Tag: pre-marital counseling Long Island

5 Financial Topics To Consider Before Getting Married

Even though getting married can be one of the happiest moments of our lives, it should also be a reminder that marriage is a legal union as much as it is a romantic one. Below are 5 financial topics to consider before getting married:

It’s important to consider the financial implications before tying the knot.

Giving consideration to these issues before the wedding makes things easier for the relationship. Through pre-marital counseling, you have a chance to discuss all the aspects of marriage and what you both want out of it. It’s wise to plan ahead. Consulting with a pre-marital counselor is always a good idea to make sure all your bases are covered, so that you can go into marriage confident and assured.

Here’s 5 financial topics to consider before getting married:

1. Prenuptial Agreement: This is probably one of the most common subjects to consider before getting married. A prenuptial agreement, or postnuptial if signed after the wedding ceremony, defines what happens upon divorce, instead of the state. Common topics covered in these agreements are how assets are divided upon divorce, protection of family inheritances from past relationships, separation of debt that is not jointly shared, spousal support, and characterization of incomes and property if they vary greatly between the spouses. Spouses considering a prenuptial, or premarital agreement should consult with a family law attorney to ensure it is prepared correctly and complies with the relevant laws in your state.

2. Money: It’s important to make sure that you and your soon-to-be spouse have an agreement with regard to money and finances. Many choose to have joint bank accounts because it makes it easier to track finances, while others choose to keep funds separate to maintain their financial independence. Having joint accounts requires close communication to keep each other abreast of spending. It also makes it convenient for shared expenses such as a mortgage or insurance, and it makes access to an account easier should a spouse suddenly pass away. On the other hand, keeping accounts separate makes it less difficult in the event of a divorce and each person has immediate access to funds. However, you’ll have to determine how to split shared expenses if you go this route. No matter how finances are handled, communication is key.

3: Taxes: Getting married can have a significant effect on your taxes. There are a few decisions couples need to make before the big day. For example, married couples can incur a tax penalty, sometimes paying more than they would if they were single. This happens when the tax brackets, standard deductions and other elements of the tax code don’t double upon marriage. This means that you may actually pay more than you would if you were single. If the salaries of both individuals vary greatly, then combining the incomes may result in a lower tax bracket, therefore, saving you money. But, when incomes are very similar, it’s possible you may incur a higher tax obligation by filing jointly. There are essentially two options for married couples: ‘married filing jointly’ and ‘married filing separately’. Rarely do couples save money when choosing to file ‘married filing separately’. Consulting a CPA or other tax professional is wise to determine which option best fits your financial situation.

4. Estate Planning: While this is often done once married, it’s definitely something to consider or give thought to prior to. Have you and your future spouse considered what should happen with your estate in the future? There are a variety of key documents that can ensure your loved ones are taken care of in the event that something happens to you. It’s critical to plan your estate with your significant other in mind by selecting beneficiaries, determining shared and separate assets, and creating health care directives. The four most important estate planning documents are Last Will and Testament, Living Trust, Advanced Directive and Power of Attorney.

5. Name Change: Of the many changes we experience when we get married, and one of the most visible, is a change of last name. While one does not legally need to change their name, it is something to consider and discuss before the wedding. First, you must have the new name on the marriage certificate. Second, you’ll need to change your identification documents such as your Social Security card, driver’s license or state-issued ID, vehicle title and registration, passport, bank accounts, etc. In order to do this you will need to present the marriage certificate with your new last name. Then, use your new last name on everything you do moving forward.

Marriage is as much a commitment as it is a legal contract, so it’s critical to consider all aspects before getting married.
Rights and responsibilities vary by state, but the above-mentioned financial topics to consider before getting married are important for everyone to think about ahead of time. Consulting with a family law attorney and pre-marital counselor can put your mind at ease, reach out today for an appointment with Chana Pfeifer, LCSW in Nassau County, NY.

