Summer is a popular time for weddings.  However, even before the ceremony, the couple should take time to sit down and get serious about finances.  Newlyweds need to take control of their finances, advises Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona, or else the walk down the aisle will only lead to a rocky financial future.

“In a marriage it’s important for newlyweds to realize that they are making a financial commitment, as well as an emotional commitment,” said Kim States, BBB President. “Couples need to have the conversation sooner rather than later, so they can develop healthy personal financial habits together.”

BBB offers the following advice for newlyweds planning their financial future together:

• Let Financial Skeletons out of the Closet. After marriage, any personal debt becomes “our debt.” It is important to sit down early when marriage is being discussed to discover what outstanding obligations exist on both sides. These could include car loans, school loans and credit card debt. Review your credit reports to get a better idea what both people are bringing to the marriage.

• Build a Budget. After you’ve gotten a grasp on your debt, it’s time to build a monthly budget. Look at your monthly bills to create a realistic picture of how you spend. Discuss your long term goals—such as buying a house or car and having kids. Figure out how much money to set aside each month to reach those goals.

• Designate a Driver but Travel Together. In order to avoid confusion, one person should be assigned to pay the bills every month. This doesn’t mean that the other person takes a back seat role in managing the finances. Have a discussion at least every month about your financial progress in order map your path and nip in the bud any bad spending habits.

• Plan for Emergencies. Many young couples fail to save money to get them through hard times such as health problems and unexpected unemployment. Experts recommend you set aside three to six months of salary in a rainy day fund—ideally an interest-bearing account that can be easily accessed.

• Save for the Future. Retirement may seem like a long way off to newlyweds, but setting aside money now means reaping big rewards later on. Take advantage of both employers’ retirement matching programs—if available—or set up individual retirement accounts.

• Make a Vow to Be Savvy Consumers. Many families have had their life savings decimated after becoming a victim to fraud or identity theft. Check out your BBB’s website to find trustworthy businesses, get educated on the red flags of fraud and learn how to protect your identity.

For more advice on managing your money, visit www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-finance.

This spring, love is in the air as many soon-to-be brides prepare for their long-awaited wedding day. With excitement and nervousness every bride deserves to have their big day go off without a hitch. When preparing for the day of your dreams, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona advises brides to proceed with caution when it comes to buying a wedding dress online, choosing a photographer and selecting a wedding planner.

Doing your research and asking for referrals can make all the difference in helping your special day go as smoothly as possible. Last year alone, BBB received more than 970 complaints against wedding related services. Services like wedding planners, bridal shops, car or limousine rentals, DJs, wedding photographers, florists, and jewelers all topped the list. Many of the common complaints were centered on the company’s unwillingness to honor cancellation and refund policies after a deposit had been paid.

From choosing a florist to picking out the perfect wedding gown, more and more soon-to-be brides are opting for online retailers. While most venues have the brides’ best interest at heart, it’s important to recognize the red flags before shelling out the cash.

“With today’s wedding averaging around more than $28,000, there’s not a penny left to gamble on unreliable venders,” said Kim States, BBB President. “Before securing your wedding services and paying any upfront fees it’s important for all newlyweds to do their research.”

BBB recommends that newlyweds consider the following when planning for their special day:

Research all online vendors. When choosing to go with an online retailer for your wedding services or products start with a trusted site rather than shopping with a search engine. Search results can often lead you to unscrupulous websites or phishing scams.  Also, look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks” on retail websites. Click on the seals to confirm they’re valid. Confirm that your online purchase is secure. Look for the “s” after “http” in the URL or the lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.   Be sure to check the company out with BBB before doing business with them.

Review all terms and conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a company online or in-person, (more…)

Since 2002, Joanne Zich, owner of Trinity Diamonds, Inc., has been fashioning elegant jewelry for Tucsonans, and doing her best to give back to the community. Along the way, she’s earned a reputation for providing superb service, elegant products, and an unflinching dedication to ethics in the marketplace.

BBB sat down with Joanne to find out how she came to design jewelry, her passion for helping the needy- in Tucson and Africa, and to learn more about her philosophy on customer service.

Trinity Diamonds has been a BBB Accredited Business since 2007.