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Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, August 29, 2007 11 BRIDAL CORNER Shared finances can be an adventure for newlyweds A marraige is a new financial start. When couples get together there are adjustments to be made, goals to be set and financial adventures to take. Share information Both partners should be fully aware of each other's financial situations, from spending to debt to investments. With full financial disclosure, you'll be better equipped to plan together. Review and establish goals The sooner you set financial goals, the better your chances of reaching them. Do you want to buy a new home or move up in the housing market? What about a retirement savings strategy? How much will those goals cost and how long will it take to reach them? Budget Create a budget that will allow you to save and invest enough to reach your goals. A good budget will help identify how much you earn and spend, and how to divert more income to savings. Decide how finances will be managed. Will they be shared equally? Will you have joint savings and investments? Who will physicaly handle financial transactiions? Assess insurance needs Life insurance is a necessity when you're married. The last thing you want is for your spouse or family to be left in dire financial straits if something happens to you. Consider disability and critical care insurance as well. Establish an emergency fund Keep six to nine months combined living expenses in an emergency fund. If you run into financial difficulty-- perphaps one of you could fall ill or lose your job-- an emergency fun can help you get through. One final tip It's a good idea to get help from financial experts. At this stage of life couples can benefit from professional advice, including the services of a financial advisor. With the right advice you can ensure your financial life together gets started on the right note. For more information go to www.edwardjones.com. --Article courtesy of Colin Brookes, financial advisor, Edward Jones-Georgetown. Pay down debt If you owe money, particularly high-interest debt such as credit card balances, formulate a plan to pay it off. Consider ways to reduce borrowing costs. For example, set up a home equity line of credit, if you own a house and quickly pay off any amounts you borrow. Make or update wills Both partners should have up-to-date wills. This means jointly discussing estate planning needs and goals. You should also have powers of attorney for financial and personal cae, in case one of you is unable to manage your financial and personal affairs because of illness or injury. THE BRIDAL Specialists 905-457-3363 WE'RE PLANNING A SPECIAL EVENT September 1-30, 2007 A Free Veil or Headpiece of Your Choice* with every Wedding Gown Purchased! HUNDREDS OF WEDDING GOWNS SIZES 6-28 ALL NAME BRANDS: MAGGIE, SOTTERO, ALFRED SUNG, MORI LEE, ALFRED ANGELO, PRIVATE LABEL, SINCERITY, PALOMA BLANCA & MORE 365 Guelph St. (Hwy. 7) Halton Hills (Georgetown) 905-877-6986 1-800-563-2476 www.bestwestern.com/ca/innonthehill INN ON THE HILL Three Couples, One Race, ONE GRAND PRIZE! Need accommodations for your wedding guests? Our attractive award winning hotel, reasonable rates and 24 hr. friendly service make us the favourite choice for Halton Hills weddings since 1980. 389 MAIN ST. NORTH BRAMPTON BETWEEN VODDEN & WILLIAMS PARKWAY Ready, A J.H. Fishback Photography FULL COVERAGE STILLS & VIDEOS Digital Photography at it's best! Set,, Wed! CELEBRITY WEDDING 905-877-2322 Ballinafad Bridal Bookings Welcome! Reasonable Rates. In a contest held by 99.9 Mix FM, three couples will go head-to-head in an obstacle course challenge on Tuesday September 4th for a chance to win a fabulous celebrity-style wedding at the newly redesigned Atlantis at Ontario Place, overlooking Toronto's stunning waterfront and skyline! The wedding menu will be created by celebrity Chef David Adjey of the Food Network's Restaurant Makeover. Be one of three lucky couples to race to the finish line ­ and the wedding of your dreams! Visit www.999mixfm.com between August 20th and 31st and enter for your chance to win! No Appointment Necessary Shop Early for Best Selection For Contest Details, go to: www.nationalbridalshow.com No purchase necessary. Limit one entry per person. Only 1 grand prize. Approx. retail value $20,000. Must be Canadian resident who is age of majority in province they reside. Excludes Quebec residents. Contest runs from August 20 to 31, 2007. Mathematical skill testing question must be answered correctly. Odds of being selected depend on number of eligible entries received. For full set of contest rules, visit www.999mixfm.com *Full details available in the store.