Marriage is a union that carries immense emotional significance. Beyond the vows and the celebration, it is also a legal and financial partnership. While most couples prepare for their big day with meticulous attention to every detail, not all are as diligent in planning for their shared future. The matrimonial journey is unpredictable, and navigating it with a strong foundation is essential. Protecting your partnership in changing circumstances can bring peace of mind. In this context, let’s explore the role of post-marital agreements and their potential benefits.

Understanding Post-Marital Agreements

Now, you may wonder what a post marital agreement is and how it differs from its well-known predecessor, the prenuptial agreement. While a prenup is established before marriage, a post marital agreement is entered into after the couple is legally wed. Its purpose? To outline how assets and liabilities would be divided should the marriage end in separation, divorce, or death. This document can also address spousal support and other critical issues.

Why Consider A Post-Marital Agreement?

Life is a journey with ups and downs. Over time, personal and financial situations evolve, and previously unforeseen circumstances may arise. Perhaps one spouse inherits a significant amount, or a career shift leads to a dramatic income change. Maybe the couple decides on a new financial arrangement, or there’s concern over debt. A post-marital agreement can offer clarity and protection in these and many other situations.

Key Components Of A Post-Marital Agreement

Drafting a post-marital agreement requires a comprehensive understanding of what to incorporate. This document isn’t merely about division; it’s a blueprint of your financial responsibilities and entitlements as a couple. To ensure both partners are on the same page and future misunderstandings are minimized, here’s a deeper dive into the essential components:

Asset Division: The Cornerstone of Financial Clarity

Every couple accumulates assets throughout their marriage. These assets form a significant part of a couple’s net worth, from real estate properties and stock portfolios to antiques and jewelry. But how do you determine which assets belong to whom?

• Joint Assets: Typically, anything acquired during the marriage, be it a home or investments, is considered joint property. Both parties have equal rights over these assets.
• Separate Assets: These are assets one partner brought into the marriage or acquired separately, perhaps through an inheritance or a personal gift. It’s essential to distinguish these assets in the agreement to ensure they remain separate.

Documenting asset ownership isn’t about claiming what’s “mine” or “yours.” It’s about establishing clarity so both partners feel secure and respected.

Debt Responsibility: Preventing Financial Surprises

Much like assets, debt plays a crucial role in a couple’s financial landscape. An unexpected debt can strain any relationship, which is why it’s pivotal to:

• List Existing Debts: Be it student loans, mortgages, or credit card debts, all existing financial obligations should be transparently listed, along with a clear distinction of responsibility.
• Plan for Future Debts: While you can’t predict every financial obligation, you can set guidelines. For instance, agree on consultation before taking on significant debts or determine how investment-related debts are managed.

Remember, open dialogue about debts ensures you are never caught off guard and can plan your financial future effectively.

Spousal Support: Upholding Mutual Respect

Every partner in a marriage plays a unique role. Sometimes, one might pause their career or reduce working hours to support the family or other mutual decisions. This sacrifice shouldn’t jeopardize their financial security.

• Determining Need: Assess the potential future needs of the partner pausing their career. What would they require to maintain a reasonable standard of living?
• Duration and Amount: How long should support last? Is it until they can be self-sufficient or for a predetermined period? Agreeing on an amount and duration reduces potential future conflicts.

It’s about recognizing sacrifices and ensuring they don’t lead to financial vulnerabilities.

Estate Planning Considerations: Protecting Tomorrow, Today

Death is a topic no one wants to broach, but it’s an inevitable part of life. Integrating estate planning within your post-marital agreement ensures your partner isn’t left in a lurch during such challenging times.

• Wills and Trusts: If either partner has a will or trust, it’s crucial to ensure that these documents are consistent with the post-marital agreement.
• Asset Distribution: Clearly outline how joint assets will be distributed. It’s also vital to ensure separate assets are bequeathed per the individual’s wishes.

By aligning your post-marital agreement with your estate planning, you ensure a seamless transition for your spouse and other beneficiaries during trying times.

