Over the years our society has seen the "Brady Bunch" effect grow and grow.  What I mean is the frequency of two existing families merging.

This dynamic brings a whole set of additional financial decisions to the table.  Just like with any kind of merger you will not have two of some things and have to decided how things will also be shared.

![family-932245_640.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmewe8e2KtqfALs1yay3kFuo7cbTeZ8oPoBeKWeziUQQfk/family-932245_640.jpg)
[image source](https://pixabay.com/en/family-people-car-looking-children-932245/)

# Some Items to Consider

There are many items that will need to be discussed between the two head of households, but here are a few.

## Homes

Do both partners own a home?  If so, are they going to sell both and purchase a larger home to accommodate the larger family?  Or are they going to move into one of the existing homes and sell or rent the other?   And how does that impact the finances of that person?  What will the contribution to the occupied home be?

As you can see there are several scenarios to consider.

## Budget

Each of the partners had their own life before they met and spent and raised their kids in  a certain way.   Do those practices mesh well or conflict.  How much discretionary income will be spent on the children for fun and leisure?

These are items that need to be figured out from the onset.  Maybe one parent likes to spoil the children in the present while the other spends less as they prefer to put away extra college savings.

## Dealing with Debt

Does each partner's debt load become part of the overall budget or will they handle their individual debts on there own? 

Will there be any new joint credit and how will that impact each partner's ability to borrow?

<center>https://steemitimages.com/DQmUsDx6pen1XAB66xGNezuiZ9RYoXEv9U98MqHzTxFV1dE/15.png</center>

#### These are just a few of the several items that need to be considered when two families merge.  

#### However, the real key is to be open about your finances.  Communicate from the onset.  It's the hidden financial landmines down the road that cause the most damage to a relationship, so avoid the secrets.

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Best Regards, 
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