Weddings/MARRIAGES/DIVORCE/SINGLE
“Flowers bloom whenever their eyes meet each other's, and whenever they depend on each other. What does it matter if they wed in the snow or in the rain? They have each other to support and love, and that's all that should matter.” ― Kim Dong Hwa
SAVING/PREPARING FOR THE WEDDING:
TIPS:
Planning a wedding can be both exciting and costly. Here are practical tips to help you save money while preparing for your special day:
Create a Realistic Budget: Start by setting a clear budget. Understand your financial limits and allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding1.
Prioritize Your Must-Haves: Identify the most important elements of your wedding. Focus your spending on these priorities and cut back on less essential items1.
Choose an Off-Peak Date: Opt for a less popular wedding date. Venues and vendors often offer discounts during off-peak seasons or weekdays2.
Trim Your Guest List: Fewer guests mean lower costs for catering, seating, and invitations. Be selective and invite close family and friends1.
DIY Decorations: Get creative and make your own centerpieces, table settings, and other decor items. DIY projects can save money and add a personal touch1.
Borrow or Rent: Consider borrowing or renting items like wedding attire, accessories, and decor. It’s cost-effective and eco-friendly1.
Choose a Non-Traditional Venue: Look beyond traditional wedding venues. Parks, gardens, community centers, or even your backyard can be charming and budget-friendly1.
Limit the Bar: Opt for a limited bar or signature cocktails instead of an open bar. This can significantly reduce alcohol costs1.
Opt for Digital Invitations: Send electronic invitations instead of printed ones. It’s eco-friendly and saves on stationery costs1.
Negotiate with Vendors: Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices with vendors. Ask about package deals or discounts for bundling services1.
Skip the Wedding Planner: If you’re organized, consider planning without a professional wedding planner. DIY planning can save money1.
Buy Secondhand: Explore secondhand wedding dresses, decor, and accessories. Online platforms and consignment stores offer great options1.
Limit Floral Arrangements: Use greenery, candles, or non-floral decor to supplement flowers. Focus on key areas like the ceremony backdrop and bridal bouquet1.
Opt for Buffet or Food Stations: Buffets or food stations are often more affordable than plated meals. Guests can choose their portions1.
Choose In-Season Flowers: Seasonal blooms are more cost-effective and readily available. Discuss flower options with your florist1.
Limit Dessert Options: Instead of a full dessert table, choose a smaller cake or cupcakes. Guests will still enjoy a sweet treat1.
Use Natural Lighting: Plan your ceremony and reception during daylight hours. Natural light reduces the need for expensive lighting setups1.
Shop Sample Sales: Bridal boutiques often have sample sales where you can find discounted wedding dresses1.
Opt for Simple Invitations: Elegant and straightforward invitations can be just as beautiful as elaborate ones. Save on printing costs1.
DIY Wedding Favors: Create personalized favors like homemade jams, cookies, or small potted plants. Guests will appreciate the effort1.
Remember, every little saving counts, and with thoughtful planning, you can have a memorable wedding without overspending!
Hire a student of photography to do your wedding photos
45 Cheap Date Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Go On
How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget
How to Attend a Wedding on a Budget
Choosing a Sustainable Wedding Dress
Financial Advice I Would Give My Younger Self – Planning for a Young Family
Should I Borrow Money To Pay for a Wedding?
65 of Our Favorite Colorful Wedding Dresses
Clark Howard’s Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding
Talking Money With Potential Mates
4 Ways to Have a Budget Friendly Wedding
Shop for an Engagement Ring the Clark Howard Way
9 Places to Buy a Used Wedding Dress Online
Inexpensive Wedding Gift Ideas for the Tight Budget
#IRSTaxTip: Wedding planning checklist: cake, rings, flowers … tax forms?
