Money talks: Why young couples should chat about prenups before saying I do

Planning a wedding often means endless checklists—dresses, venues, catering—but one topic rarely makes the cut: prenuptial agreements. Many assume prenups are only for celebrities or the ultra-rich, but experts say they’re more like a financial roadmap for any couple starting out. Whether it’s unequal savings, future inheritances, or just avoiding messy court battles, these agreements do more than protect assets—they force honest conversations about money before it becomes a problem. State laws differ widely when it comes to splitting assets after a divorce. Some states split everything 50/50, while others aim for a "fair" (but not equal) division. Without a prenup, courts decide what’s fair—and that can lead to messy disputes. A firefighter might argue his pension should stay mostly his, while his spouse could push for a bigger share. The prenup lets couples decide this upfront instead of leaving it to a judge. It’s not about expecting failure; it’s about planning ahead, like wearing a seatbelt even if you never crash.Cost is another factor. Hiring lawyers to draft and review a prenup typically runs $3, 000 to $4, 000. Some might grumble, but experts warn against leaving it too late. A prenup signed too close to the wedding could be seen as forced, making it easier to challenge in court. Ideally, couples should broach the topic before engagement—or at least well before the big day. The goal isn’t to set conditions for failure but to ensure both partners feel secure, whether the marriage lasts a year or a lifetime. Bringing up a prenup can feel awkward, especially between cake tastings and seating charts. But therapists suggest framing it as a team effort, not an ultimatum. The conversation isn’t just about "my money vs. yours"—it’s about shared goals, like saving for a home or paying off debt together. A financial therapist compares it to discussing boundaries with roommates: uncomfortable at first, but better than a shouting match later. The prenup becomes part of a bigger financial plan, not a doomsday clause.