Chana Pfeifer is currently seeing clients through telehealth virtual platforms and in-person (socially-distanced).

Long Island counselor helping couples before getting married.

Long Island marriage counselor Chana Pfeifer is helping couples before getting married…

The key to a successful marriage is finding the right person (for you). But how do you know if it’s right for sure before you walk down the aisle?

That’s where premarital counseling comes in. These are services for couples who want to make sure their relationship is off to a good start before they commit for the long-term.

Here’s how premarital counseling can help couples thinking about getting married:

1. Learn to communicate effectively.

One of the most important things in a relationship is communication. But it’s not always easy to communicate effectively; we all know how excruciating it can be not being understood by your partner. Counselors can help you learn how to communicate with one other so that you can avoid misunderstandings and jump back from arguments quickly and without resentment!

2. Resolve any on-going conflicts.

Even the happiest of couples argue from time to time. But if you’re constantly fighting, it’s a sign that something is wrong and it’s not being resolved. Counselors can help mediate an argument so you can resolve your differences and move on from the disagreement without causing more damage to the relationship.

3. Set realistic marriage expectations.

It’s important to have realistic expectations for your relationship. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment! Counselors can help you understand and express what you both expect from the marriage so that you can adjust your expectations accordingly, and be on the same page. They can help you set financial goals, decide how to raise your children, and figure out where you want to live. By planning for a successful future, you can make sure that your marriage gets off to a good start.

4. Mentally prepare for the wedding itself.

Wedding planning can be stressful, and pre-marital couples therapy can help you get through it. A counselor will help you figure out what’s important to you and your partner on the big day. You can clarify who you want (or not want) to invite, what will go on, where it will take place, when and why you want to.

If you’re considering getting married, counselors can help you prepare for a lifetime of happiness. By getting counseling before you tie the knot, you can avoid many of the problems that can ruin a marriage.

If you’re not sure you’re ready for marriage, counseling can help you figure it out. A therapist will ask you questions about your relationship and what you’re expecting from marriage. They’ll also give you some time to think about your decision so that you can be sure you’re making the right choice.

Counseling can help you communicate better, resolve conflicts, understand one other better, set realistic expectations, and plan for a successful future.

Helping couples before getting married – if you want to make sure your relationship is off to a good start, consider getting premarital counseling from Long Island marriage therapist Chana Pfeifer, LCSW.

In pre-marital therapy, parenting techniques & roles are discussed openly.

Marriage and parenting can be two of the most rewarding and daunting life events. Some couples may opt for pre-marital therapy, which can allow them to resolve differences and evaluate future plans in a therapeutic environment. Pre-marital counseling can have a multitude of benefits and provide a stable basis for the journey of marriage.

Many topics can be addressed in pre-marital counseling, touching on the key factors that often divide people in a relationship.

Some of these may include finances, conflict resolution techniques, parenting strategies and communication. Even when couples are basking in the joy of a healthy relationship, they can easily forget to clearly define expectations for the relationship and concepts of what the marriage should look like.

Making the transition into being a new parent while balancing the stress of marriage can be difficult. While parenting a child can bring immense joy, it can also be a source of contention in relationships. Differences in parenting styles, financial stress, and unclear parenting roles can all cause excess strain on a marriage. Discussing these potential struggles ahead of time is a proactive way to reduce uncertainty and develop healthy strategies with your spouse.

In counseling, parenting techniques and roles can be discussed openly in a safe, neutral space.

You can work together to cultivate effective communication and compromise on the differences you and your partner may have. With the professional guidance of a licensed counselor, couples can develop adaptive strategies to resolve conflicts and address challenges together with confidence.

Pre-marital therapy offers benefits for every couple, from the strong, healthy relationships, to ones in which you may feel disconnected from your partner. Chana Pfeifer has many years of experience guiding couples and offers pre-marital counseling at a convenient location in West Hempstead, Long Island.