The Environmental Impact of Lab-Grown Diamonds
7 Tips to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes When Buying Jewelry
Don't Get Married Without Doing This Paperwork
10 Cheap (or Free) Date Night Ideas
A DIY Prenup That Can Improve Your Marriage
7 Modest Wedding Gifts that I’m Still Enjoying 25 Years Later
Reduce the Cost of Being a Wedding Guest
Planning a Wedding? Here Are 9 Ways to Ensure You’ll Pay Too Much
A DIY Prenup That Can Improve Your Marriage
Don't Get Married Without Doing This Paperwork
Money Questions for When You're Engaged
5 Money Conversations You Should Have Before You Get Married
13 Tips for Planning a Wedding on a Shoestring Budget
4 Ways to Have a Budget Friendly Wedding
Getting marry? Consider buying “gently used” and overstock dresses donated by past brides and famous designers at www.bridalgarden.org . Other sites to look at are www.bravobride.com, www.oncewed.com, www.preownedweddingdresses.com. You can also use some of these sites to sell your wedding dress.
How to Shop for a Wedding Dress
Consider a destination wedding which cost less because fewer guests and most couples don’t pay for guests to travel to the wedding. Check www.destinationweddings.com or check out national parks too. Most National Parks allow weddings and you only pay for a permit to rent a facility… the downside is that you have to bring everything else (chairs, tables, etc). Some parks like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are suited for more formal weddings because they have chapels..
Need to buy cheap cool stuff for a wedding? Go to www.orientaltrading.com or any dollar tree store:
Get the best dollar store deals- Consumer Reports
Dollar Store Locations This is not a website... but if you are looking for great bargains a dollar prices...
Other places similar to Dollar Store:
Family Dollar ;99 Cents Dollar Store ; Big Lots; Dollar General; Dollar Tree and 99cents only
www.cardavenue.com is a gift card registry that offers a gift registry for weddings
Lab created diamonds from Brilliant Earth
Use Pinterest: to Discover and save on creative ideas for your wedding: www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=wedding&rs=typed
TIP: a place to buy wedding rings at a reasonable price: Blue Nile
Financial Mistakes A Wedding Expert Regularly Sees Brides Make | Bankrate.com
10 Tips & Tricks to Save on Weddings from a Financial Planner Bride
How to Pay Less for a Wedding Dress
Pay Less for Your Perfect Wedding Dress
10 Amazing Yet Affordable Wedding Venues
26 Ways to Cut Your Wedding Bill
17 Conversations to Have About Money Before Getting Married
The Average Wedding Cost Is Way Too High: Go Budget Instead
How to Turn Your Wedding Expenses Into a Free Honeymoon
My Friends are Spending $30K on Their Wedding — And I’m Keeping My Mouth Shut
Reduce the Cost of Being a Wedding Guest
How to Save Money on Your Wedding
15 Ways to Save Big on Your Dream Wedding
People Are Still Spending Too Much on Their Weddings
Asked To Be A Bridesmaid? Here’s How To Cut Costs — and Exactly How To Say No If You Have To
Reducing Wedding (or Other Event) Costs: I returned from a wedding on Saturday with a way to save money on wedding costs. The parents of the bride hired college students wanting to make extra money. They were a harpist and flutist at the church that they found in the music department of the community college. They were excellent. The bride's family made the food and hired three students from the culinary department at the same college. They served the buffet table, cut and served the cake, cleared the tables and cleaned the hall kitchen. For three culinary students and two musicians, they paid $500. In our area, a harpist costs almost that much alone. Maria M. (Dollar Stretcher Tips)
A Financial Crash Course for Those Getting Married
6 Reasons Average People Should Consider a Prenup
29 Wedding Quotes for Your Special Day - The Best Wedding Day Quotes
7 Neglected Financial Issues to Think About During a Divorce
Ways to Reduce the Financial and Emotional Costs of a Divorce
Signal for Help gives survivors of abuse a powerful tool
How Couples Can Get on the Same Page About Money
Here’s how saying “I do” can affect a couple’s tax situation
QUOTES:
Original wedding gift: Shop the clearance aisle after each holiday and pick up holiday-specific kitchen towels, placemats, whatever catches your eye for the happy couple's holiday tables, usually at up to 70% savings! The bride loves pulling out set after set of linens for Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, etc. It's a fun and unique start to their home traditions! If you get in the habit of doing this, you can always be prepared with a year-round wedding gift. Rebecca from Dollar Stretcher Tips
“My '1% better' moment was finding my dream wedding dress at an online sample sale! After trying on multiple bridal gowns in-store, I fell in love with one that retails for $3,600. Since this was out of my budget, I reluctantly put the dress back and carried on with my day. Later that night, I decided to search for pre-owned wedding dresses, and to my amazement, I found the exact dress I had fallen in love with for only $550 through an online sample sale! What's more, it was a brand new dress that has never been altered! The dress arrived in the mail today, and I couldn't be happier to say #YesToTheDress!” - Deb from the ChooseFi Community taking action
AFTER THE WEDDING (MARRIAGE):
Are Joint Bank Accounts the Secret to a Happy Marriage?
