Your Credit Score
Thinking about applying for credit? Check Your Credit Score for free, with no impact on your credit file.
Getting married
Congratulations. We can help as you start planning for your life together.
Weddings can be expensive. However big or small you want your wedding to be, there are a few things you might want to think about.
Do your research - make a list of all the things you want for your big day and stick to your budget.
Talk about money - you may have different attitudes towards saving, spending and debts, so make sure you talk openly about finances.
We’ve worked with MoneyHelper to support you and your partner to have important and useful conversations about money.
We also have some tools that will help get your wedding planning started.
Review your finances
A personal review takes place in branch with one of our Banking Consultants – and it’s free. Our Banking Consultant will take a detailed look at your spending to see how they can help with your money.
Work out your budget
The best way to pay for your wedding would be with savings. Use our budget calculator to see what you could save each month.
Know what a wedding costs
It can be easy to get carried away planning for your wedding. MoneyHelper has a list of things to think about and what the average price is.
Ways to pay for your wedding
If you can’t pay for all your wedding with savings, there are some credit options you could think about. But it’s important that you look at the choices carefully and select what’s right for you.
Your financial future
As you plan your wedding, remember that it’s not only your lives you are joining together, but also your financial future. Think about what this will look like and whether your financial goals align.
Here are some points you may want to discuss with your partner.
- Future financial goals. What are your financial goals, and do they align with your partner? Whether you want to save for a new car, move house or plan for a family, we can help you. But it’s important to know you share the same goals.
- Household finances. It may not be the most exciting of conversations, but it is important to discuss your household bills. Talk about how you’ll manage the bills in the future. You’ll need to make sure that they are budgeted for and paid on time.
- Talk about money. It’s important to take time regularly to talk about money and make sure you both agree about finances. Use our spending insights tool to help the conversation. It shows you where your money goes each month and could help you budget.
- Joint accounts. A joint bank account may help you share the bills and cover the rent or mortgage. But they’re not for everyone.
- Be open and honest. It can be difficult to talk about money, especially if one partner earns more, or less, than the other. Issues can arise if your attitude to money differs. Talk through what level of openness is right for you and be honest about any debts you may be bringing into the marriage.
We have some useful links if you are thinking about setting up a joint account.
Once you are married, you may also need to update your personal details on your account. You may need to do this on other accounts you have, for example, your mobile phone account and any insurance policies you have.
It’s also important to tell HMRC about your change in personal circumstances. Letting HMRC know about your new marital status will make sure that you are taxed correctly.
If you have a pension, you may want to update your beneficiary details to include your spouse.
As you plan your future together, you should also think about writing a Will and whether you want to take out life insurance.
We have some additional information to help you.
Do you need life insurance?
If you have a mortgage, children or a loved one who relies on your income, then life insurance might be right for you.
Do you have a Will?
If you do not have a Will, it is the right time to consider writing one as it lets you decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after you die.
If you already have a Will, check that getting married does not invalidate it. Review it regularly and keep it up-to-date because as life changes, your decisions may also change.
There is more information available for you on the government website.
Do you understand your credit report?
If you have joint finances with someone, whether it’s a joint account or joint mortgage, you will have a ‘financial association’. A lender may then look at information about that person’s credit history when deciding whether to lend money to you. This can affect your credit profile so it’s a good idea to understand how your credit report works.
You can check your TransUnion credit score and view your full credit report for free with Your Credit Score, available in our Mobile Banking app or Online Banking.
Other support
Life events
We’re here for the ups, the downs and everything in between.