Today I’m joined by Rachel Cruze, Personal Finance Expert & Bestselling Author, from Ramsey Solutions to talk about wedding budgets & awkward money conversations with your partner with Rachel Cruze.According to a study by SunTrust Bank, money disagreements are the top predictor of divorce, ahead of infidelity and communication problems. The study surveyed divorced adults and found that nearly half (45%) said financial arguments were the most common type of disagreement in their marriage. Not only do I help you enjoy the wedding planning process, I also want to make sure you stay married! So in today’s episode, we’re talking with one of the biggest experts in the field about those awkward money conversations you haven’t had with your fiance and how to set you both up for financial success long after the wedding.  Here's a summary of our interview:Meet Rachel Cruze [02:50]When should couples have conversations about long-term financial goals with each other? Are there certain topics they should definitely discuss when they start to get serious or before they get married?[6:08]Do you advise couples to combine finances before or after getting married and why or why not? [11:25]I know you all have a system called the Ramsey baby steps to help people get out of debt. When it comes to getting married, are there certain financial milestones you advise couples achieve before they get married? [17:25]Why is it important to talk about debts you have with your future spouse before you get married? [19:03]Do you have any tips for our listeners on how to broach this subject with their fiance or partner before they get engaged? [20:30]Are there certain types of debt couples should tackle before getting married and ones they should save for after getting married? [22:20]Do you feel like couples should pay off car loan first or student loan first before getting married or should it more of based on the amount on debt? [25:12]What if one person has significantly more debt than the other person? [26:22]What advice do you have for couples to help them figure out what their wedding budget should be? [28:02]What tips do you have for couples that are considering taking on some debt to pay for their wedding? Could they purchase some stocks knowing they want to cash them in in a year? Take on a side hustle? Don’t do this at all? [33:19]How would you advise our couples to keep comparison from creeping in? [35:44]Listener question 1: My partner and I have different financial goals. I come from a scarcity mindset while she spends to quell her anxiety. We have joint accounts but it’s hard for me to reconcile having combined finances when our goals are different. How do we get on the same page? [39:05]Listener question 2: My parents are financially secure and are paying for the wedding. I have a small family thus my side of the guest list is shorter. My fiance’s parents are not paying for the wedding but their family is bigger. How do we reconcile the fact that my parents are paying for it but our percentage of the guest list will only be about 20%? We want to have a nice wedding and we would be able to spend more per person with a smaller guest list, but I want to be able to include more from his side, also. [41:57]Never Have I Ever [44:20]“This or That” [47:15]Connect with Rachel CruzeRamsey SolutionsInstagram: Connect with the show!? Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-3467 IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast?: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/?: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com