Once you have said "I do," you will have access to insurance discounts, tax benefits and other ways to cut costs. Use these tips to give your marriage a strong financial start — and maybe to pay down some wedding-day debt:
Refinance your student loans
Whether you are a newlywed or not, you can save money on student loan bills if you are a good candidate for student loan refinancing. Generally, you will need a credit score of at least 690, and your annual income should exceed your total loan balance, especially if that balance is high. If you are married, you can refinance through Purefy, a lender that rolls spouses' student loan debt into one monthly payment.
Grab insurance discounts
You might get a discount on your auto insurance premiums merely because you are married, which some companies believe means you are less risky to insure. Other types of insurance may offer discounts for married couples, too. And you and your spouse can sign up for the cheaper of your two employer-based health insurance options.
Consider staying on the family cellphone plan
If you think adulthood means finally ditching the cellphone plan you have shared with your parents and siblings for years, think again. Each member of a four-person family plan saves $180 to $300 a year compared with what they would pay for an individual plan, a NerdWallet analysis found. Even starting a new account with a spouse could cost more if you have fewer people contributing to the bill.
File taxes jointly to lower your tax bill
In most cases, you will save money if you choose the tax filing status "married filing jointly" instead of "married filing separately. Joint filers have access to more tax deductions and credits, including a credit for child and dependent care costs, and a deduction for interest paid on your student loans. You may also want to file separately if you're on an income-driven student loan repayment plan.
Maximize credit card rewards
Combining your finances means more opportunities to save money with credit card rewards, as long as you are committed to paying your bill on time and in full every month. Carrying a credit card balance accrues interest charges. Plus, your credit score could take a hit if you are using 30 percent or more of your available credit each month.
NERDWALLET