Navigating Potential Pitfalls

Crafting a post-marital agreement is a sensitive endeavor. It’s essential to approach the topic with care and mutual respect. Here’s how:

• Open Communication

Discuss the agreement openly, ensuring both parties understand and agree to its terms.

• Legal Representation

Both partners should have independent legal advice to ensure their interests are protected.

• Regular Updates

As life circumstances change, revisit and update the agreement as needed.

Benefits Of A Post-Marital Agreement

With a well-drafted agreement in place, you’ll reap several benefits:

• Clarity In Financial Matters

By detailing financial rights and responsibilities, both partners better understand their shared financial landscape.

• Reduced Conflict Potential

By pre-emptively addressing potential issues, you minimize the likelihood of disputes down the road.

• Empowerment

Taking charge of your financial future together makes both partners feel empowered and secure.

Conclusion

Marriage is a journey filled with shared dreams and challenges. While no one enters a union anticipating its end, life is unpredictable. By considering a post-marital agreement, you’re not casting doubt on your relationship but fortifying its foundation. It’s about ensuring both partners feel secure, regardless of the future. As you navigate this path, remember the importance of open communication, mutual respect, and the guidance of trusted professionals. Protecting your partnership goes beyond the wedding bells; with the right steps, you can ensure peace of mind for years to come.

Other than your house, your car is probably one of the most expensive things that you own. It’s also one of the most necessary things for a busy family, especially if you have a regular commute. 

The time may come when you need to replace your old faithful car with something more suitable for your family. You can put it off for as long as you like, but your bank account is already whimpering.

Unfortunately, while it would be lovely to say that you can actually buy a car for just a few quid and it’ll be perfectly fine and definitely not stolen or dodgy in any way, you will have to cough up some cash. 

But how can you soften the blow to your bank account and make sure that you get the right motor for the price?

That’s where this article comes in. Spoiler alert, you can expect a lot of talk about doing your research before you buy.

Do You Need a New Car?

The best way to save money on your new car is just not to buy one in the first place. However, no car can last forever, so when you see the signs, it’ll be time to cough up. 

First things first, is your car safe and legal to drive? Your yearly MOT and service will identify problems with your vehicle that need to be fixed for it to be roadworthy. If your car fails its MOT, it’s not necessarily a sign that the car is kaput. But pay attention to the MOT results and what repairs crop up again and again.

If your car dramatically fails every year and needs expensive repairs to be roadworthy, you might be better off getting a new one. This is a sign that your car is wearing out too quickly and between checkups, it might not be safe to drive. Another sign is if your car regularly breaks down or you find yourself repeatedly taking it to the mechanic outside of routine maintenance.

A worn-out car is expensive to run and probably not safe to drive. It might also become more expensive to insure, adding to its cost.

On a similar note, a car in this state often won’t look great. True, you might not drive a car for its looks, but a rusty vehicle or one with patches where the panels or doors have been replaced just looks scruffy. It’s even worse if you use your car for work, as it reflects on your professionalism.

Finally, there are some situations where, even if your car runs okay and looks okay, you might consider getting a new one. For example, if your family is growing, your car might need to be upgraded to a larger model so that you can fit the kids (and everything else that comes with them) into the car. 

As your family grows and changes, its needs will grow and change as well. Another potential situation is that you need two vehicles for your family instead of just one, especially in a two-parent household where you need to think about work commutes, school commutes, and grocery runs during the week.

Setting a Budget

If you don’t want to break the bank, you need to pay attention to how big a hit your balance can take. Most people have to take out a loan to buy a vehicle, or they pay in installments (although this can sometimes be more expensive in the long run, so compare prices with an eagle eye). 

Ideally, when taking out a loan, you want to pay as little interest as possible. So, check your finances and work out what you can afford, either as a lump sum or as regular loan payments. A good credit can help you to find loans that you can more easily afford to pay off.

When you set a budget like this, it immediately narrows down your choices and makes picking a car more simple. If you can’t afford it, don’t even consider it.

