Some financial questions to ask before walking down the aisle

TORONTO – While it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of a wedding, marriage is also a contract that comes with weighty financial decisions. Here are some important financial questions to ask your significant other before saying “I do” (from Sun Life financial adviser Melanie Adams):

— What is your debt load?

— Do you have any financial commitments that are ongoing such as child support or spousal support payments?

— Have you had any issues with your credit (which could impact your mortgage and interest rates going forward)?

— What percentage of income do you save?

— What kind of assets are you bringing in (investments, RRSP, inheritance)?

— What are your short-term goals (children, home ownership)?

— What are your longer-term goals (when to retire, where, how to save)?

— To what degree do you want to combine finances (joint account, separate accounts or a combination thereof)?

SOURCE: Sun Life