Things to do after getting married

Attention, newlyweds: You've enjoyed your honeymoon, uploaded wedding pictures to social media — but now what? After the “I dos”, there is still a lot of work to do to make sure that everything is addressed including updating name changes, writing thank you cards, discussing finances, estate planning and making sure to review insurance coverage.

Identify what documents to change after getting married

Within 90 days of the wedding:

• If you're changing your name, head to your local Social Security Administration office with your marriage license to get a new card.
• Once you have that, get a new driver's license.
• Update your name at the following places:
  • Employer
  • School
  • Post office
  • Banks
  • Credit card companies
  • Utility companies and other billers
  • Passport office
  • Voter registration office
  • Social media
  • Insurance (home or renters, auto, life, health)
  • Frequent-flyer programs
  • Religious organizations
  • Professional designations
  • Doctor's offices

Thank you notes

Be specific in writing your thank you notes and consider finding stationery that is consistent with the theme of your wedding. Keep in mind, thank you card etiquette time frame is typically within three months of the wedding. A brief handwritten thank you note shows your appreciation and is more personal.

Who should receive a thank you note?

• Anyone that sent a gift
• Every guest in attendance
  
• Wedding party
  
• Parents and in-laws
  

Wedding thank you wording

• Include the gift, gift card or monetary gift including how you plan to use it.
• End by stating you are glad the guest shared in your special day.
  
• Dual signatures are an added touch.
  
• Example wording or suggestions can help you get started.
  

Discuss finances and goals with your partner

Whether you choose to combine accounts or keep them separate, it's important to sit down regularly and discuss progress toward your financial goals — such as buying a home, paying for college and saving for retirement. Money management is important for couples regardless if you are joining or keeping accounts separate. If you're combining accounts, make a quick trip to the bank to get new checks and debit cards.

Start planning your estate

• Plan your estate, if you don't already have one, and create a will with your spouse to reflect your combined assets.
• Consider adding each other as your beneficiary for life insurance and retirement accounts.
• Create Power of Attorney or medical directives.
• Update homeownership documents.

Review and make changes to your insurance coverages

Call your State Farm® agent to change your name if you need to and consider adding your husband or wife to your homeowners, renters, auto and other insurance policies. If you both have health insurance plans provided by your employers, choose whether you'll keep one or both and act accordingly.