If you and your future spouse are looking to cultivate a strong foundation for a lifelong commitment, don’t hesitate to reach out today.

Couples’ Premarital Counseling: Finance

joined paired counseling

Finance can be one of the most difficult topics to discuss, especially when your relationship seems to hang in the balance.

Unfortunately, financial issues and conflicts are one of the leading causes of divorce among married couples. If these issues are considered preemptively, couples can acquire the vision and resilience necessary to navigate murky financial waters in the future.

Premarital counseling can bring the dynamics of finances to a more positive and objective light unshadowed by emotions or personal biases.

Some of the main topics of premarital counseling are closely linked to financial discussions, including personal values, expectations, roles, family planning, communication, and conflict resolution.

One of the most insidious contributors to financial discord is a lack of effective communication between partners.

Money can be closely linked to individual self-worth and related stressors can present barriers to openness. Even if both partners are open and willing to discuss critical issues, it can be challenging to fully articulate one’s viewpoint on such a multifaceted topic.

What one partner may consider a necessity, another may consider an expensive luxury. Some may find savings or budget planning to be of critical importance, while others do not consider it much at all. Differences like this may not cause conflict at the start of a relationship, but over time, these issues can fester and create a larger problem that is difficult to navigate alone.

Having the ability to express one’s inner desires and fears is key to connecting with your partner and the issues at hand.

It is important to understand each other’s financial background, including how socioeconomic factors may have shaped one’s view of money during their lifetime. Fully comprehending the mosaic of cultural beliefs, patterns, and experiences can help the other partner communicate effectively about financial situations and goals.

Discussing differences and expectations is essential to cultivating a healthy conceptualization of spending, saving, working, and budgeting. Designating roles when handling such as taxes, bills, credit, and debt can help to reduce strain and fulfill healthy expectations. This includes emphasizing individual strengths and discovering how each partner can contribute to mutual success.

Providing each partner with the freedom to openly discuss financial habits, expectations, values, and planning is the first step in conquering related conflicts that may arise.

This can foster the unification of dual perspectives to create a harmonious balance of individuality. Counseling can provide a safe space in which to communicate your fears and perspectives while taking a proactive approach to your future as a happy and connected couple.

Chana Pfeifer, LCSW - West Hempstead NY Therapist
I am seeing clients in person in my canvas outdoor office or indoor office 6 feet apart, as long as we are symptom free.
 
I’m also available for virtual counseling sessions with couples & individual adults through Zoom, Skype, FaceTime.

For additional information on couples’ premarital counseling, call (516) 592-1107 or email Chana Pfeifer, LCSW today.

Payments can be made via:  Cash, Check, Zelle, Chase QuickPay, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Health Savings Account

Pre-Marital Counseling West Hempstead, NY

As you prepare for your wedding, have you also prepared for your marriage?

A survey published by the Journal of Family Psychology reported that couples who underwent pre-marital education reported higher levels of marital satisfaction. They also noted a 30% decrease in the likelihood of divorce happening in over five years of the study.

Pre-Marital Counseling West Hempstead, NY

Chana Pfeifer, LCSW * The Happier MeEssentially, pre-marital counseling is a specialized type of therapy that prepares couples for marriage. The main goal is to help couples build a healthy, strong relationship that establishes a healthy foundation for their union.

Here is how an accredited counselor can help couples build a solid foundation for their union:

1.   Change Perspective

A counselor’s role is to help each partner evaluate the relationship in a more objective manner. They learn how to recognize their interactions and regard each other in a positive light.

2.   Identify Strengths

Pre-marital counseling helps couples identify their strengths in the relationship as a partnership. An in-depth understanding of the stronger aspects of the relationship helps build a spirit of resilience. Ultimately, couples will know that a solid foundation is what builds the marriage.

3.   Improve Communication

For a relationship to be successful, effective communication is an important factor to consider. Pre-marital counselors guide couples on how to talk to each other and remain intimate by openly expressing thoughts and feelings in a supportive way.

