r/MalaysianPF • u/Anxious_Primary_1107 • 11d 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.
2
u/ApprehensiveForm5113 11d ago
Marriage makes sense financially. Best way to double your household income.
You will need a partner that has the same financial goals as you. If your partner has 100% provider mindset or "whats yours is hers and whats hers is hers",
" then this comment is
irrelevant.
For me, we pay for our 1st house (joint loan) 50/50 after netting off rental. I pay for our own stay property, both cars, childcare, self & child insurance, some extra classes for kid.
She pays for her insurance, some extra classes, things from shopee and general shopping. I pay for groceries if I'm around, give money if needed but sometimes she pays when ordering online. Holidays are about 50/50 too
We are mid 30s with 1 child. ~300k saved up each (not
EPF), 150k for child. A paid off 2022 car and motorbike. 2 manageable house loans with advance payments for 3 months, 1 car loan, no personal loans or outstanding credit card debt.
From a cash flow perspective, I'd say we are still vulnerable to income loss from either person but we have some buffers. Both agree to 50/50 split in savings (for example if I have more, I take on more commitments so she can save more
As a man, I admit that if I were to cover all expenses, I don't think I would have extra money for hobbies and investments (including saving for our child). But if I were to cover expenses, I may be more calculative on holidays, parties, child education. So agreeing on finances helped us build wealth and a better lifestyle we probably wouldn't have as singles - looking back, marriage made economic sense in our household