Money Management with a New Spouse
By Nathan Dawson

 When a person marries someone with children, there can be some unexpected implications. Marrying into a full-fledged family can be a difficult transition for all, emotionally and financially; therefore, having a money management plan is a necessary part of marriage preparation.


As a married couple, children are your joint-responsibility even if they biologically belong to one spouse. Therefore, a couple may wish to open a joint bank account from which to pay for any expenses related to the kids. While a budget should be created well before the wedding date, a married man and woman should sit down together periodically and modify the budget, as necessary. The expenses should be reasonable, however; otherwise, one spouse may end up wishing that they had signed a prenuptial agreement.

If the parent collects child support, then this money should go into the joint household account. Alimony, on the other hand goes into the parent's personal account. If contributing to the children's expenses is an issue for the non-parent, perhaps the couple should receive premarital counseling. If the couple is already hitched, seeking marriage advice from a financial planner will help the husband and wife to settle any differences or misunderstandings.

Nathan Dawson writes for http://www.marriedfinances.com and http://www.successfulmarriageresource.com, great online sources for marriage and finance information.


Opening a Bank Account Doesnt Have To Be Difficult

By Nathan Dawson

 If you're a young person who has just begun to earn some money, it is very important that you know how to open a bank account. Once you do, you'll have taken the first step in a long-term process of financial independence and growth.


A bank account is not only essential to cultivating savings, it is also important for day-to-day financial activities. Before you decide what bank or financial institution with which to do business, however, do some research. Talk to your friends and family about where they do their banking. Ask them questions about the service their bank provides, and whether or not they are satisfied with it.

Next, determine exactly what type of account you want. The two most common types of accounts are a checking account, and a savings account. A savings account does just what its name implies it allows you to deposit money in the bank that will receive a small amount of interest over a period of time. A checking account is intended more for daily, weekly, and monthly transactions, such as the writing of checks and the withdrawal of cash for various minor purposes. For this reason, a checking account does not usually generate interest.

When choosing a bank account it is crucial to know what services are important to you. Do you want low fees, access to an ATM machine, good customer service by phone and Internet banking? Or maybe you simply want to have an account with a bank that is located conveniently close to home? These are all key questions you must ask yourself before choosing a bank.

Once you've chosen a bank, all you have to do is go to the branch and fill out an application form. Most of the time you also have to provide the bank with an initial deposit for the account as well. Then you are given a bank number and an ATM card (if you chose this option). If you have opened a checking account you will also be given a book of checks.

Find more great articles at www.marriedfinances.com a great online source for finance information.

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