SOME FACTS ABOUT DEBT BROUGHT INTO MARRIAGE

by CreditScoreDating.com

Money is one of the topics couples fight about most often. It is also a contributing factor
in divorce. Debt brought into marriage is an especially troublesome part of many couples?
money problems. Research shows that debt brought into marriage is the number one problem for
newlyweds (Center for Marriage and Family, 2000; Schramm & Lee, 2003). In fact, 67% of
women and 74% of men enter marriage with at least some debt (Schramm & Lee, 2003). With
the exception of home loans, debt comes primarily from auto loans, credit cards, student loans,
and medical bills (Schramm & Lee, 2003). Unfortunately, debt never rests, sleeps, gets sick, or
goes on vacation and as long as you have debt you will be in financial bondage. Marrying into
debt is a big responsibility to take on and in many cases is so unappealing that the debt serves as
an anti-dowry. On the other hand, nothing is more appealing or liberating than being debt free.
HOW DEBT AFFECTS THE MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP
! It is estimated that many American adults spend up to 80% of their waking hours either
earning, spending, or thinking about money (Olson, 2003). That?s more time than we
spend focused on any other topic, including sex.
! Debt brought into marriage causes strain on the marriage relationship because it forces us
to focus most of our time and energy on money.
! There is evidence that couples? financial problems (including debt) are linked to
increased levels of stress, conflict, and marital duress as well as decreased levels of
marital satisfaction (Sanchez & Gager, 2000). Financial problems are frequently cited as
a major reason for divorce (Sanchez & Gager, 2000).
! In a study of 21,501 couples, Olson (2003) found that 66% indicated that problems
associated with major debt was one of the top five financial stumbling blocks in
marriage. In contrast, he found that one of the unique strengths of the majority of happy
couples was that they did not have major debt problems.
! Carlson (2002) found that indebtedness had been a factor in many college graduates?
decisions to delay marriage and/or childbearing because starting a marriage with large
amounts of debt places a great strain on the relationship and may put the marriage in
jeopardy from the beginning.
DEVELOP A DEBT ELIMINATION PLAN
Debt can be addressed prior to getting married or after you get married, but either way it
must be addressed. But remember that the less debt you have going into marriage, the greater your chances for success and happiness in marriage (Schramm & Lee, 2003). So consider paying
off your debt before tying the knot. Here?s how one person did it.
Doing It by Yourself
Jack?s Story - Upon graduating from college, Jack was $15,000 in debt. He was also
recently engaged to be married. Jack?s debt was a combination of student loans, a car loan, and
some credit card debt. Jack was fortunate enough to get a permanent job offer from the local
accounting firm where he had worked as an intern while he was in school. Rather than getting an
apartment of his own, a new car, or some other ?well deserved? luxury item for himself as a
reward for graduating and finding full-time employment, Jack stayed put. Jack continued to live
in the same apartment he had been sharing with three roommates. The rent was reasonable and
they were able to share utility costs. Jack also decided to prepare most of his own meals,
including brown bag lunches, instead of eating out. By maintaining his modest style of living,
Jack was able to quickly pay off his credit card debt. He paid it first since it had the highest
interest rate. He then applied those payments to his car loan, and once the car was paid off he put
all of his extra money towards paying his student loans. One year after graduating Jack was
married and he began his marriage debt free.
Doing It as a Couple
Determine what each spouse owes ? preferably prior to getting married (Worksheet 1).
No bank or car dealer would think of lending you money and entering into a financial contract
with you without first checking your credit history. They do that because they want to see if you
are worth the risk. They don?t want to get burned. If you are seriously considering marriage you
owe it to yourself and your spouse to share your financial status. Share banking, checking, and
credit card statements as well as a knowledge of all your debt (use Worksheet 1: Who Owes
What? to help you do this). It?s also a good idea to share your credit scores and reports with one another.
You can order your personal credit report from one of the major credit reporting agencies:
Equifax at (800) 685-1111, TransUnion at (800) 888-4213, or Experian at (888) 397-3742).
Develop a plan to begin reducing debt now that will continue into marriage.
1. Communicate ? This is the most important thing you can do to minimize financial
fights. Sit down together and share your financial information with one another,
including what you make, what you?ve saved, what you own, and what you owe.
2. Don?t keep secrets ? It?s a bad idea to hide your debts. Share your debts, family financial upbringing, and current views on money with your fianc? or spouse.
3. Establish common goals ? If you are both in agreement you will be more willing
to work together to meet those goals. Start by answering the following questions.
What do both of you want to do with your money? How will you get out of debt?
4. Quantify your goals ? Goals that aren?t written and formalized are little more than wishes that often go unfulfilled. Plot out exactly how and when you will pay off your debt. Use one of the suggested books or Web resources to help with this.
5. Develop a budget ? Keep a money diary to get you started. Keep track of everything you spend. Then you will know where your money goes. You can?t stay within your budget if you don?t know where your money goes.
6. Use savings to pay off high interest loans ? Having some emergency savings is wise, but if you?re paying more interest than you are earning, consider paying off your loans with savings.

7. Switch to a credit card with a lower interest rate ? Many low interest credit cards exist. Shop around and choose one that gives you a consistently low rate. Don?t pay more than you have to.
8. Consolidate your debt ? Find one low interest loan where you can combine all your debt and have only one payment. This will reduce your monthly payment and help you pay the debt off more quickly.
9. Pay more than the minimum due ? Do this on credit cards, mortgages, or wherever you can. You will end up paying much less for things in the long run and you will pay them off more quickly.
10. Cut spending - Spend less and put the money you save toward paying off debt. Do this by budgeting, kicking an expensive habit, and leaving credit cards at home (or getting rid of them).
11. Be a financial housekeeper ? One of you should take the lead in managing your finances to make sure bills get paid on time and checkbooks get balanced. However, both of you should be aware of and take responsibility for your
financial situation.

WORKSHEET 1: WHO OWES WHAT?
With your partner, fianc?, or spouse fill in the amount each of you owe or will owe in each of the following categories. Include amounts you will have to pay once you finish school or the deferred payment period ends. Add your two subtotals together to find what your total debt will
be as a couple. Be honest about all your debt. It won?t help your marriage to suddenly remember some additional debt after your wedding day.
Type of Debt Partner 1 Partner 2
Student Loans
Outstanding Medical Bills
Outstanding Utility Bills
Auto Loans
Credit Card #1
Credit Card #2
Credit Card #3
Credit Card #4
Home Mortgage
Department Store Debt
(e.g., furniture, electronics, etc.)
Private Lender
Other
Subtotal
Couple Debt Grand Total