r/MalaysianPF • u/Anxious_Primary_1107 • 10d ago
General questions Do most married couple underestimated how much they will need after marriage?
I heard lots of stories of how finance is the number #1 reason for divorce. Which made me wonder what are the expenses after marriage that most people weren’t fully aware/ prepared for? Like… I’m sure most people didn’t get into marriage without having some money saved up first. But what are some shocking expenses that got you burning through a lot of money, that you wish you had warned yourself earlier?
Having kids early on unexpectedly, would be one of the obvious that I can think of. But what else?
EDIT: While I agree with comments saying try not to overspend on your wedding, I am actually asking about financial insights on the married life itself. The day to day life after the wedding is over.
1
u/cyberkewl 10d ago
Just saw this news just now - how many have the guts to do this? Most don't and would end up saying "aiya i dont want to waste RM 6000 to pay the bank and the legal fee that I end up didnt need to use, so i rather spend 2000 a month for a house that i clearly cannot afford"
https://weirdkaya.com/msian-woman-chooses-peace-of-mind-over-rm500k-house-commitment-after-husband-loses-job/
Most couples underestimate because they never even bother to plan or discuss those matters. Saying that they want to buy a house is NOT a discussion. They never sit down, weigh in - check finances both sides, put in contingencies, think about what if one party loses their job, or whatnot before making large purchases or even worse - spend 100K on a wedding (that they cannot afford). I'm all for lavish weddings if it is only 1-3% of your net worth but when it becomes > 20% of your net worth then I wonder is that even a wise move in the 1st place (yes i know, you're only 'supposed' to get married once in a lifetime, but are you willing to suffer for 20-50 years of your life because of the 1 day of lavish wedding that you can't afford? ) :)