You also need to measure your budget up against what you need from your car and what you want. Unfortunately, you might not be able to cover all of your wants, but hopefully, your budget can net you a car that covers your needs. 

Setting a budget early prevents you from overspending and can reduce any money worries that might crop up. Everything is expensive, and the cost of living is so high that you don’t want to add to your financial burden if you can absolutely help it.

When setting a budget, factor in running costs and insurance as well. Nobody wants the nasty surprise of sky-high insurance premiums and road tax.

New or Used Cars?

The best way to save money when buying a car is to buy a used car. No, this doesn’t mean some old banger that’s two miles away from turning itself into scrap. A car with a couple of years and a few thousand miles on the clock is perfect, as it’s still relatively reliable and much cheaper than a brand-new car.

Whether you’re buying a new car or a used car, try to use a car dealership that offers a couple of years of warranty and services. This means that, even if your vehicle does need a little TLC, you have no reason not to keep it well-maintained so it runs perfectly. 

Some dealerships will also allow you to test-drive the vehicle, so you can get a feel for it. Even if you’ve done all your research and narrowed it down to a few car choices, the test drive can be the deciding factor for you.

Finally, do your best to haggle. A lot of dealerships expect a degree of haggling, although you don’t want to be insulting. If you can shave a bit off the price or get something extra added in, you’ll thank yourself later.

Getting Help

Believe it or not, not everyone is an expert in all things mechanical. If cars aren’t your thing, you might feel overwhelmed and worried that you’ll spend all that money on something that isn’t right for your family.

The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. In fact, with a significant purchase, it’s a good idea to look for all the advice you can get.

If you have friends or family who are more car-savvy than you, ask for their advice and input. Most people who are interested in cars are also interested in talking about cars, so you should find that they’re willing to share their opinions. 

You do need to bear in mind that it’s still your money and your future car, so set some boundaries as well. Don’t just buy a car because your friend likes it, but consider your circumstances and budget as well.

Another option is to use a car checker or car guide, especially when you’ve narrowed down your choices to a select few. This is very important when getting a used car because even if it looks fine, you don’t know its full history. This includes unreported accidents, maintenance history, or a sordid past as a taxi, or anything else that might concern you.

Yes, this might all sound like a lot of work, but if you make the right decision when buying your car, it can make a massive difference in your life for the next few years. So, do the research now and save yourself pain in the future.

Digital banking, including online and mobile banking, offers ease in managing finances. With this technology, you can conveniently pay bills, deposit checks, and transfer funds from anywhere. According to a recent survey conducted by Forbes in 2022, more than 78% of Americans prefer digital banking due to its convenience. However, it is important to consider the security of online and mobile banking and take necessary precautions to safeguard your financial and personal information. Reputable financial institutions employ various security measures, but you can also take steps on your own to bank account protection from potential hackers.

Is online banking safe?

When your bank adheres to stringent security protocols and you know how to identify potential security threats, online banking becomes a secure method to manage your finances.

Banks employ multiple security measures to safeguard customer information, such as:

• Implementing 128-bit or 256-bit data encryption
• Utilizing encrypted email messaging
• Incorporating automatic logout functionality for online and mobile banking
• Enabling two-factor authentication
• Continuously monitoring accounts
• Verifying electronic signatures

Risks of online banking

Logging into your bank’s website or app using an unsecured network while you’re on the go can result in serious consequences. Be cautious of the following:

• Phishing: Fraudsters may impersonate your bank and attempt to gather personal information through emails or SMS. They create dummy sites that resemble the ones you’re familiar with, tricking you into providing passwords or bank account details. This information is then used for identity theft or financial fraud.
• Viruses: If your bank doesn’t utilize secure software, you run the risk of being exposed to malware or viruses that can infect your computer or phone, potentially causing significant damage.
• Maintenance outages: Solely relying on online banking means that any unforeseen outage, whether intentional or accidental, could leave you in a financially vulnerable position.

How to secure your bank account from hackers?

