5 Most Important Goals to Set Together

For you and your fiancé
For you and your fiancé
The holidays have arrived! This is an exciting time for newlywed couples, but it can bring unfamiliar territory. We’ve come up with some tips to help you transition into your life as a new family during the holiday season. Old Traditions Chances are you and your spouse both have particular traditions you grew up with during the holidays. It’s important that you listen to each other and discuss what traditions you want to continue from both sides of the family, beforehand. If the holidays arrive and you haven’t discussed it yet, there will likely be some conflict. Here are some of the major things to consider when making plans for … Continue reading Handling the Holidays as a Newlywed Couple
It’s time to talk money. Cha-ching… I know, I know. Money can be a mood killer! Did you know that the average amount a U.S. couple spent on their wedding in 2016 was $26,720? WHAT??? While it us usually less in Utah, it is still a lot of money! With careful planning and awareness of what you can expect from wedding costs A-Z you are well on your way to creating a wedding that is customized to fit YOU. So, where do you start? First, you must understand this: Balance. Find and create a balance between your “dreams” (what you want) and your “reality” (what you can afford) Yes that’s … Continue reading 3 Things to Consider When Talking About the M Word
A wedding insurance policy can cover your wedding and financially protect you against misfortune and mishap. Wedding Insurance is exactly what it sounds like – an insurance policy that covers your wedding and financially protects you against misfortune and mishap. Wedding Insurance policies are relatively inexpensive. For as little as $160, you can protect the investment you’ve made into this one important day in your life. And, you can receive coverage anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years before the event. Some examples of coverage include: No Dress: If the bride’s wedding gown or the groom’s tuxedo is lost or damaged, you can receive compensation to get it repaired or … Continue reading Wedding Insurance for Your Peace of Mind
Before your wedding review this TOP 25 checklist of signs or Red Flags that we hope will be helpful to pay attention to when considering your date or prospective partner. Mark Ogletree, MFT, PhD. & Victor W. Harris, MS When visiting with couples, we often ask a husband or wife if any of the bizarre behaviors and practices their spouse is currently demonstrating was manifested during their dating and courtship. Surprisingly, many men and women say, “Yes, I noticed that, but I thought once we were married it would go away.” Others will say, “I tried not to notice it.” It is wise not to ignore the clues and hints … Continue reading Before the Wedding – The TOP 25 Signs to Watch Out For
Married men usually are healthier than men who are single either by choice or by chance. Researchers who measure both mental and physical health report that married women rank second; they are followed by single women and then single men, said Bill Doherty, professor of family social science, University of Minnesota. The health-and-happiness benefits attributed to marriage shouldn’t come as a surprise-marriage confers benefits that go beyond what partners bring into the marriage. It’s not just that healthier or more responsible people marry and, therefore, married people are healthier and more responsible. It’s that being married changes people for the better. For example, couples can benefit from strong social support. … Continue reading Marriage Can Be Good For Health
So you’re getting married. Well, unless your last name is Trump or Gates you will probably need some help with your finances. It is true that sometimes love is blind but that can be both a blessing and a curse. If love makes you blind to your financial responsibilities that can become a real problem. Here are a few tips to help newlyweds keep control of their finances and be happy with their future. First things first – put together a budget. For a budget to work it must be livable, pliable and realistic. It must have room for both savings and some mad … Continue reading Marriage and Money – Managing Your Finances
Here are some great ideas while planning your wedding and for after your marriage: Never go grocery shopping without a list. Avoid buying non-food items such as laundry detergent, shampoo, napkins, and tissues at the grocery store. Usually you can get these items much cheaper at warehouse or discount stores. To save money on mileage as well as your time, pick one day a week to do all of your shopping and errands. If you have the storage space, stock up on staples when they are on sale. See movies in the afternoon when prices are often cheaper. Go out to eat for lunch instead of dinner. Visit the … Continue reading Ways to Save Money (Without Really Trying)
1. Before you start looking for a home, get pre-qualified for a loan. Banks, credit unions, and mortgage bankers make home loans; mortgage brokers process loans through a variety of lenders. The lenders will take an application, process the loan documents, and see the loan through to the funding stage. 2. If you have marginal or bad credit, consult your lender. You may be able to qualify for a loan depending on how long ago and what reason(s) caused the bad credit. 3. You will need a down-payment. Down-payment requirements vary depending on the type of loan. Many down-payment assistance programs exist. These programs may loan or grant you the … Continue reading After the Wedding – 10 Things Bride and Groom Should Know Before Buying a Home
When trying to win over your true love it is essential to plan that “special” date. Whether single, engaged, or married there is always good reason to think ahead at how you can stay center of your true love’s mind. Throughout time, dates have been proven to be the number one way to accomplish this. So, what makes for the perfect date? Is it getting flowers or going to that new hotspot in town? Is it sharing a sentimental moment or your favorite song that just happens to play? Yes, these are all great ways to make for a memorable evening however the solution to this mystery is to combine … Continue reading What Makes the Perfect Date?
