The Head of Client Experience at Stanbic Investment Management Services (SIMS), Miriam M. Amissah, has urged couples to prioritise financial planning and avoid starting their marriages with debt.

Speaking during an X-Spaces discussion on the eve of Valentine’s Day, themed “My Money, Your Money, or Our Money?” Ms Amissah stressed the importance of transparency, communication, and prudent spending in relationships.

She cautioned against overspending on weddings, noting that financial struggles can strain a marriage.

She stated, “It is unwise to begin a marriage burdened by debt. While a wedding is a one-day celebration, marriage is a lifelong journey.

"Overspending on the wedding and subsequently facing financial challenges in the marriage is not a prudent decision.”

Mr Amissah proposed a thoughtful alternative for couples with differing financial aspirations.

“If one partner envisions a financially demanding dream wedding, there is no harm in that. Couples can opt for a wedding that aligns with their current budget and plan to celebrate their dream wedding on a significant milestone, such as their 5th or 10th anniversary.” 

She also highlighted the importance of understanding a partner’s financial habits during the dating phase.

Madam Amissah advised couples to observe their partners’ spending patterns and engage in meaningful conversations to understand their financial perspectives.

She explained, “When you're dating, it's important to observe your partner. People typically don’t depart from what they are used to.

"If I’ve not known you my entire life and suddenly meet you, and after two or three years of dating, you want to change my ideas about how money should be spent, it can become tough and frustrating. That’s when tensions rise.”

The X-Spaces hosted by KalyJay also addressed a widely held belief in many Ghanaian settings, which suggests that a man’s income is often viewed as shared between both partners, while a woman’s income remains her own.

Ms Amissah and Rev. Panin Adusa-Amankwa, General Overseer of the Priestly Royal Chapel, explored the cultural, familial, and societal factors that have shaped this perspective.

They also examined how evolving gender roles, modern financial expectations, and changing relationship dynamics are influencing this belief in today’s world. 

By the end of the session, participants gained valuable insights into balancing love and finances, including the importance of financial planning, open communication, and mutual transparency in relationships.

Stanbic Bank Ghana remains committed to empowering individuals and couples with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed financial decisions.

Through initiatives like this X Spaces discussion, the bank continues to foster conversations that address real-life challenges and promote financial well-being.