Marriage & Money: Is Tying the Knot Early a Power Move or a Financial L?
Intro:
Gen Z is out here rewriting the rules, quitting 9-5 jobs for side hustles, investing in crypto (RIP to those who bought the dip too hard), and turning TikTok into a financial literacy hub. But one thing we’re not doing? Rushing to the altar like it’s 1950.
With student loans, rent prices that make you consider living in a van, and the ever-present fear of commitment (looking at you, situationships), marriage is feeling more like a “maybe later” than a “happily ever after.” So, is getting married young a big-brain financial move, or are you setting yourself up for a bank account that looks like a Twitter ratio? Let’s break it down.
The Case for Marrying Young: A Duo Queue to Financial Stability
Some people say marriage is a scam (mostly those who got divorced), but hear me out: If you and your partner have similar financial goals and the discipline of a Dave Ramsey disciple, an early marriage could be the ultimate co-op mission to building wealth.
1. Two Incomes > One = Fast-Track to the “Rich Besties” Life
Why struggle solo when you can split rent, bills, and subscription services (because no one should have to pay for Netflix alone)? A financially responsible couple can budget, save, and invest faster than their single counterparts. If done right, you could be stacking assets while your single friends are still Venmo-requesting $3.42 for that one coffee.
2. Tax Benefits = Extra Money for More Emotional Support Snacks
The government is basically shipping married people. Filing jointly can mean lower tax rates, bigger deductions, and extra cash—aka more money to invest in your future dream house or that overpriced oat milk latte addiction.
3. Early Investing = More Compound Interest Than Your FYP Algorithm
The earlier you start investing, the bigger the bag. A couple that starts saving in their early 20s has a decades-long advantage, letting compound interest do its thing. Imagine being 40, retired, and drinking piña coladas while your single friends are still budgeting their DoorDash orders.
4. Built-in Emotional (and Financial) Support
Having a partner in crime can help you survive job losses, financial crises, or existential dread at 2 a.m. (because let’s be honest, capitalism is scary). If one of you fumbles the bag (looking at you, impulse buyers), the other can help keep things on track.
The Risks: Divorce, Debt, and the “Shared Bank Account Horror Stories”
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but marrying early isn’t always sunshine and shared Costco memberships.
1. Student Debt = The Third Person in Your Marriage
Love is great, but so is not drowning in debt. If you or your partner have student loans, getting married can actually mess with your repayment options. Some loan forgiveness programs are income-based, and a combined income could disqualify you. Imagine tying the knot, only to find out your new spouse brought $100K in student debt as their wedding gift.
2. Career Glow-Up vs. Relationship Lock-In
Your 20s are prime career-building years. If you get married too young, you might find yourself making career sacrifices to prioritize the relationship—aka saying no to that dream job across the country because your partner isn’t about that long-distance life.
3. Divorce = Expensive and Messier Than an Influencer Breakup
Nobody plans for divorce, but statistically speaking, getting married before 25 increases the chances of a breakup. And let’s be real, divorce lawyers aren’t cheap. Worst-case scenario? You go from dual-income power couple to splitting assets like it’s a Taylor Swift breakup album.
4. Financial Codependency = 🚩🚩🚩
Marriage is a partnership, but if one person relies too much on the other, financial independence takes a hit. Next thing you know, one of you is making a detailed budget spreadsheet, while the other is out here making mystery Amazon purchases at 3 a.m.
What Gen Z Really Thinks About Marriage
Unlike Boomers (who bought a house for the price of a single semester of college), Gen Z isn’t about that rush-to-the-altar life. Some of the biggest trends shaping how we view marriage:
- Financial stability > Romance – If we’re saying “I do,” we need a joint savings account, not just a Pinterest wedding board.
- Prenups aren’t taboo anymore – If Jeff Bezos can get divorced and lose billions, best believe we’re getting paperwork done.
- Situationship culture is real – Why commit to marriage when people won’t even commit to texting back within 24 hours?
- TikTok has made us too financially aware – One minute you’re planning a wedding, the next you’re on FinanceTok realizing divorce rates, wealth gaps, and how expensive kids actually are.
So, Should You Get Married Young?
Before you go dropping stacks on a wedding, ask yourself:
✔️ Are we both financially stable?
✔️ Have we discussed debt, credit scores, and spending habits (or are we just vibing)?
✔️ Do we have a joint financial vision (or is one of us an “I deserve to treat myself” spender while the other is a “let’s save every dollar” type)?
✔️ Do we see marriage as a partnership for life and money, or are we just trying to have a cute wedding for Instagram?
Marriage can be a wealth-building hack or a financial nightmare—it all depends on how prepared you are. If you and your partner are on the same page financially, it can be a game-changer. If not, waiting might be the smarter move (and hey, no shame in that).
What do you think? Is early marriage a power move or an expensive L? Drop your thoughts in the comments—and if you’re already married young, let us know if it’s giving “financial glow-up” or “help, I regret this.” 👀
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