Use this checklist to help align your financial goals.

Agree on Your Financial Goals:

• Discuss and identify short- and long-term financial goals.
• Determine the amount that needs to be saved or invested each month to achieve your short- and long-term goals.
• Develop and adhere to a monthly budget.
• Save six months’ worth of living expenses for emergencies.

Set Up the Basics:

• Regularly schedule family financial meetings.
• Create a combined financial statement of net worth.
• Discuss whether to merge existing financial accounts.
• Decide who will manage the day-to-day family finances (e.g., paying bills, record keeping).
• Review credit reports to identify and correct any errors that may exist so there are no surprises when you make a large purchase (e.g., car, home) together.
• Determine where you will live.
• Review credit accounts and other debt. Eliminate debts with high interest rates.
• If you own a home, consider refinancing if one or both of you have a good credit score, and plan to live there for at least five years.
• Make sure you each have at least one credit card account in your name.
• Discuss any school loans and consolidate, if possible.
• Consider participating in any employer-sponsored retirement savings plans- at least enough to earn the employer match (if applicable).

Edward Jones and its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and do not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult a qualified tax or legal professional for advice regarding your specific situation.