Financial Expert shares advice for Celebrity Couple

Aug. 24, 2010 - PRLog -- Denver, CO -- Dr. Taffy Wagner, Certified Educator in Personal Finances and Money and Marriage Advocate was recently interviewed by AOL Black Voices about the marriage of Alicia Keys to Swizz Beatz and his financial issues brought into their union.

Dr. Wagner shared with AOL Black Voices regardless if you're a celebrity, both should disclose any type of financial obligation(s) that can impact the household. Wagner has received emails from brides only days after the ceremony saying the marriage is not going to make it because of the amount of debt that exists, as well as fiancés that have called off the wedding due to the bride’s overspending.

Money is one of the top reasons for divorce, yet Wagner believes it does not have to be. Instead “Money Talk” throughout the engagement and marriage can be one of the reasons couples are successful. Fear is one of the major reasons people don't communicate about money thereby possibly losing trust when the truth comes out.

When AOL Black Voices asked Wagner what were two of the top things couples should discuss prior to marriage, she said “credit report and ask about student loans”. A credit report shows you what the financial behavior is of a potential spouse and gives them an opportunity to explain their behavior and also lets the bride or groom know what they are getting themselves into when it comes to finances.

Wagner knows firsthand how starting a marriage with debt is stressful. She had at least $15,000 debt, was unemployed and had to share revelations with her fiancé about the choices that caused her financial mistakes and life lessons.  She says brides and grooms must learn how to talk about these issues prior to the wedding in order to handle the financial responsibilities that come with being married.

Dr. Wagner provides premarital financial counseling for engaged couples and is also the creator of Money Talk Before The Commitment Walk and The Debt Stops At The Altar financial education program for engaged couples or newlyweds.  To read the interview with AOL Black Voices go to:  http://www.bvonlove.com/2010/08/11/swizz-beatz-alicia-key...

If you are interested in interviewing Dr. Wagner or would like her to speak at your next event, contact her through www.moneytalkmatters.com .

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About Taffy Wagner, DMin and Certified Educator in Personal Finances

Dr. Wagner has been interviewed by The Associated Press, US News and World Reports and Called Magazine regarding money and marriage, has been quoted in Black Enterprise, Essence Magazine and Woman’s Day regarding personal finances.
She provides one-on-one counseling, conducts seminars for individuals, engaged couples and married couples. Dr. Wagner is available to speak at seminars, conferences and small groups. You can contact her through her site at www.MoneyTalkMatters.com