Our next Black Love Role Model couple is the go-to couple for preparing yourself financially for marriage and beyond. Talaat and Tai McNeely are renowned hosts of His & Her Money, a multimedia platform and resource to encourage their audience in “managing money, marriage and everything in between.” Dubbed “America’s #1 Money Couple” is now 100% debt free and celebrating singles and couples who are making financial strides as well to that freedom.
I wanted to check in with the McNeely’s and ask them questions for us to prepare ourselves financially for the next season of our lives:
BLISS: Congrats on becoming debt free with your home last year! How did you work together as a team to meet this goal?
Talaat & Tai: Since the very beginning of our marriage we had to work together to get out of $30,000 of debt. We knew that we’re stronger together and accomplishing the goal of paying off our home was no different. Two are always better than one when you’re playing on the same team.
BLISS: Why are finances such an important aspect of married life for couples? How has it impacted your relationship?
T&T: Finances are so important in a marriage because the majority of everything that you do from daily decisions, to rearing up children, to starting a business requires some aspect of finances. Money can actually tear a marriage apart, so it’s even more important to win at it.
BLISS: What can single people do to prepare themselves financially for marriage?
T&T: We created a video titled, 9 Smart Financial Moves Every Single Should Make. Watch this video to learn just what we wish we would have done or done to set up our financial lives for marriage:
BLISS: What’s one bad financial habit that singles should stop in 2019?
T&T: We like to advise all singles to incorporate an accountability partner in their financial journey. It’s important to be accountable and you owe it to yourself. Choose someone that will tell you the truth and not sugar coat anything. Let them know your financial plans and how you want them to hold you accountable along the way.
BLISS: What’s one thing that couples should consider regarding their money before they get married?
T&T: Just know that marriage is a partnership, not a contract. Make sure you’re all in and do the most you can do prior to getting married. Know what your credit score is. Check your credit reports.
“Take a proactive approach to learn as much as possible around the area of money so that you can give yourself the best head start.”
BLISS: What’s your take on having separate banking accounts as a married couple?
T&T: In our marriage, we do everything together. We’re on the same team. We share bank accounts and we’ve seen the many benefits to doing such. Personal spending money is incorporated into making sure we have individual freedom as well.
BLISS: What is your take on Black Love? Both partners feel free to share.
T&T: Black love for us is building a strong faith-based marriage that incorporates goals and dreams that will ensure we leave a legacy to our children and their children.
BLISS: Anything else coming up that you would like to share with our audience?
T&T: We’re always doing something…lol. Make sure you follow us on all social media accounts @hisandhermoney to stay up to date with any new projects as well as our website: HisandHerMoney.com.
Big thanks to Talaat and Tai for their advice and motivation to get our money right in our single season and to be financially prepared for where God is taking us next!
