Dave Ramsey Says When You Get Married, Combine All Money — 'Preacher Didn't Say And Now You're A Joint Venture. He Said And Now You're One'

In a TikTok post from 2023, financial expert Dave Ramsey responded to a caller from Denver, who inquired about how married couples should handle their finances. The caller asked whether couples should combine everything financially upon marriage, to which Ramsey said, "Yes."

Seeking further clarification, the caller questioned whether everything should be split equally. Ramsey said, "You combine everything. There's no middle." He emphasized the unity of marriage, contrasting it with a business partnership. "The preacher didn't say and now you're a joint venture. He said and now you're one," Ramsey said.

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The discussion deepened when the caller mentioned disparities in income. Ramsey interjected, explaining that in a marriage, it's not about individual earnings but about shared financial responsibility.

"You're not a partnership, you're a marriage," he said.

He shared a personal anecdote, revealing that his wife had not earned an income for 30 years as she raised their children. "I do not have an income. We have an income. It's as much hers as it is mine," he said.

Ramsey stressed the importance of collective decision-making in financial matters, using inclusive pronouns like "we" and "our" to highlight the concept of shared ownership within a marriage.

"The only thing that is not ours is if the dog poops on the floor. Then it's my dog," he said.

While Ramsey may have a more old-school approach to marriage and financial planning, not all couples merge their finances. A Zeta survey pointed out that 39% of married couples have no joint bank account and choose to keep finances entirely separate.

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The TikTok video, captioned "Married couples need to budget their money together. You're married couples â€" not roommates," sparked a discussion in the comments section. Many agreed with Ramsey's perspective, although some pointed out that the caller seemed unprepared for this viewpoint. One commenter noted that if you're not on the same page with your money, you won't last, while another suggested that such discussions should occur before marriage.

This conversation highlights the essential role of financial unity and communication in strengthening marital bonds. The research is also there to back it up. Studies show that couples who combine their finances generally experience higher relationship satisfaction and stability.

A study highlighted by ScienceDaily found that couples with joint finances are likely to stay together longer, suggesting that shared financial responsibilities can enhance the marital bond. Another study from the University of California, Los Angeles noted that those who merge their financial resources report greater happiness in their relationships compared to those who maintain separate accounts or only partially pool their finances. This study also linked joint financial management with a lower likelihood of separation.

Navigating financial decisions in a relationship, whether you're married, considering marriage or embracing a nontraditional partnership, involves careful consideration and strategic planning. Individual circumstances vary, and what works for one couple might not suit another.

Consulting with a financial adviser can provide personalized insights and strategies tailored to your unique financial situation and relationship goals. If you're pooling all resources, keeping them separate or finding a middle ground, professional guidance can help ensure that financial decisions enhance your relationship's strength and resilience, aligning with both partners' long-term visions and values. Remember, it's not just about making it work; it's about making it work for both of you.

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