Sarah Reeve Took Charge of Family Finances After Fiancé Cleared £2,000 Debt

1 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 16

Sarah Reeve says she only agreed to marry Lee after he repaid a £2,000 car loan, after which the couple pooled income and she took over bills, budgeting and saving.
Lee's own view that he was "rubbish with money" left Sarah managing the household finances for years, even as the couple avoided overstretching themselves and made regular mortgage overpayments.
That responsibility also left her feeling future planning was "all down to me" until a financial adviser helped the couple map spending, risk and goals such as holidays, a new car and home improvements.
St James's Place research cited in the report found more than four fifths of women help manage day-to-day finances, but only 44% feel confident making investment changes alone versus 63% of men.
Sarah says the main lesson is to confront debt early and set clear financial goals, an approach she believes has already shaped her two daughters' money habits.