
Well, how to talk about finances before marriage can be awkward, but also, extremely important.
Money AND Dating… I mean isn’t just dating hard enough? Swiping on Bumble, keeping your eyes peeled during ladies’ night out and then meeting in person and making small talk and THEN trying to figure out what you have in common. Ugh. It’s exhausting, amirite?

Thing is, once you find someone you might have a future with, talking about finances before marriage is essential.
35% of people blame finances for the stress they experience in their relationships.
OK, so how do you talk about finances before marriage without it being completely cringe and awkward?

1. How To Talk About Finances Before Marriage Without Words
A lot can be said with no words at all.
Try observing your potential partner on dates. See how they act when it comes to money.
“You can also watch along the way. How are they with their money? Do they value money? Do they save? What are conversations like when money comes up? Do they avoid money?” money coach Gina Knox tells FundsSavvy.com.
Do the conversations you have veer toward the topic of gambling or the topic of investing?
How does your date dress? Is he covered in labels, or more subdued and classy?
You can tell so much about a person and their relationship with money just by watching.
2. Keep It Casual

Keep it cool and casual. Having the talk about finances before marriage doesn’t have to be a huge deal.
“Start by having a casual conversation about money beliefs early on to gauge alignment. For instance, ask about budgeting habits or saving goals during routine activities like planning a trip,” Stanley Insurance Group owner Brandon Stanley tells FundsSavvy.com.
You can learn a ton about a person and their money habits by planning a trip or activity. Do they compare rates at different hotels? Do they price compare for flights?
See if someone is careful with their planning or just throws caution to the wind and books the first tropical destination they find.

3. One Team, One Dream
If you decide that this is your partner in life, you’re going to have to work together. Why not start seeing your boo as your teammate from the jump?
“Approach the topic with curiosity rather than judgment, framing it as a team discussion rather than a critique. Start with open-ended questions like, ‘What are your thoughts on saving versus spending?’ or ‘How do you feel about budgeting?’ Invested Mom Inge Von Aulock tells FundsSavvy.com.
You want someone to feel like there is give and take in a conversation about money.
“This helps set a collaborative tone. Be willing to share your own financial values and habits to create a safe space for honesty,” she adds.

So, To Recap: How To Talk About Finances Before Marriage Without Words
Look, we know, dating is awkward enough, but getting the money talk out of the way early will help you understand if you are right for each other.
Here’s how to have this convo:
- Observe
- Keep It Casual
- Collaborate
Good luck out there, girls!