#1 Use a strong password

Passwords serve as the primary defense. However, the increasing number of passwords we need to manage has become a headache. Studies and articles online highlight that on average, individuals handle upwards of 80 passwords. Even with a small portion of that, it is highly recommended to utilize a password manager. Choosing a reliable password manager will generate robust and distinct passwords for each account, securely storing them.

To ensure security, avoid simple passwords that can be easily guessed or obtained from other sources such as birthdays or pet names. Furthermore, it is crucial to create unique passwords for each account. This practice can prevent major issues in case of a compromised account, as hackers won’t be able to use the same password on other accounts.

#2 Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Hackers can easily gain access to your computer and steal personal information when connected to public Wi-Fi. To keep your information secure, never access your bank’s website through a computer, tablet, or mobile phone unless you’re connected to a secure Wi-Fi network with a password or using your cell phone data connection. By doing so, you make it much more challenging for thieves to hack and protect your information. It’s also crucial to learn how to stop Wi-Fi owner to see your history which can further enhance your online privacy. Additionally, regularly updating your device’s security software and using a VPN like VeePN can provide an extra layer of protection against cyber threats.

#3 Enable 2FA

Two-factor, or multifactor, authentication adds a layer of security verification when logging into your online or mobile banking account. Initially, you enter your login credentials, followed by passing a second security test.

As an illustration, you may be required to input a unique code, verify your account through an automated phone call, utilize biometric verification, or identify an image. These measures make it challenging for hackers or identity thieves to gain access to your account, even if they possess your online or mobile banking password.

#4 Avoid phishing attacks

Crooks commonly employ phishing as a method to steal personal information via email. Phishing emails can take various forms, ranging from impersonating lawyers seeking bank transfers to announcing fake lottery winnings. These classic tactics are still prevalent, but phishing techniques have evolved to become more sophisticated. Nowadays, hackers pose as banks, online stores, or credit card companies and utilize well-designed emails that closely resemble genuine correspondence.

However, these emails are fraudulent. The embedded links lead to hackers, who aim to steal personal information or redirect payments. One clear indication of a phishing email is a sender’s address that slightly alters the brand name or adds extra language at the end. If you receive such an email, avoid clicking on any links. Instead, contact the institution in question using the phone number or address listed on their official website. This is a reliable guideline to follow. The preferred means of communication should always be the one you have used and trusted previously.

#5 Use a VPN

If we consider how safe online banking is, then it is quite reliable. However, it is still susceptible to some vulnerabilities on the client side. Even a free VPN extension for Chrome from a trusted developer like VPN proxy VeePN is enough to close these security gaps. The same VPN for Chrome encrypts data before sending and receiving. This means that no one can intercept your data, even if you are using public Wi-Fi. More precisely, the data can be intercepted, but it will be encrypted.

#6 Don’t save your payment information in your browser or smartphone

Many websites offer the choice to store login details for convenience. However, if someone else uses your device afterward, they may have access to your bank accounts. To combat this, banking sites now implement inactivity timeouts and refrain from saving user information.

#7 Keep all devices updated

Outdated computers and mobile devices might lack the necessary security measures to safeguard your personal and financial data from the newest computer viruses. If a virus infects your computer, a hacker could discreetly gain access to your bank accounts, resulting in the loss of your funds without your awareness. It is crucial to promptly execute recommended updates and implement antivirus software to enhance your computer’s protection.

#8 Beware of calls

Criminals still prefer utilizing telephones, leveraging the perception of trust associated with this age-old communication method. This technique, known as “vishing” or “voice phishing,” reflects the familiar intent of phishing scams: coaxing victims into fraudulent financial transactions and data theft. The perpetrators may adopt various approaches, such as posing as a bank representative, a reputable tech support agent, or even sending messages that urge recipients to call a specified number.

For instance, a fraudster may call, introducing themselves as a representative from your bank or credit card company, claiming they have inquiries regarding your account. In such scenarios, it is advisable to conclude the call politely and reach out to your bank or credit card company independently to address any genuine concerns. Scammers can employ highly convincing tactics but always remember that you remain in control. Feel free to disconnect the call and contact a trusted phone number to validate the authenticity of the interaction.

