Life Event Checklist: Marriage

When life throws you a curve ball it is good to be prepared with a plan. With 30+ years of combined financial planning experience we have seen it all! Please feel free to utilize the following checklist to help navigate these uncertain times in your life.

Marriage

Credit Report – Ensure there are no “unknown” accounts, joint accounts are listed properly and identity has not been compromised.
Joint Accounts – We’ve found the best relationships are those with no secrets. Certainly every family is unique but as a general rule having joint accounts tends to work best.
Beneficiaries – Review personal and work policies to include your new spouse where applicable. This would include life insurance and retirement accounts.
Will, Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney – Important documents to create.
Budget – Now that you are married, a budget is more important than ever. Discuss long-term goals and short-term needs to find common ground using your financial resources.
Life Insurance – Do you have adequate protection for your family in the event of an untimely demise?
Disability Insurance – Can your family afford to pay necessary bills if you were out of work for an extended period of time? Check with your employer for coverage first then look to an outside agent for additional assistance.
Health Insurance – Marriage is typically a qualifying event which allows one spouse to be added to a policy even if it’s not during open enrollment.
Auto Insurance – Time to get on the same policy for coverage and cost benefits.
Debts – Review existing debts with your spouse prior to marriage to ensure you have a solid plan to pay them off and there are no surprises in the future.
Roth IRA Eligibility – Even if you don’t work, you might be eligible for a Roth IRA based upon your spouse’s income. Also, the income limits are raised for married couples filing jointly so if you previously made too much to contribute to a Roth IRA, you might now be eligible.

For assistance navigating a Life Event please contact us:

Spencer Corzine – 888-738-7018

Will O’Donnell – 585-754-3048

Donald Burger – 585-924-3069

Kyle Wentland – 585-500-6025