Just married. Big plans. One beautiful beginning.
The wedding's over. The adventure's just beginning. From combining finances and finding your first home to updating benefits and protecting your future, here's your Texas newlywed guide to building a life together.
Two people.
One exciting future.
You've said your vows, celebrated with your favorite people and possibly eaten wedding cake for breakfast. Now comes the part where you build your everyday life together.
A few practical conversations about money, housing, benefits and insurance can help you start this chapter on the same page.
First things first. A little paperwork.
The marriage certificate isn't the end of the paperwork. Depending on your circumstances, there may be a few more things to update.
Request them from the Texas county clerk that issued your marriage license. They may be useful for benefits, name changes and other updates.
Start with Social Security, then review your Texas driver's license, passport, financial accounts and other records.
Marriage may open a special enrollment opportunity for employer health coverage. Check your plan's deadline promptly, since enrollment windows can be short.
Review workplace records, healthcare providers and any other places that should have current information.
Still planning the wedding?
Our Getting Married in Texas guide covers marriage licenses, waiting periods, ceremonies and name changes.
EXPLORE THE TEXAS MARRIAGE GUIDE →Let's talk money. Without making it weird.
You don't need identical spending habits to build a financial life together. You do need a system that works for both of you.
Joint, separate or a little of both?
Decide how you'll manage shared expenses, personal spending and savings. There's no single arrangement that works for every couple.
Get the full picture.
List your combined income, recurring bills, debts, insurance premiums and savings goals.
Dream a little bigger.
A first home? More travel? Starting a family? Agree on what you're working toward and how much to save.
Prepare for surprises.
Build an emergency fund that reflects your expenses, job stability and other financial obligations.
Make it a monthly money date.
Set aside a little time to review upcoming expenses, savings progress and any financial decisions you want to make together. Snacks are encouraged.
Newly married.
Texas rules.
Texas has a few financial and property rules worth understanding as you begin married life. Knowing the basics can help you ask better questions before making big decisions.
Texas is a community property state.
Property acquired during marriage is generally presumed to be community property, although important exceptions exist. Property owned before marriage and certain gifts or inheritances may qualify as separate property. Ownership and debt questions can be more complicated than whose name appears on an account.
Texas has no individual state income tax.
You'll still need to consider federal income taxes, property taxes and other household expenses. Marriage may change your federal filing options, withholding and eligibility for certain benefits.
Review your federal tax withholding.
If both spouses work, updating your W-4 forms without accounting for both incomes can result in unexpected withholding. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator or speak with a tax professional.
IRS WITHHOLDING ESTIMATOR ↗Buying property together?
Discuss how you'll hold title, what each person is contributing and how you'll handle mortgage payments and major repairs. A Texas attorney can explain property rights if your circumstances are complicated.
Two toothbrushes. One address.
Whether you're moving into an apartment, buying a starter home or combining two households, your new living situation deserves a little planning.
Protect the place you share.
Review your lease, create a household inventory and ask whether both spouses are appropriately covered by renters insurance.
Start with your real budget.
Include mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance and possible HOA fees.
TEXAS HOMEBUYING GUIDE →Know what you're paying.
If you buy a qualifying primary residence, explore Texas residence homestead exemptions and local property tax obligations.
TEXAS PROPERTY TAX GUIDE →Make room for everything.
Combining furniture, electronics, jewelry and other belongings? Review your personal property coverage and any special limits.
Moving to a new ZIP code?
Your address can affect auto insurance rates, homeowners insurance options and local property taxes. Update your policies when you move.
A little planning for all the life ahead.
Marriage can change your healthcare, retirement and long-term financial planning. It's a good time to review the details together.
Review premiums, deductibles, provider networks and out-of-pocket costs before choosing separate or shared coverage.
Review 401(k)s, IRAs and other retirement accounts. Spousal rights and beneficiary rules vary by account type.
Consider whether either spouse depends on the other's income or would need help covering shared debts and living expenses.
Marriage is a useful time to review wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives and beneficiary designations.
Thinking about starting a family?
Review parental leave, healthcare benefits, childcare costs and financial goals before your family grows.
HAVING A BABY IN TEXAS →Build a life you both love.
You don't have to make every big decision during your first year of marriage. Start with the essentials and leave room for a little fun.
Find your rhythm.
Talk about household responsibilities, schedules and the routines that make life easier together.
Make a shared wish list.
Discuss travel, career plans, homeownership and what you'd like your next few years to look like.
Take a little road trip.
Hill Country weekends, coastal getaways and exploring somewhere new together.
EXPLORE TEXAS ROAD TRIPS →Revisit your plans.
Review your budget, financial goals, beneficiaries and insurance whenever your circumstances change.
Oh yeah.
Insurance.
Marriage changes a lot of things. Your insurance may be one of them. Combining households, sharing vehicles and making new financial commitments are all good reasons to review your coverage.
Auto insurance
If you share an address or drive each other's cars, make sure your insurer has accurate household and driver information. Compare the cost of separate and combined policies.
Homeowners or renters insurance
Review your dwelling and personal property coverage. Combining households may increase the value of belongings you need to protect.
Life insurance
Consider income replacement, mortgage obligations and other financial commitments. Review existing policies and update beneficiaries as appropriate.
Umbrella insurance
Additional liability coverage may be worth considering as you accumulate assets, purchase property or take on new responsibilities.
Ask about bundling.
Combining eligible home and auto policies may qualify you for discounts. Compare coverage and total costs rather than focusing on the discount alone.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you compare available options and find coverage that fits your new chapter.
Two hearts.
Let's talk protection.
Combining auto policies? Moving into your first home together? Thinking about life insurance? Let Charley take a look.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →