Financial Planning Tips For Couples Living In Nairobi: 8 Strategies For Managing Money Together

Managing money can be challenging for any couple, but it can be especially difficult when living in a bustling city like Nairobi, where the cost of living can be high.

Here are 8 tips for managing money while in a marriage in Nairobi:

1. Have regular conversations about finances: It’s important to have open and honest conversations about your finances with your partner. Discuss your income, expenses, and financial goals. Create a budget together and make sure you are on the same page about your spending habits.
2. Set financial goals: Decide on your financial goals as a couple. This could be saving for a down payment on a home, paying off debt, or saving for retirement. Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable, and set a timeline for achieving them.
3. Create a joint bank account: Consider opening a joint bank account for household expenses. This can help ensure that bills are paid on time and that you are both contributing equally to the household expenses.
4. Track your expenses: Keep track of your expenses to ensure you are staying within your budget. This can be done using a spreadsheet or the Mpesa app.
5. Avoid unnecessary debt: It’s easy to accumulate debt in Nairobi, with its many tempting shopping centers and high-end restaurants. Avoid taking on unnecessary debt, and consider using cash instead of credit cards to avoid overspending.
6. Seek professional advice: If you are struggling with managing your finances, consider seeking the help of a financial planner or advisor. They can provide guidance on how to manage your money and achieve your financial goals.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
7. Save for the wedding and beyond: Once you announce your engagement, open a savings account earmarked for your financial goals and future expenses. Generally speaking, many experts recommend putting at least 10 percent of your combined income into savings each month. If you’re saving for a wedding, you might consider boosting that amount so you can continue contributing to your normal savings while still putting money away for the big day. Even if you’ll have help paying for the wedding, you’ll likely still want some money saved, perhaps for a honeymoon or down payment on a new home.

8. Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling your finances, it’s a good idea that each of you plays a part. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.