with your partner will significantly reduce the likelihood of relationship issues cause by finances. Furthermore, you will be able to work out on your financial goals.

Common example of financial goals include paying off debt, saving up for a flat, and being able to retire at a certain age. Goals will depend heavily on where you are at financially.

WORKING OUT THE DIFFERENCES

Handling your financial differences starts with determining what you can agree on (e.g., setting aside some money for travel or paying household bills on time). Let me illustrate it for you as a spender and as a saver. The spender should be allowed some leeway while following a specific budget for disposable income. On the other hand, the saver should be allowed to satisfy his or her needs by putting away some money to his or her own account. Compromise is the key!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

At the end of the day, mutual respect can helps overcome any disagreements about money. You might not be on the same page all the time, but being able to honor each other’s individual needs can sustain your loving relationship.

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Deal With 3 Divorce-Inducing Money Issues

In the hustle and bustle of the city life, Singaporeans are exposed to the high economic pressures. What makes this concrete jungle thrive? Money, of course. Putting matrimony into the mix makes things more complicated.

Managing money is a complex task fraught with emotion. It is natural that conflicts can arise from time to time. To keep your marriage and finances in tact, open communication and teamwork are essential. If only more couples are having regular conversations about money issues before and after walking down the aisle then, we will less likely to have divorces.

MONETARY IMBALANCE

What will happen when there is a massive earning gap between partners? Or, when a spouse comes from a wealthy family and the other came from humble beginnings? More so, living in a single-income household is not uncommon. Sometimes, the imbalance between two people creates power play.

When power play occurs, the person who earns the most dictate the spending habits of the other. He or she will have personal spending priorities in mind. The other partner simply complies.

Handling this situation is tricky. You can either make a pre-nuptial agreement or open a joint account. Nonetheless, marriage should be founded by cooperation in all aspects.

OPPOSING PERSONALITIES

In the list of reasons why couples divorce, money is among the top answers. Friction brought by money can be due to the opposing personalities of two people. Personality towards money plays a vital part in a couple’s marital bliss or the lack thereof.

Imagine living 24/7 with a hoarder when you are a spender yourself. Or, living with someone who is a risk-avoidant when you are a risk-taker yourself. To the extreme, you may live with someone who believes that the person who dies with the most money wins. These opposing personalities can be mediated by empathy. Walk in the other person’s shoes to understand where he or she is coming from. You may also adopt your spouse’s money habits for a month to see how it works. Paying attention to money habits before and during matrimony can be beneficial. Talking about your financial views and feelings can help put both of you at ease.

OVERWHELMING DEBT

From school loans to shopping addiction, many people come to the altar bearing a financial baggage. If one partner has an outstanding mountain of debt and the other does not, this situation can spark a conflict.

In such situations, people often take solace in knowing that debts are not carried over thru the marriage. However, it is understandable to share the responsibility over housing and child care debts.

Knowing what you are getting yourself into can help you decide how to deal with it. Both partners have to be honest and non-judgmental when discussing about their financial habits and bad records. Apply several payoff strategies soon after. And, seek professional help when needed.

Sources: 1 & 2

3 Budget-Friendly Hen Party Ideas

A hen party is a bride’s last hurrah before she ties the knot. Thus, it needs to be a special. Surprise your beloved bridal squad with these creative hen party ideas.

LET THE SWAPPING BEGIN

As fashionistas, your friends may be interested to throw a “Wardrobe Swapping Night”. Start by choosing a venue by volunteering your own flat or your fellow bridesmaid’s. After setting a venue, give the guests an ample amount of time to raid their closets. Ensure that everyone will bring clothing articles or accessories of good condition. Encourage each bridesmaid to share a story behind each item before starting the swap. Stories and negotiations will get better over a few drinks.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Not only will you free up some space in your closet, but you will be able to pass your stylish item to a friend that has been eyeing it for ages!

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

For adventurous brides who choose to navigate their lives on the active lane, you may explore the country’s great outdoors! A weekend spent trekking, camping, and cycling is equally frugal and fantastic. Isn’t it amazing to let your hair down and not worry about how you will look for a few days?

Image Credits: nparks.gov.sg

Enjoy dressing down and connecting with Mother Nature by visiting the Southern Ridges and the East Coast Park. The former is one of Singapore’s best walking trails, which covers Mt. Faber, Kent Ridge, Hort, and Telok Blangah Hill parks. It spans through 10 kilometers of lush forest and canopy walkways. While, the latter is the perfect place to have a picnic with friends. Do not forget to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. See the website of National Parks for more details.

TAKE THE TRADITIONAL ROUTE

One of the things that I look forward to experience as a child was having my friends over at my house. Relive your treasured youthful memories by having an adult sleepover. Suitable for a small group of people, having a sleepover entails an intimate hen party experience. What’s more? You will be able to have proper chats while drinking your favorite booze.

Once your venue is set (e.g., the bride’s flat), encourage everyone to bring their share of treats and drinks. Have a supply of indoor games ready as well. Do not forget the classic Twister, Scrabble, and Truth or Dare. You may also put a twist to these classic games by putting the groom’s face all over the cards or other cheeky hints. Have your Netflix account ready as well!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Lastly, you may hire a person that offers home nail services. Cindy of Tenth Nail provides nail services at your own convenience. Her rates start at S$25 exclusive of the transportation and parking fees. Please book (by calling +65 9004 4605) at least three days in advance to secure her for your hen party.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Ways to Have A Luxury Romantic Vacation

Right after getting married, you both want to explore the world with love.