4.   Eliminate Dysfunctional Behaviors

Pre-marital counseling helps couples rectify dysfunctional behaviors such as dominance, control and addiction.

5.   Cultural Issues Affecting Marriage

Cultural beliefs tend to affect how partners relate to each other in their lives. It influences the daily common behaviors such as eating, working, and managing their money. The sooner a couple identifies and cultivates a new culture for themselves, the better. A counselor helps reveal cultural issues and teaches the couple how to compromise for each other.

Common Issues Addressed:

Pre-marital counseling addresses a wide range of topics:

  • Conflict Resolution – premarital counselors educate couples in resolving conflicts and how they can come to terms on issues they disagree on.
  • Finances – finance is a hot topic that couples should sit down on and learn how to navigate. The role of the counselor is not to act as a financial adviser – but to help each partner determine how they are going to create a financial system that will suit them both.
  • Sex and Intimacy – intimacy is what keeps partners close together. If uncomfortable discussing sex after being celibate, a counselor helps breaks the ice. Partners get to understand each other sexually and work towards maintaining a healthy relationship in the matrimonial bed.
  • Family – getting married sometimes includes starting a family together. Counselors direct the conversation in a serious light especially when it comes to the number of children and the aspect of timing.

Pre-Marital Counseling West Hempstead, NY

Adherence to privacy is what helps couples confide in their counselor. Be sure to work with Chana Pfeifer, your trusted therapist, providing exceptional skills and a supportive atmosphere for all couples in need of counseling services.

For additional information about attending, please call (516) 592-1107 or email Chana Pfeifer at TheHappierMe.LCSW@gmail.com.

Read more reviews on Facebook.

Pre-Marital Counseling Long Island

Pre-marital counseling Long Island, a form of couples’ therapy before getting married.

pre-marital counseling Long IslandOne of the most important choices a person makes in their life is choosing who to marry. This is because they’re choosing to live with their spouse in the same home and commit themselves to them, ideally for the rest of their life.

In today’s day and age, more and more couples are opting for pre-marital counseling so that they can ensure they and their future spouse are on the same page when it comes to what they expect from their marriage.

Also, it is easier for couples to talk about difficult issues in a safe environment where they are guided by a professional, as it helps them look at each other in a new light, with a new perspective.

For couples who have concerns about their upcoming marriage, or want to increase their compatibility, pre-marital counseling with Chana Pfeifer can be a very rewarding experience.

What issues do you talk about?

Getting married is a big decision, and pre-marital counseling can help partners get to know each other even better. Subjects such as finances, children and sexual relations can be areas where partners have differing views, and talking about them beforehand can help avoid major conflicts later on.

A good marriage counselor helps both parties improve their conflict resolution skills so that if the couple has any fights down the road, which is highly likely, they can sensibly know how to resolve them.

For couples who are looking for a good pre-marital counselor, Chana Pfeifer, based in the Long Island area, is one of the best in the profession and can help you deal with any concerns you may have.

How can it help me?

Pre-marital counseling can help partners talk about any concerns they may have about the marriage with each other so that they can resolve them before the actual wedding. It can also act as a method through which partners can talk about any old resentments or release the pent up aggression they may have. This way, both parties enter the marriage with a clean slate and old problems do not come back to haunt them.

Does it really work?

According to the results of a survey that were published in a notable psychology journal, couples who have some experience of pre-marital counseling or education have greater satisfaction with their marriage and have a 30% lower rate of divorce in the first five years. The reason for this is that when couples enter the marriage after prior training, they know what to expect, how to deal with their problems and their partner’s way of thinking, all of which contribute to a healthier relationship with fewer problems.

For additional information about counseling, please call (516) 592-1107 or email Chana Pfeifer at TheHappierMe.LCSW@gmail.com.

Read more reviews on Facebook.