Money is one of the top reasons couples fight, and often, it’s the leading cause of stress in new marriages. It’s not just about how much you have; it’s about how you think about it, save it, spend it, and manage it together.
If you are engaged or a newlywed, you are likely focused on the wedding day, but Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott—renowned marriage experts—argue that a solid financial plan is far more critical for the long haul.
That is where the SYMBIS Assessment (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) comes in. Specifically, its deep dive into financial planning can mean the difference between a lifetime of financial stress and a partnership defined by financial harmony.
What is the SYMBIS Financial Assessment?
The SYMBIS Assessment isn’t just a quiz; it is a research-based, personalized report that analyzes over two dozen dimensions of your relationship. One of its most robust, and arguably most important, sections is its focus on finances.
Rather than giving you generic financial advice, SYMBIS focuses on your specific “money methods.” It uncovers how your individual financial upbringing, habits, and attitudes—such as being a “saver” versus a “spender”—will clash or complement each other in marriage.
3 Key Ways SYMBIS Helps Your Financial Future
1. It Reveals Your “Money Method”
We all have a default setting when it comes to money, often inherited from our parents. The SYMBIS assessment helps you identify these habits and reveals how your personality interacts with your partner’s financial style.
For example: if one partner is a “saver” and the other is a “spender,” the assessment helps you understand why that is and how to create a balanced approach rather than arguing about it.
2. It Identifies “Hot Topics”
Money is a “loaded issue” that can quickly turn into a power struggle. SYMBIS highlights financial “hot spots”—specific areas where you and your partner are most likely to disagree—so you can address them before they become huge fights.
3. It Helps You Create a Joint Budget Plan
The assessment doesn’t just show problems; it provides a roadmap for solutions. The accompanying materials help you sit down together and create a practical, agreed-upon budget and financial system. This includes:
- Dealing with debt: Discussing how to handle pre-existing financial debt together.
- Setting goals: Evaluating your shared savings plans and financial hopes.
The Goal: “No More Money Fights”
The ultimate aim of the SYMBIS assessment regarding money is to help you “kick financial worries to the curb.”
As the Parrotts often emphasize, the most effective way to avoid financial stress is to establish healthy financial practices early. The SYMBIS report gives you the tools to:
- Be respectful of different money styles.
- Create a sense of shared ownership in your finances.
- Develop a plan that aligns with your shared values.
Final Thoughts
Premarital counseling, especially when it includes a robust tool like the SYMBIS assessment, has been shown to reduce the risk of divorce by 31%.
By using SYMBIS to uncover your financial strengths and weaknesses before you say “I do,” you are not just preparing for a wedding; you are actively building a future of trust, security, and love.