North Bay Woman

S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 55 is before they become a problem. "Money should be discussed before marriage," says Alexandra Cock, founder and principal of WealthPlus in Corte Madera. "Dif- fering spending styles are import- ant, but they can be managed." Cock advises a couple to plan a premarital visit with a fi nancial adviser, who can offer some objectivity and structure to the conversation, as well as advise on any prenuptial agreement. This is particularly important for women approaching retire- ment who intend to apply for a former husband's Social Security benefi t. A session with a fi nancial counselor also helps you get comfortable with some basic fi nancial planning, she adds. There are half a dozen foun- dation principles every couple should address: from budgeting to buying a house to having kids, from paying for college to paying next month's rent. You don't have to agree with each other on how to handle these, but you do have to come to an agreement you can both adhere to without undermining your goals. In addition to quotidian decisions such as how many bank accounts you should have (his, hers and ours?), a fi nancial plan- ner can open up a dialogue on more esoteric levels. "What goals do you have for your life? What does retirement look like? Is there a legacy you want to leave?" These and other questions can prompt conversations between you and your loved one that will not only lead to better fi nancial planning but bring you emotionally closer to each other. Defensive Planning No matter how much fi nancial closeness between the two of you, however, you should main- tain at least one bank account of your own and carry at least one credit card in your name, says Cock. Should your marriage end, having your own fi nancial identity will ameliorate some of the diffi culties. And even if your marriage lasts until "death do us part," there will be bumps along the road — some more signifi cant than most. The best time to prevent confl icts in spending styles, fi nancial goals and life values is before they become a problem. >> on your Feet Let Us Get You Back 750 Las Gallinas Ave., Suite 115 San Rafael • 415-472-5575 Dr. Eman Elmi Bunion Pain Hammertoes Arthritis Toenail Fungus Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis Custom Orthotics Neuroma Pain Athletes Foot Big Toe Joint Replacement Achilles Tendon Pain Diabetic Foot Care Sports Injuries Conservative & Surgical Treatment Options Secure. Reliable. Easy to Use. Integrate Your Payroll and Human Resource with Time2Pay ■ Free Payroll Switch Kit ■ Illustrated Step-by-Step Conversion Process ■ Time and Attendance ■ Benefits Tracking ■ Web and Personal Interaction available to all clients ■ 6-Part Performance Guarantee for 100% Satisfaction Ask about our Referral Program The Largest Independently Owned Payroll Company in the North Bay Payroll Management Services www.accuchex.com 415-883-7733 ■ 877-422-2824

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