Retirement Strategies for a Non-Working Spouse
4 Tools To Make Couples Money Talks Easier
Is Your Spouse Financially Unfaithful?
Is It Really Worth It? Stop Fighting Over Minor Money Matters
'Disjointing' Joint Credit Card Accounts
Financial Planning Can Help a Marriage
Save Your Marriage Without Counseling
How Couples Can Avoid Financial Fights
How To Manage Money as a Couple
45 Cheap Date Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Go On
How Can I Tell My Long-Time Spouse I Want To Split Finances 50/50?
The ABCs of a Better Relationship (26 Tips That Won't Cost a Dime)
3 Things To Avoid During Money Talks With an Overspending Spouse
6 Steps to a Successful Money Talk With Your Mate
We Just Got Married. How Do We Blend Our Finances?
Hiding Credit Card Debts from Your Spouse
Whole Family Financial Solutions
Joint or Separate Finances for a Second Marriage? Couples Weigh In
4 Tools To Make Couples Money Talks Easier
Second Marriage Finances: What to Do Differently
Successfully Managing Finances in a Second Marriage
Money Matters to Consider When Bringing Home Baby No. 2
Getting a Reluctant Spouse to Consider Credit Counseling (Tips & Advice)
7 Financial Steps to Becoming a Stay-at-Home Parent
How to Leave an Abusive Relationship Without Money
4 Tools to Make Couples Money Talks Easier
Can I Avoid Default Risk if I Co-Sign My Daughter’s Mortgage?
New Name? Know Who You Need to Notify!
How To Stay Sweet on Your Spending Spouse
Building Wealth Should Be a Family Affair
A 6 Month Stay-at-Home Mom Plan
Whole Family Financial Solutions
5 Low-Cost Ways to Not End Up in a High-Cost Divorce
Are You Financially Ready to Have Children?
Checklist for when a spouse dies
Write this letter to your family before you’re gone.
Clark’s 5-Point Annual Checklist You Should Follow
20 Money Questions to Ask Your Significant Other.
What a Spouse Should Know About Your Finances
Don't Penny Pinch the Romance Out of Your Marriage
How to Manage Money as a Couple
10 Cheap (or Free) Date Night Ideas
Reducing Your Spouse's Spending without Destroying Your Marriage
Clark Howard's 5 Money Tips for Couples
Joint vs. Separate Bank Accounts: Which One Is Better?
Is Your Spouse a Financial Bully? Subtle Signs of Abuse to Watch for
The money talk that every couple needs to have (TED TALK)
Hiding Credit Card Debts from Your Spouse
Couples and Money: When Together Is Better
How to Successfully Handle Your Finances as a Newly Married Couple
Money Therapy Challenge: 20 Questions Every Couple Needs to Ask Each Other
If You Love Your Wife, You'd Make Her Financially Independent From You
Living Together, But Not Married? Consider A Cohabitation Agreement
How to Avoid Financial Infidelity
13 Money Conversations You Need to Have with Your Partner
Getting a Reluctant Spouse to Consider Credit Counseling
Financial Abuse: Understanding it and Overcoming it
How Do I Make My Overspending Spouse a Tightwad?
