> Create a combined budget with tools to increase spending awareness going forward

> Organize your accounts and financial life

> Create an organized picture of your combined wealth

• Weekly course objectives and action plans to keep you focused

• Worksheets and checklists each week to help you execute and stay organized

• Budget and net worth spreadsheets that you can use for years to come

• Instructional videos walking you through the course material

• Essential need-to-know personal finance education

• Our best tips and best practices from almost a decade of advising hundreds of couples on communicating and managing their money

MERGE is designed primarily for engaged and newlywed couples. However, any couple (new or old) that wants to create a united front around money will benefit from the course.

Any two people in a relationship bring to the table different sets of money experiences, preferences, strengths, weaknesses, and priorities. You’ve probably already encountered some sticky money conversations through dating, engagement, and wedding planning. Let me help you create a united vision and plan for your money that will reap benefits for years to come.

This course is for couples with questions about:

• How to set actionable and achievable financial goals

• How to best use your money to achieve your shared goals

• How to develop and stick to a shared budget

• How best to blend your finances, organize your accounts, and manage your combined financial world

• How to tackle debt

• How much you should be saving

• How to improve communication around money

• How to prudently invest your money

• How much life insurance you need

On a personal level, I get it. My husband and I have been together for over 10 years and have run into the same questions, tensions, and problems around money you have. We’ve moved, changed jobs, started businesses, raised kids in an expensive city, navigated extended family, and cared for aging parents.

Professionally, I’ve seen it all. In nearly a decade of working as a financial planner in New York City, I’ve walked alongside hundreds of couples and helped them navigate the art and science of managing their money and dreams. This course distills into one package the essential answers to the most common questions and needs I’ve observed over the years.

I’ve been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and other publications, with a focus on elevating financial literacy in our communities and the behavioral side of money.

I am a fee-only CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a CPA, and the founder of Ford Financial Solutions, LLC in New York City. I specialize in working with young couples and families navigating the many life transitions that occur in their 20s and 30s.

Read Julie’s full bio here.

Part 1: Creating a Combined Net Worth Statement

• Determine your combined net worth.

• Learn the essentials on credit reports and scores.

part 2: Money & Your Values

• Identify the values that drive your individual and collective financial decisions.

• Establish your shared values regarding money.

part 3: Creating Shared Goals

• Set your joint financial goals.

• Learn the top three foundational goals to prioritize.

• Learn how to balance savings and debt.

part 4: CreatE a Joint BUDGET

• Learn the essentials of budgeting.

• Create your own joint budget.

part 5: Spending Awareness & getting Specific with Goals

• Learn to use Mint to track your budget.

• Learn to adjust your spending and savings to achieve your goals.

part 6: Merging Accounts & Setting Habits

• Establish roles and routines to manage your financial world.

• Merge and organize your bank accounts.

bonus material

• BONUS 1: Post-wedding Checklist

• BONUS 2: Investing 101

• BONUS 3: Overlooked Insurance Policies

• BONUS 4: Life Insurance 101

• BONUS 5: Estate Planning 101

Do you offer refunds?

Absolutely. We will offer a full refund to couples who complete the entire course and are not satisfied. Please provide us with your completed checklists, worksheets, and spreadsheets (within 2 weeks of completing the course) and share your feedback, and we’ll be happy to offer a full refund.

How much time should I budget each week?

We recommend budgeting 30-60 minutes for each module. You will receive two modules per week so about 1 or 2 hours of work a week in total, though it will vary week by week. We suggest finding a consistent day and time of the week where you can sit down and dive into the content. The course will last about 3 weeks if you stick to our recommended timing.

What if we have questions during the course?

Email hello@fordfinancialsolutions.com with any technical or content-related questions at any time during the course. We will answer any clarifying questions about the content, though we will not be able to address questions about your unique situation. At the end of the course, you can engage Julie or Tony for a one-on-one planning session at a discounted rate to tie up loose ends and answer any lingering questions about how the content applies to your unique situation.

How is the class delivered?

The course content is delivered through email and tutorial videos. You will receive two modules a week with specific assignments in each email with any spreadsheets, worksheets, checklists, and education content attached to the email.

What if we need help after we complete the course?

For couples that complete the course and all course materials—checklists, worksheets, spreadsheets—you may engage Julie or Tony for a one-on-one planning session at a discounted rate. Prior to the call, they will review your course work and questions and will come prepared to provide immediate recommendations and guidance unique to your situation.

How long do I have access to the materials?

All content is delivered by email, so just save the emails and you’ll always be able to reference the material in the future. You will have access to course videos for 12 months.