You might have decided the list of places you want to visit with your spouse, but she might not have agreed on some locations she doesn’t like, or she visited already. So, in this situation you both better have a detailed meeting and create a list of places you both want to explore.

The next concern that would raise its head is how you both can make your honeymoon full of life and romance; this is not even the hard nut to crack because we have got 5 ways to make your trip luxury and romantic.

1. Make Sure It Is Heartfelt
Your enchanting trip should be heartfelt for both of you. What this means is, if you really want to visit the Andes and discover about the Atacama people, but she doesn’t like it, then don’t try to make that your romantic journey.
Find a thing that is going to be special for both of you.

One reason why you’re together is actually that you share similar likes and dislikes on some levels. Find all those parallels and search for a special experience that can complement those.

You can experience some adventures in your own state or area. Therefore, you don’t need to make a huge investment decision to go somewhere exotic. You can easily create that unforgettable, enchanting trip and save your valuable money.

2. Research Online
Search engines like google today is a great source to find destinations. In past times, you would have to get in touch with a tour operator or go to the local library to find details about vacation spots. Today, you just visit google.com, type in the search terms for example “romantic places in Singapore” and click the search button.

You can easily search for some romantic vacation trips in your neighbourhood or even find a location that is thousands of miles away. You can also find the best prices for each trip depending on the distance and facilities provided by the tour operator.

The online world can certainly help you define your choices based on your capacity to pay, exactly where you wish to go, and what you want to do.

3. Increase Your Savings
If you want to go outdoor next year, then you better increase your savings now. By putting away a modest amount of money regularly, you’ll have the ability to pay for a truly passionate getaway without having to be concerned about expenses. You really want your adventure to be unforgettable with romantic, happy memories, but not with nerve-racking anxieties about how exactly you’re planning to pay for every little thing.

Most of the couples spend a lot in the local parties and outings. Well, if you want to go somewhere away from your world and enjoy the different and adventurous experience then saving money right after your marriage will be the best bet for you.

4. Gear and Equipment Are Important
It is best to buy the right travel equipment and gear while you leave for your first adventure, and most of the other items that you may need must be in your luggage as well.

Most of the sites provide a list of important items which are needed mostly for some places around the world. For example, if you are heading to Bali, then bringing some bikinis, colourful beach hats and beach sandals will be the necessary items.

You are a newly married couple, and you don’t want to leave a formal touch in your dressing the way you were both in your wedding function. Well, trust me, that would look awkward. You don’t have to dress up formally when going out for the trip, just think about some easy to wear and easy to carry stuff. Go for small sized things such as travel outfits or footwear, baggage, accessories; all are available in the market specifically designed for backpackers or travellers.

5. Spend Money on Experiences but Not on Material
Do not forget that your experience is a lot more important than what was bought. So, spend on your special experiences during the romantic trip instead of concentrating on buying the things.

A honeymoon trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you don’t want to lose it. Saving right after you got married counts a lot because it is a common rule of nature that responsibilities start knocking the door when it comes to managing a happy married life. There will be a long list of basic expenses, and you may never make your trip happen later in your life.

Just make your getaway a thing you’ll both remember. You will certainly be thrilled to do another one.

How Do You Choose Between Love And Money?

As I was listening to Frank Sinatra’s song entitled “Love and Marriage”, I realized how different we perceive marriage today. The song highlights how marriage cannot exist without love. These two elements were believed to go together like a horse and a carriage. These days, marriage does not depend on the presence of love.

When Singaporeans are given a choice to weigh between the importance of love and marriage, answers will vary. Firstly, Singaporeans are heavily goal-oriented. They will ask you about the gains that they can reap when doing a specific task. Very few people will do something without asking what is in it for them. Perhaps this is due to the competitive education system or the exhausting high cost of living. There is simply no time left to mess around! Either way, the goal-driven mentality leaves little room for flexibility in a relationship. People constantly ask themselves what they can achieve within a potential relationship.

In addition to reaching their goals, Singaporeans are motivated to move out of their parents’ home. The primary obstacles blocking their paths are the housing laws governing the HDB properties. You see, only singles aged 35 and above can purchase HDB properties. Another alternative is to tackle the overwhelming prices of private properties and monthly rents. This is why many couples see marriage as a way out!

Say that you are waving the flag of commitment. Couples are given six months to tie the knot upon receiving keys to their new property. Otherwise, you can face a major monetary loss. Keep this in mind when deciding to propose.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Personally, I see how money leans on love and vice versa. You have to make a living at some point. No matter how smitten you are about this person, one or both you need to do something to pay the monthly expenses. Money is important to make your marriage work. Yes! Money may not be able to buy your happiness, but you can use your free time to work on things that you are passionate about. Lastly, things you do solely for love can be transformed into profitable ventures (e.g., passion projects).

Ultimately, taking control of your life is a choice. You get to choose how you spend your money. You get to choose whom you will spend it with. You get to choose who and what you will love. Hence, your challenge is to create a lifestyle that gives you freedom.

Sources: 1 & 2

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