Money Mistakes That (Mostly) Women Make
Don't Penny Pinch the Romance Out of Your Marriage
How to Manage Money as a Couple
Reduce Your Spouse's Spending without Destroying Your Marriage
How to Survive a Financial Crisis in Your Relationship
What a Spouse Should Know About Your Finances | The Dollar Stretcher
How Do I Make My Overspending Spouse a Tightwad?
How to Stop an Overspending Spouse
Dealing with financial incompatibility in relationships.
What happens when rich people marry poor people? [Yahoo! Health] —
How to Hold Monthly Budget Planning Meetings
Joint or Separate Finances for a Second Marriage?
Does getting married mean I take their debts?
What a Spouse Should Know About Your Finances | The Dollar Stretcher
How Financial Planning Can Help a Marriage
Ten tips for having the "Money Talk"
3 Things to Avoid During Money Talks with an Overspending Spouse
How to Put Your Spouse on a Budget Without Ruining Your Marriage
7 Money Mistakes That Can Mess Up Your Marriage
4 Financial Tips to Consider Before Becoming a Stay-at-Home Parent
How to Be a Stay at Home Dad: 14 Steps (with Pictures ...
13 Financial Moves to Make After Losing a Spouse
Second Marriage Finances: What to Do Differently
Tax to-dos for newlyweds to keep in mind
Anyone saying “I do” this summer should review a few tax-related items after the wedding. Big life changes, including a change in marital status, often have tax implications. Here are a few things couples should think about after they tie the knot.
Name and address changes
People who change their name after marriage should report it to the Social Security Administration as soon as possible. The name on a person's tax return must match what is on file at the SSA. If it doesn't, it could delay any tax refund. To update information, taxpayers should file Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. The form is available on SSA.gov, by calling 800-772-1213 or at a local SSA office.
If marriage means a change of address, the IRS and U.S. Postal Service need to know. To do that, people should send the IRS Form 8822, Change of Address. Taxpayers should also notify the postal service to forward their mail by going online at USPS.com or by visiting their local post office.
Double-check withholding
After getting married, couples should consider changing their withholding. Newly married couples must give their employers a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance within 10 days. If both spouses work, they may move into a higher tax bracket or be affected by the additional Medicare tax. They can use the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov to help complete a new Form W-4. Taxpayers should review Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax for more information.
Filing status
Married people can choose to file their federal income taxes jointly or separately each year. For most couples, filing jointly makes the most sense, but each couple should review their own situation. If a couple is married as of December 31, the law says they're married for the whole year for tax purposes.
QUOTES:
An Affordable Restaurant Date Idea: With restaurant prices so high and our budget so tight, we can't afford to eat out so often on our date nights. But, we've found that we can have just as much fun if we go for dessert instead of the full meal. We'll have a light meal at home and then go out on our date. Sometimes, we'll get two different desserts and share them! It's twice the fun! Lianne from Dollar Stretcher Tips
A Marital Money Strategy: In regards to the article about avoiding marital money problems, my friends worked out a satisfying solution for the distribution of funds for expenses. Each contributed the same percentage of their income for bills, savings, and personal allowances each month. There was never a question as to "who paid more" toward the bills, even though the dollar amounts were quite different. Beverly from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Are You Due for a Financial Review?My wife and I do a quarterly financial review. We list all of our assets and debts to figure out how much we actually own. Hopefully, that number increases every three months. If it doesn't increase, we look to see why. Sometimes we need to watch our spending or take other corrective action. Twice a year, we take a look at our legal papers to make sure everything is up to date. Usually we don't have to do anything, but it doesn't cost anything to check. Plus, it gives us peace of mind to know that we have our finances under control. Nick from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Couples Finances: After reading the article about Second Marriage Finances, I wanted to share what my husband and I did. When it came to finances, we decided to have a joint checking and savings account. We also share one credit card but I also have a second credit card in my name that I’ve had for 40+ years. We did decide to split the utility costs. The phone/internet/cable comes in my name and the electric/gas and water bill comes in my husband's name. This helps build up a credit scores for each person. Another suggestion is that each person take turns paying the bills or checking the online statements to make sure everything is correct. Toni B. from Dollar Stretcher Tips
