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Jill On Money: Super Bowl sweethearts

Jill Schlesinger on

You should also decide on the division of labor, especially when it comes to bill paying and investing. I am often asked whether or not to combine bank or investment accounts.

The answer is: do what works for both of you. Regardless, both partners must understand whatever system is in effect, including relevant websites, passwords, automatic payments, and any other pertinent information.

The detailing of all of this information will be necessary as you tackle your estate planning. Whether or not you legally tie the knot, it is imperative that partnerships agree to create a will, a power of attorney and a health care proxy, and in some cases, a trust. The process will also include a review of all beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies.

Finally, a word about prenuptial (pre-nup) agreements, legal documents that set forth how you will divide your money and property in the event of divorce or the death of one or both of you.

For our Super Bowl sweethearts, this may seem like a no-brainer, because of the large disparity in wealth, but prenups may also be useful if there are children from a previous marriage, a small business, a family trust, or when assets are owned with others.

If circumstances change after you get married (i.e., the sale of a business or a large, unexpected inheritance), you can draft a “post-nup,” and if you are not planning to get married, there’s a “no-nup,” which can be especially helpful for real estate transactions and estate planning.

 

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(Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is a CBS News business analyst. A former options trader and CIO of an investment advisory firm, she welcomes comments and questions at askjill@jillonmoney.com. Check her website at www.jillonmoney.com)

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC


 

 

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