making the merge

Your Name Change

Keeping Your Maiden Name Women who have established a professional career using their maiden name often choose to continue using that name.

Using Both Names Some women choose to use their maiden name at work and career related functions, yet legally take their husband’s surname and use it for social and family purposes.

Hyphenating Your Name This option requires a hyphen after the bride’s maiden name followed by her husband’s surname. (Sandra Smith becomes Sandra Smith-Fisher.)

Changing Your Name Women opting to change their name both socially and legally, should plan to take action upon returning from the honeymoon. A request should be made for a separate credit history to be maintained under the bride’s maiden name. It is wise for a woman to keep one or two credit cards under her maiden name to maintain a credit rating in the event she is widowed or divorced.

Name Change Checklist

 Auto Registration  Bank Accounts

 Car Insurance

 Credit Cards

 Credit Reporting Agency  Deeds

 Doctor/Dental Records

 Driver’s License  Employee Records

 Internal Revenue Service  Life Insurance Policy  Memberships

 Passport  Post Office

 Property Titles

 Savings Accounts

 Social Security Card

 Stock Certificates  Voter Registration

 Will where

Yours, Mine or Ours? Joint checking or individual? The merging of two households and two sets of finances warrants some time and attention. With all the focus on the wedding, it's easy to put off a few of the not-so-urgent details, such as banking, insurance and other financial decisions. Here are a few of the items you'll want to address sooner, rather than later.

Banking One of the first decisions to make is whether to merge your accounts or keep them separate. Many couples opt to open a joint account, while still keeping separate accounts. Others choose to open a joint savings account, where they funnel a certain percentage of their monthly income. The amount allocated towards the account is usually determined by their financial goals.

Bills If you choose to maintain separate bank accounts, sit down together and discuss the allocation of household bills. If all funds are merged, you'll need to decide who's in charge of finances and responsible for paying the monthly bills.

Insurance Review car, home, health and life insurance policies. Analyze coverage plans and address the new beneficiary issues where necessary.

Your First Home No matter what state the economy is in, investing wisely in real estate can be an important factor in building a solid financial future. Start addressing your financial goals right from the start. There are benefits to being married—you've got combined purchase power. Wield it wisely.

Finding an agent that's familiar with local neighborhoods, schools and market conditions is key. Whether you know exactly what you want, or have no idea where to start, you'll want an experienced, reputable agent to walk you through the process.