#9 Monitor your account regularly

Taking the necessary precautions should (hopefully) keep unauthorized access to your bank account at bay. To ensure absolute security, regularly review your account balances and transaction history and ensure that your money remains in its designated place. If you come across any suspicious activity, promptly change your account password and immediately contact your bank.

While most of these guidelines should be common knowledge, you must remain vigilant. This concerns your hard-earned money – once it’s gone, recovery may prove challenging. If you haven’t recently updated your computer’s software, established two-factor authentication, or modified your bank account password, take the initiative now to safeguard your financial information exclusively.

#10 Sign up for banking alerts

Banking alerts instantly notify you about specific actions that take place. You will receive prompt notifications regarding potential fraudulent or suspicious activity. It is also possible to receive alerts via email or text message for the following:

• Low or high account balances
• New credit and debit transactions
• Newly linked external accounts
• Failed login attempts
• Password changes
• Updates to personal information

If you receive an alert and suspect any fraudulent or suspicious activity, make sure to immediately contact your bank or credit union and update your online and mobile banking passwords.

#11 Choose safe financial institutions

Financial applications, such as mobile banking apps, offer convenience for various banking tasks like bill payments, money transfers, and shopping. However, it’s crucial to note that their security levels may differ.

When planning to use your bank’s mobile app, ensure you are using the official version obtained from their website. If downloading from the App Store or Google Play, verify the legitimacy by checking the developer details and reading reviews.

Carefully consider which apps you grant access to your online and mobile banking information. For instance, if you prefer a budgeting app to manage your finances, be cautious when sharing your login credentials for data retrieval and financial analysis, as this might put your data at risk.

Before downloading any financial application, examine its ratings and research its security policies to mitigate the likelihood of past data breaches.

Conclusion

To ensure the security of online banking, you need to consider several key factors. First, use all the standard protection methods that your bank offers. Secondly, you need to understand potential vulnerabilities and know how to counteract them. Third, traffic should be encrypted. These measures are enough to ensure that no one can break into your bank account.

The trend for ‘self care’ has got a bit carried away. Every brand going seems to have jumped on the self care bandwagon – ‘have a Starbucks! It’s self care!’ – and it feels a bit like anything and everything has been transformed into a symbolic act to show you’re looking after yourself.

The reality though is that self care isn’t about spending money or ‘treating yourself’ to expensive things, it’s about taking the time to connect with yourself, your hobbies, your friends and families and to allow yourself space to relax and pursue interests outside the usual work and chores. I’ve picked out a few ideas for ways to take some time out for self care without having to resort to taking a bubble bath with a glass of wine and a bar of chocolate.

Do one thing at a time

This might sound like a funny one, but stripping back your activities and concentrating on one thing at a time can be powerful. If you think about it, we often layer things on – we watch a film and eat snacks and have a drink and probably have our phones nearby too – it’s a lot. Instead, try zoning in and JUST watching a film or JUST enjoying a snack. It can create a more rewarding experience and help to improve your concentration and focus as well.

Masturbate

The ultimate ‘me time’, masturbation has a lot of short and long term benefits for physical and mental health. It’s a great way for starters to get to know your body and feel more accepting of it and this can have a positive impact on your other sexual relationships as it helps you to understand the things you like and don’t like. Try experimenting with toys that you might not have used before – butt plugs for instance can create a whole new experience.

Take some exercise

This might not be the first thing you think of when you think self care, but taking regular exercise, especially outdoors or as part of a team, is a great way to release endorphins and get those happy chemicals flowing. Not only do you get the short-term rush of hormones though, you have the long-term benefits for your health and well-being too. If you don’t fancy a triathlon or anything intensive then even taking a half hour walk through the park can be enough to get the blood pumping.

Connect with nature

Following on from this and the idea of being outside is the importance of spending time outside and noticing the small things around you. Connecting with nature is a form of mindfulness and is a great way to gain some perspective on any issues that you might be struggling with. Combine your time in nature with learning a new skill like naming wildflowers and you can double up the benefits.