My Two Cents: Second Marriage Finances: I am married for the second time after having "my own money" and "my own system." At first, it was very hard to combine the two and not fight about finances. My best advice is to tread lightly until you have worked out the details. We tried each of us paying certain bills and then the remainder from our paychecks was ours to do with as we pleased. This worked okay until about a year ago when "the family budget" was low, and I went to my stash to add to the family money. Hubby is a spender for the most part, and I am a saver. This is when it hit him just how much money I had. He got upset and said that I was keeping money from him. This was not the case. I just had not spent mine. As you can imagine, a big fight resulted. He said that I was hoarding money (that is my nature), and I said that he was getting mad at me for saving while I could not say a word about him spending. I felt like I was the bad guy for not blowing my money. Well, a lot came out of that experience. We now have joint everything, including purchase decision-making. This way, neither of us is kept in the dark about money and each knows what the other is spending money on. I feel you really do have to combine it all in order to really be a couple. It is hard at first, but in the long run, it is much better. A. from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Tested Saving Advice: When I got married, my husband and I learned pretty quickly that money was the root of most disagreements. Since he liked to buy every new gadget that came out and I preferred to watch savings grow, we started separate savings accounts to satisfy each of us. We each put aside 10% of our net paycheck for savings. We combined our income first to come up with the 10% so we wouldn't be arguing about who made more money. We have the money automatically deposited into a separate account. We've been able to save $10,000! Maybe this tip will help other families to save and avoid money arguments. Chrystal from Dollar Stretcher tips
Minimizing Money Fights: In more than 15 years, my spouse and I have never once had a money fight. I think it has to do with the system we use for managing our money. We have three free checking accounts and two savings accounts (in addition to our retirement accounts). One checking account is a joint account for paying our household expenses and monthly bills. Then, we each have our own checking accounts for our personal spending money. Once a month, we both transfer an agreed-upon amount from our personal checking accounts into the joint account and into our joint savings accounts (one is our emergency fund and the other is for vacations or whatever we're saving for). We sit down twice a month to pay our bills together so we're both fully aware of what bills we have, when they are due, how much they are, etc. If something were to happen to one of us, the other wouldn't have to try to figure out the finances. Finally, we never question how the other spends their personal money, which I imagine is at the root of many money fights and why we don't have them.
Taylor from Dollar Stretcher Tips
DIVORCE:
Expert Interview: Financial Considerations for People Getting Divorced In Their 50s
Navigating Life Events: Divorced Spouse Resources
What Happens To Your Credit Card Debt When You Die or Divorce?
How To Rebuild Your Finances After a Divorce
Separating Finances in a Divorce
5 Low-Cost Ways To Not End Up in a High-Cost Divorce
Uncoupling, Kids and Paying for College
New Name? Know Who You Need to Notify!
Ways to Reduce the Financial and Emotional Costs of a Divorce
Untangling Your Finances When You Divorce: Don’t Forget These Important Details
Credit Card Issues to Address If You're Going Through a Divorce
7 Tips for a Single Mom Trying to Get By Financially After Divorce
Good News for the Newly Divorced: 4 Ways to Achieve Financial Independence Now
Downsizing Your Lifestyle after Divorce
What NOT to Do If a Divorce Is in Your Future
Thinking About Divorce? 5 Steps to Save Time, Money
Considering Divorce? Beware of Retirement Account Breakups
Successfully Managing Finances in a Second Marriage
Downsizing After Divorce: When my husband and I split up, I didn't want to make any big changes, so I stayed in the same house we were renting. I did try to reduce our electric bill and watch my grocery budget, but I didn't do anything dramatic. That was a mistake! Two years later, he was falling behind with child support. I had gone through my savings and had started to run up my credit cards. If I had it to do over, I'd start with big cuts right away. We would have moved to a less expensive house. I would have looked for ways to cut every single bill — big and small. Also, I would have looked for a way to bring in some extra income from home in the evenings. Not sure if I could have avoided this mess, but I sure wish I had tried. Gloria from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Tax considerations for people who are separating or divorcing
When couples separate or divorce, the change in their relationship status affects their tax situation. The IRS considers a couple married for tax filing purposes until they get a final decree of divorce or separate maintenance.
