Getting Married? Download Our Checklist
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Checklist: Steps to Take
When You’re Getting Married
By completing these steps, newly married couples can ensure they start their journey together on a strong foundation, both financially and legally. You can store digital versions of important information on Trustworthy to ensure both you and your spouse have quick access to it when it’s needed.
Update Personal Information
Change your last name (if applicable) on your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other identification.
Update your marital status and name (if applicable) with your employer, bank, insurance companies, and other institutions.
Notify the post office of any address changes.
Update your beneficiaries on financial accounts, life insurance policies, and retirement plans.
Merge Financial Accounts
Decide whether to combine bank accounts or keep them separate.
Add your spouse to your accounts or open joint accounts as needed.
Review and adjust direct deposits and automatic payments.
Review Insurance Policies
Compare and consolidate health insurance plans, if applicable, to choose the best coverage.
Update auto, renters, and homeowners insurance policies to reflect marital status.
Consider adding or increasing life insurance coverage.
Consolidate Debts and Loans
Review all outstanding debts and loans (student loans, credit cards, etc.).
Decide if you want to consolidate or keep debts separate.
Create a plan to pay off high-interest debts together.
Organize Important Documents
Create a digital or physical filing system for important documents (marriage certificate, insurance policies, tax documents, etc.).
Consider using a secure digital vault like Trustworthy to store and manage essential information.
Update Emergency Contacts
Ensure all relevant organizations (work, school, medical offices) have updated emergency contact information.
Discuss emergency preparedness and create or update an emergency plan.
Review and Update Legal Documents
Update or create a will to reflect your new marital status.
Review or establish powers of attorney and healthcare directives.
Set Financial Goals and Budgets
Discuss and set joint financial goals (e.g., buying a home, saving for vacations, retirement planning).
Create a combined budget to manage household expenses and track spending.
Establish an emergency fund if you haven’t already.
Update Tax Information
Notify the IRS and your state tax agency of your marriage.
Adjust your withholding status on your W-4 form with your employer.
Determine if filing jointly or separately is more beneficial for your tax situation.
Review Employee Benefits
Check for changes in eligibility for benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement plans.
Update your employer with any changes to your marital status.
Take advantage of spousal benefits, such as family health coverage.
Plan for the Future
Discuss future plans such as family planning, buying a house, or relocating.
Consider consulting with a financial planner for long-term financial strategies.
Start or update your retirement savings strategy.
Update Personal Information
Change your last name (if applicable) on your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other identification.
Update your marital status and name (if applicable) with your employer, bank, insurance companies, and other institutions.
Notify the post office of any address changes.
Update your beneficiaries on financial accounts, life insurance policies, and retirement plans.
Review and Update Legal Documents
Update or create a will to reflect your new marital status.
Review or establish powers of attorney and healthcare directives.
Merge Financial Accounts
Decide whether to combine bank accounts or keep them separate.
Add your spouse to your accounts or open joint accounts as needed.
Review and adjust direct deposits and automatic payments.
Set Financial Goals and Budgets
Discuss and set joint financial goals (e.g., buying a home, saving for vacations, retirement planning).
Create a combined budget to manage household expenses and track spending.
Establish an emergency fund if you haven’t already.
Review Insurance Policies
Compare and consolidate health insurance plans, if applicable, to choose the best coverage.
Update auto, renters, and homeowners insurance policies to reflect marital status.
Consider adding or increasing life insurance coverage.
Update Tax Information
Notify the IRS and your state tax agency of your marriage.
Adjust your withholding status on your W-4 form with your employer.
Determine if filing jointly or separately is more beneficial for your tax situation.
Consolidate Debts and Loans
Review all outstanding debts and loans (student loans, credit cards, etc.).
Decide if you want to consolidate or keep debts separate.
Create a plan to pay off high-interest debts together.
Review Employee Benefits
Check for changes in eligibility for benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement plans.
Update your employer with any changes to your marital status.
Take advantage of spousal benefits, such as family health coverage.
Organize Important Documents
Create a digital or physical filing system for important documents (marriage certificate, insurance policies, tax documents, etc.).
Consider using a secure digital vault like Trustworthy to store and manage essential information.
Plan for the Future
Discuss future plans such as family planning, buying a house, or relocating.
Consider consulting with a financial planner for long-term financial strategies.
Start or update your retirement savings strategy.
Update Emergency Contacts
Ensure all relevant organizations (work, school, medical offices) have updated emergency contact information.
Discuss emergency preparedness and create or update an emergency plan.
Resources
© 2026 Trustworthy Company
Trustworthy for life™
548 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Est. 2020
Resources
© 2026 Trustworthy Company
Trustworthy for life™
548 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Est. 2020
© 2026 Trustworthy Company
Trustworthy for life™
548 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Est. 2020
Resources
© 2026 Trustworthy Company
Trustworthy for life™
548 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Est. 2020