Becoming a Financial Couple

Building a shared financial life may seem overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through it.

Build your financial future together with open conversations and shared money goals

At Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, we know that combining your financial lives is about more than just joint accounts, it's about creating a foundation for everything you want to achieve as a team. From buying your first home to planning for retirement, we're here to help you navigate it all with confidence. Your partnership deserves a financial plan that supports both of your dreams!
ACCOUNT OWNERSHIP

Considering a Joint Account?

Explore joint, individual or combination approaches for money management bliss.

MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT

Make more out of your money together. 

Earn higher dividends on your deposits while maintaining flexible access to your funds.

MORTGAGES

Buying a home together? 

Explore our mortgage loan options.

QUICK TIPS

Small Steps for a Big Future Together

  • Schedule monthly money check-ins to review spending, celebrate progress and stay aligned on goals
  • Give each other guilt-free spending money to spend without needing to discuss it first
  • Celebrate financial wins together and acknowledge it as a team achievement
  • Build your emergency fund first and work toward 3-6 months of expenses

Money Management for Two

Have "the money talk" early and often

Before you merge anything, sit down and have an honest conversation about your financial situations. Share your income, debts, credit scores, spending habits and money mindsets. Discuss how you were raised to think about money—these early lessons shape our financial behaviors as adults.

Decide on your account structure

There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Some couples combine everything into joint accounts, others keep finances separate, and many choose a hybrid model (joint account for shared expenses, individual accounts for personal spending). Pick what feels right for your relationship and revisit it as things change.

Create shared financial goals

Dream together about what you want to accomplish in the next year, five years and beyond. Whether it's buying a home, traveling, starting a family or retiring early, having shared goals gives your money purpose and keeps you working as a team.

Build a budget together

Track your combined income and expenses, then create a spending plan that reflects both of your priorities. Try the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, 20% for savings and debt repayment. Make sure you both have input and agree on the plan.

Resources for your money goals

Create a combined budget

Stick together on spending and saving.

Couples that save together, stay together

Set goals that you can both work toward.

Date night ideas

Explore financial education events and make a fun experience out of learning together.