A Helpful Pre-Marital Counseling Questionnaire Covering Financial Topics

Medically reviewed by Dr. April Brewer, DBH, LPC
Updated April 26, 2024by Regain Editorial Team

Pre-marital counseling often involves a wide range of questions, and one area that can sometimes be neglected is finances. However, understanding each partner’s financial situation can be highly beneficial for couples. Answering questions like, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and considering whether you are more of a spender or a saver can help future spouses get on the same page. Similarly, being aware of each other’s credit scores, auto insurance costs, and life insurance plans can also be helpful. You can talk through these challenging topics with the help of a premarital counselor online or in person.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Make sure you’re on the same page before the wedding day

Anyone interviewing for a new job has likely heard this question, but when most think in terms of marriage, there is often an assumption that both parties are on the same page and the same path. A great deal can happen to individuals, both personally and professionally, in five years. It can be important to discuss both professional and personal goals before getting married and talk about where each partner sees the future going. This is often a crucial part of premarital counseling.

How conservative are you when it comes to spending?

Even the most independent of partners should generally take the other person into consideration when making purchases. If one partner is a very conservative spender and the other could be considered a shopaholic, this may lead to conflict if discussions aren’t had about general ground rules for larger purchases. An honest look at the couple’s combined budget as well as short-term and long-term financial goals can be helpful in finding an agreeable middle ground.

What is your credit score?

This may be one of the most discomfiting questions one can ask a potential marriage partner, but it can be better to ask sooner rather than later. Many do not realize that their spouse’s credit score, while individually their own, can have a negative impact if the couple holds joint accounts or wishes to apply for a loan or mortgage. It can be beneficial to be aware of each other’s credit scores and potentially make plans to improve those scores.

How much do you pay for auto insurance?

Your spouse’s driving record usually affects your auto insurance rates, and high insurance premiums can break the budget. This conversation is often neglected until an unexpected quote comes back that is more than triple what you paid for as a single person. While this is generally not a reason to call off a marriage, it can be wise to know what’s ahead and potentially avoid an unpleasant discussion later down the road.

How much life insurance do you plan to purchase?

Make sure you’re on the same page before the wedding day

As morbid as this may sound, it can be important for a married couple to ensure that should one die, the other is not left financially destitute. Most employers include life insurance in their benefits packages, but it is often not enough to take care of long-term expenses that could be incurred in the event of a long illness or to compensate for the loss of the other spouse’s income. Another insurance concern could be if there is a policy for a critical or long-term illness.

Find a premarital counselor who can help you talk through the tough conversations

Talking about money before getting married may not be romantic, but arguing about money when you’re already married generally isn’t romantic, either. Having these difficult discussions with the help of a licensed therapist can help things go smoothly and empower you to make plans to improve your finances, if needed.

If meeting with a premarital counselor in person isn’t accessible or convenient for you, you may wish to consider trying online premarital counseling instead. This can empower you to get the help you deserve from the comfort of your home at a time that fits into your and your partner’s busy schedules.

This study investigated the efficacy of online couples therapy and found that it could be just as effective as in-person couples therapy. Participants generally found that their relationship satisfaction and mental health improved as a result of online couples therapy.

Takeaway

A few finance-related topics you may wish to discuss in pre-marital counseling can include each partner’s:

  • Credit score
  • Auto insurance costs
  • Plans for purchasing life insurance
  • Spending and saving habits
  • Personal and professional goals for the next five years

Although these topics can be difficult to discuss, talking them out with a therapist can make things easier. You can find a premarital counselor who meets your needs in your local area or online.

For Additional Help & Support With Your ConcernsThis website is owned and operated by BetterHelp, who receives all fees associated with the platform.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet Started
This website is owned and operated by BetterHelp, who receives all fees associated with the platform.