Marriage brings emotional and practical changes—including how you handle money together. But many couples avoid financial conversations until it causes tension. If one partner struggles to manage their finances, it can create stress that affects both people. Before you make a long-term commitment, it’s important to notice potential red flags and talk about how you’ll manage money as a team.
1. They Avoid Talking About Money
One of the biggest red flags is when your partner shuts down or changes the subject anytime money comes up. You’ll need to make financial decisions together—like how to budget, split expenses, and save for goals—so it’s important to be able to talk honestly.
If you find it hard to have a basic conversation about spending, saving, or debt, that’s worth paying attention to. Silence around money doesn’t make problems go away—it just makes them harder to solve later.
2. They Have Little or No Savings
If your partner doesn’t have any savings, it may be a sign they’re not budgeting or planning ahead. Emergencies happen—like car repairs, medical bills, or job changes—and having some money set aside can make a big difference.
Not everyone has had the same financial opportunities, so it’s important to understand the reasons behind a lack of savings. But if your partner isn’t thinking about the future or doesn’t seem concerned about being unprepared, it’s worth having a conversation about how you’ll handle money together.
3. They Struggle to Manage Debt
If your partner uses credit cards to cover everyday expenses or carries high balances without a plan to pay them down, it may point to deeper financial habits that need attention. Avoiding debt statements or not knowing how much they owe can also be a red flag.
It’s helpful to talk about how each of you views borrowing and repayment. You don’t need to merge finances right away, but you should have a shared understanding of how you’ll handle debt as a couple—especially since in some states, debts incurred during the marriage can become shared responsibilities.
Money can be a pain point for many couples, but it also offers you an opportunity to build trust and open lines of communication. If your partner is secretive, dismissive, or defensive—these are signs that there may be more going on.
4. They Often Miss Bill Payments
If your partner forgets to pay bills—or ignores them—it could signal disorganization or deeper money problems. Unpaid bills can lead to fees, service interruptions, and credit damage, which might affect both of you down the line.
Everyone slips up once in a while, but regular missed payments should prompt a conversation. Ask how they keep track of due dates and whether they feel in control of their financial responsibilities. The goal isn’t to judge, but to understand whether this is a pattern that might continue into your shared life.
5. They Live Paycheck to Paycheck
If your partner often runs out of money before the next payday, it might mean they’re spending more than they can afford—or that they don’t have a clear budget. Occasional shortfalls happen, but when it becomes a monthly pattern, it’s worth exploring why.
Look for signs like big spending early in the month followed by financial stress later on. Living paycheck to paycheck isn’t always a sign of irresponsibility—sometimes it’s about income limits or past financial setbacks. Still, it’s important to talk about how you’ll plan and budget together moving forward.
6. They Have a Low Credit Score
You might not know your partner’s credit score unless they choose to share it, but there can be clues—like being denied for loans or relying heavily on high-interest credit. A low credit score can make it harder to qualify for things like a mortgage or car loan, especially if you’re applying together.
While your partner’s credit doesn’t automatically affect yours, it can shape your financial options as a couple. If this is a concern, consider talking openly about what steps they’re taking to rebuild their credit and how you’ll approach big financial decisions as a team.
Money and Marriage: Start With a Conversation
Being in love doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything—but you do need to talk openly about money. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, try to have a calm, honest conversation before you get married. Understanding each other’s financial habits, goals, and concerns can help you build a stronger foundation together.
You don’t have to figure it all out at once. But starting the conversation now can help prevent bigger issues later—and set you both up for a more stable future.
