What Rich Married Couples Spend Money On at Every Stage of a Relationship
Written by
Cindy Lamothe
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Many rich married couples likely understand the kind of savvy spending strategies it takes to make a union last. And it’s important to have financial goals and plan for what to prioritize and spend money on at every stage of a relationship.
“From my experience counseling wealthy couples, I’ve noticed that successful relationships often start with investing in shared financial education,” said Abid Salahi, a finance expert and co-founder of FinlyWealth. “My wife and I spent $5,000 on a comprehensive financial planning course in our first year together. This investment helped us align our money values early and has paid dividends throughout our marriage.”
Below are some things experts say rich married couples spend money on at every stage of their relationship.
Also see a seven-day savings challenges that’s a perfect way to prepare for 2025.
Dating-Stage Investments
David Chen, director of finance at Srlon with over 18 years of experience and a happy marriage, believes that in the early stages of a relationship, investing in shared experiences can be a milestone.
“These could be traveling, attending concerts or culinary experiences. This not just helps in building memories, but also understanding compatible lifestyles,” he said.
Salahi recommended couples spend money on experiences that encourage financial discussions.
“My wife and I have also built successful businesses together, giving me both professional and personal insight into this topic,” Salahi said. “I always tell my clients that the dating phase is crucial for establishing financial transparency.”
This could look different for every couple, but for Salahi, that meant money date nights. “My wife and I started with monthly ‘money date nights’ — setting aside $200 per month for a nice dinner where we specifically discussed our financial goals and concerns,” Salahi said.
Pre-Marriage Counseling
“Before marriage, I’ve seen my most successful clients invest in premarital financial counseling,” Salahi said. “One couple I advised spent $3,000 on a series of sessions with both a financial advisor and a relationship counselor.”
He said they credit these sessions with preventing money conflicts that could have cost them their marriage.
Early Marriage Priorities
During the first years of marriage, Salahi encouraged couples to invest in shared assets that build wealth together.
“My wife and I put aside $20,000 for our first joint investment property. This shared venture not only strengthened our financial portfolio but also taught us valuable lessons about making joint business decisions,” he said.
Chen agreed that it’s wise for married couples to start spending on joint assets, such as buying property. “Also, taking combined health and life insurances can secure the future and strengthen financial security,” he said.
Growing Into a Larger Family
As the relationship progresses and if children come into the picture, Chen advised focusing financial resources on building a strong education fund. This, he explained, becomes paramount.
A common way to build an education fund for children is with a 529 plan.
Mid-Marriage Investments
“In the middle years of marriage, I’ve observed that successful couples often invest in maintaining their connection,” Salahi explained. “My clients who thrive typically budget $10,000 to $15,000 annually for shared experiences.”
This could look differently for every couple, whether it’s traveling, learning new skills together or starting a side business as a couple.
Long-Term Relationship Growth
“For lasting financial harmony, I recommend couples invest in regular financial check-ups,” Salahi said. “My wife and I schedule quarterly meetings with our financial advisor, spending about $5,000 annually on professional guidance.”
He said this helps them stay aligned and adapt their strategy as their goals evolve.
“One pattern I’ve noticed among wealthy couples is their commitment to supporting each other’s career growth,” Salahi explained. “When my wife wanted to expand her business, we invested $50,000 in her advanced certification and business coaching.”
He advises couples to set aside 5% to 10% of their annual income for professional development.
In Your Golden Years
In the golden years of marriage, Chen said investment in retirement funds and pension plans that ensure comfortable living, healthcare and leisurely activities should be prioritized.
“Throughout these stages, considering hiring a financial planner can prove beneficial in navigating financial decisions,” he said.
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