Money Without Matrimony: The Unmarried Couple's Guide to Financial Security (Paperback)

by Sheryl Garrett (Author), Debra Neiman (Author), Debra A. Neiman (Author) "If something were to happen to you today, what would you want done with your "stuff"?..." (more)
Key Phrases: domestic partnership agreement, funeral directive, unmarried partners, Money Without Matrimony, Social Security, Mixed Bag (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Unmarried couples account for more than 5.5 million households in the U.S., but most of them never take the time to plan for a secure financial future. Yet planning is especially important for these couples since, despite their rising number, they still haven't achieved the financial benefits afforded to those who choose to marry, such as health insurance and Social Security survivor benefits. Designed for both heterosexual and same-sex couples, this informative guide to financial planning stresses the importance of discussing individual and joint financial goals with your partner, regardless of how casual or permanent the relationship is. Garrett and Neiman explore a wide range of issues, including how to hammer out a co-parenting agreement and how to decide whether to share a bank account. The authors also encourage couples to start saving more money: "Less than 1 percent of all Americans will be able to retire at age 65 and maintain their same standard of living." Financial planning is often a tense and difficult topic for couples to discuss but, with its real life examples, tidy bulleted lists and a glossary of confusing terms, this book should help readers get the conversation started.
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Review
"This is a rare book whose information needs to be known by... unmarried couples" -- --Gary W. Silverman, Journal of Financial Planning

The book is easy to read, well laid out and has its heart in the right place" -- Will Leitch, Registered Rep magazine

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Kaplan Business (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419506889
• ISBN-13: 978-1419506888
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #570,304 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars important advice -- heed it!, August 30, 2005

By	Gerri Detweiler "Ultimate Credit Solutions Inc." (Gulf Coast, FL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a consumer educator, I've heard many stories of people whose finances were ruined by a partner. Credit problems from a failed relationship are a common problem. Money Without Matrimony offers very sound and comprehensive advice for couples, and I can't recommend it highly enough. I had the opportunity to interview coauthor Debra Neiman on my Internet radio show, EverydayWealth Radio: Your Consumer Advocate, about the book (if you want to listen it's archived online at wsradio.com) and she clearly knows what she is talking about and takes a compassionate approach to what can sometimes be uncomfortable topics to discuss.

This is a must-read for unmarried couples, and a great gift if you know someone in that situation.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid advice to be headed by all in these circumstances, September 16, 2005

By	Harold McFarland (Florida) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

A long overdue book, Money Without Matrimony discusses the myriad of financial considerations when two people are living together as a couple but are not married. In this situation there are many potential problems that can interfere with your planning for your future. The authors walk the reader down a solid pathway for financial advice by first examining why financial planning is important, determining goals and objectives, dealing with what assets belong to each person and which assets are jointly owned, dealing with insurance, taxes, estate planning, and retirement. And, of course, children raises another entirely different problem that needs to be examined in detail. The authors follow a well organized path that leads the reader from thinking about their goals through devising a total plan. The coverage is excellent and thorough and includes a discussion of such things as common-law marriage states and what to do about it. Other areas with surprises that are covered in detail include credit cards, life insurance, insurance proceeds, and inheritance. This is a complex field with many potential pitfalls and problems but also ripe with planning opportunities so that your wishes are met and assets protected. Money Without Matrimony is highly recommended for all unmarried couples.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's About Time, July 11, 2005

By	T. Petras "Hershpipe" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My partner and I were given a copy of Money Without Matrimony just as we were starting to explore what we needed to do to be prepared financially in the future. There are so many things to know and we were feeling very overwhelmed. This book is written in such a way that it clearly spells out the different approaches you can take. It also points out strategies and talking points that we never would have thought of. It has really given us a good starting point now and we finally feel we have the direction that we were missing. We definitely recommend this for any unmarried couple looking for guidance.