Dave Says...Newlyweds Buy House First Year?

Dear Dave,

Why do you recommend that newlyweds not buy a house during the first year of marriage?

Laura

Dear Laura,

Believe it or not, the first year of marriage is pretty tough. You’ll both have to make lots of adjustments and get used to the new schedules and habits, likes and dislikes, that go along with marriage. You need to spend that first year getting to know each other even better, and exploring and developing your relationship as husband and wife. Running out and buying stuff like curtains and furniture — or making major life decisions like buying a house — can wait.

Devote the first year to deeper, more important things. In the process, make sure you’re on the same page emotionally and financially. Develop a plan to make your hopes and dreams come true, and start piling up a bunch of cash for the future. Then, a year or two down the road, you can start the house-hunting process. There will still be great homes at good prices, plus you’ll both have a better idea of what you want for the future!

—Dave