From
Your Perspective:
Financial self-defense for women
Investing with
your husband
You may discover, among other things, that
there are several financial advantages to marriage and partnership.
For example, two can usually live more cheaply than one, leaving
more money to invest, which, in turn, may make
diversifying
your portfolio
easier.
But money can also be a source of conflict
for spouses or partners. Being able to agree on financial matters
can be a major challenge. You can start by talking to your husband
or partner about the financial goals you share and how you can
make them realities. A financial adviser who works with both of
you can answer investment questions and can help you plan together
more effectively.
Keep in mind that you aren’t required
to share all your assets with your partner. If you have different
priorities, you can invest separately. Investments you own before
marriage or that you inherit while you’re married remain
yours. You can choose whether or not you want to continue holding
them separately.
Even if you decide to have separate ownership
of your assets, you need to share financial information with your
spouse. That way you can help prevent added turmoil should you
decide to separate or divorce, or if there’s an unexpected
illness or death.
Separate or joint owners?
Many married couples own all their investments,
including their homes, jointly. There are good reasons
for this, including the fact that it helps to establish
financial equity between husband and wife and may
prevent one partner — for whatever reason — from
selling all the assets. But there are potential drawbacks
to owning everything jointly. For instance you may
want to protect assets from federal estate taxes
or claims from either of your creditors.
