Top 3 Things That Newlyweds Should Do First

Once the honeymoon is over and you’re back to everyday life, it’s time to start thinking practically. There are quite a few things to take care of before you can settle into married life, so get them out of the way and enjoy wedded bliss! Read on to learn the top three things that newlyweds should do first.

Request Your Marriage Certificate

Marriage certificates and marriage licenses aren’t the same (isn’t bureaucracy so fun?). If you want to legally change your name, have proof of relationship, or update your marital status for tax reasons, you’ll need a marriage certificate. Head into your local vital records office and pick up a few copies.

We recommend ordering one to five copies to use for the previously listed purposes, as well as an extra copy or two for your records (and as proof of identity).

Create a Joint Bank Account

Whether you’re planning to keep separate bank accounts or not, one joint account is a must. There will always be shared expenses (like vacations or mortgages), so it makes sense to have a single account for all your co-purchases.

If you and your spouse are as close as can be, combine all your accounts into one handy place! This can really help streamline your finances and means you won’t need to pay each other back constantly.

Get a Postnuptial Agreement

There are so many reasons that all couples should get a postnuptial agreement—and they’re not all in case of divorce. While that is something that may be good to account for, postnuptial agreements can also help clarify what comes next after the untimely passing of a spouse.

On top of that, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements start the marriage with honest communication—an essential component of every successful relationship.

Now that you know the top three things that newlyweds should do first, enjoy married life with the person of your dreams—you earned it!