Update tax withholding
When a taxpayer divorces or separates, they usually need to update their proper tax withholding by filing with their employer a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate. If they receive alimony, they may have to make estimated tax payments. Taxpayers can figure out if they’re withholding the correct amount with the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov.Tax treatment of alimony and separate maintenance
Amounts paid to a spouse or a former spouse under a divorce decree, a separate maintenance decree or a written separation agreement may be alimony or separate maintenance for federal tax purposes.
Certain alimony or separate maintenance payments are deductible by the payer spouse, and the recipient spouse must include it in income.
Rules related to dependent children and support
Generally, the parent with custody of a child can claim that child on their tax return. If parents split custody fifty-fifty and aren't filing a joint return, they'll have to decide which parent claims the child. If the parents can’t agree, taxpayers should refer to the tie-breaker rules in Publication 504, Divorced or Separated Individuals. Child support payments aren't deductible by the payer and aren't taxable to the payee.
Not all payments under a divorce or separation instrument – including a divorce decree, a separate maintenance decree or a written separation agreement – are alimony or separate maintenance. Alimony and separate maintenance doesn’t include:
Child support
Noncash property settlements – whether in a lump-sum or installments
Payments that are your spouse's part of community property income
Payments to keep up the payer's property
Use of the payer's property
Voluntary payments
Child support is never deductible and isn't considered income. Additionally, if a divorce or separation instrument provides for alimony and child support and the payer spouse pays less than the total required, the payments apply to child support first. Only the remaining amount is considered alimony.
Report property transfers, if needed
Usually, if a taxpayer transfers property to their spouse or former spouse because of a divorce, there’s no recognized gain or loss on the transfer. People may have to report the transaction on a gift tax return.
More information:
Topic No. 452 Alimony and Separate Maintenance
SINGLE/WIDOW(ER):
Find Federal Benefits After Losing a Loved One
Credit Card Debt After the Death of a Spouse
Handling Credit Card Debt Should Your Spouse Pass Away
5 Financial Steps You Should Take When a Spouse Dies
Financial Decisions After the Death of Your Spouse
Solo Cooking and Dining on a Budget
How to Prepare When Leaving an Abusive Relationship With No Money
Checklist for when a spouse dies
Write this letter to your family before you’re gone.
Dear Wife, Here's How to FIRE If I Die Early
The Financial Effects of Losing a Spouse
Three Retirement Planning Tips For Women
How to Start Your Money Over as a Single Parent
Debt Reduction Strategies for Singles
10 Things To Consider if You Outlive Your Spouse
PODCAST:
Listen to 246 | Overcoming and Battling Financial Abuse | Rachael Partleton from ChooseFI on Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choosefi/id1187770032?i=1000488981281
3/17/23: How to Prepare for the Financial Shocks of Widowhood THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR FUTURE with Ric Edelman
And why a fresh look at money management is a must Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-your-future-with-ric-edelman/id1603081576?i=1000604650097
MORE QUOTES:
“I’m married to a selfish husband.” [One Frugal Girl] — “How do you feel about spending and saving and how does that compare to your partner’s views? Do you need a lot of money to feel safe and secure? Do you suffer from a scarcity mindset? How does your partner feel and how does that differ from you? How can you talk about those emotions without calling your partner names? Calling your partner a selfish husband isn’t going to help. They will immediately become defensive.”