First-time home buyers Whether you have spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or you still aren’t sure if it is something you can even dream of, the questions surrounding a first-time home purchase can feel endless. Here are some tips to help you with the process of becoming your own landlord. Pre-qualify for a loan Being pre-qualified for a loan determines how much house you can afford. It also allows you to move more swiftly when you find the right house, especially when you aren’t the only interested buyer. Shop for mortgage rates and terms A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge … Continue reading After the Wedding – Buying a Home Tips
STEP 1 – DEFINE NEEDS FOR YOUR NEW HOME Congratulations on your decision to purchase a new home! Your first step toward buying your new home will be to analyze your needs. Your real estate agent can help you determine exactly what you want your new home to look like and how it should function for you and your family. First, write down why you are looking for a new home. For example, are you currently renting and would like to begin building equity? Maybe you recently married and have outgrown your current residence. Or, maybe you received promotion that requires you to move to a new city. These factors … Continue reading Ten Steps to Buying a Home
Everyone is always curious about what they should register for. Well, this little guide can help. Below is a list of the registering items. You might just want to print it out, cross of what you already own, and then take the list with you when you go to register. Bridal Registry Checklist: Formal Dinnerware BASIC 8-12 Diner Plates 8-12 Salad Plates 8-12 Cups and Saucers ACCESSORIES 8-12 Soup Bowls Creamer Pitcher Sugar Bowl Coffee Carafe Teapot Salt/Pepper Shakers Serving Bowls Serving Platters Covered Caseroles Butter Dish Gravy Boat Silver BASIC 8-12 4-Piece Place Settings (Fork, Salad Fork, Teaspoon, Knife) ACCESSORIES Serving Spoons Soup Spoons Sugar Spoon Butter Knife Fine … Continue reading Bridal Gift Registry Checklist
Most professionals recommend that you rent for awhile especially if you are moving to a new area. That will give you a chance to check out the area and make a more informed decision when you buy. Some homes are available for rent, but apartments are more plentiful. Apartments usually have amenities that you may not be able to otherwise afford. Look at the location and talk to some residents to make sure they are happy with the accommodations and management. Find out about parking, decorating, utilities, length of contract, furnishings, deposit and etc… When shopping for a house, there are several things to consider. You need to determine what … Continue reading After the Wedding – Rent or Buy?
Many couples wonder where to register for wedding gifts. It is best to have at least two selections for those who choose to use a registry: a store with prices on the lower-end of the price range, and one on the medium-to-high end of the price range. You may also choose to include a more expensive site. Also consider where your guests live. The best place to register is somewhere that has stores in (nearly) every state. However, if you live in the same state as most of your guests, or if you know of specialty stores in their state (check online), then registering in those stores can also be … Continue reading Bridal Gift Registry Considerations