Dream Wedding or Massive Debt? Choosing Wisely When Your Married Life Begins in the Red

In Thai society, "marriage" is not just about two people but often comes with expectations, appearances, and the figure of "dowry." Many couples choose to start their married life with a beautiful dream, but behind it lies the burden of large debt.

For example, a real case from the Thai Financial Planners Association (TFPA) involves “Boy,” a 30-year-old technician earning about 25,000 to 28,000 baht monthly. He dreams of marrying within three years with a budget of 300,000 baht, but faces a major condition: he still has a car loan installment of 7,500 baht per month and no savings at all.

Examining the reality: the car debt he carries versus the dream he must pay for.

Reviewing Boy’s finances reveals the car loan as a major "energy drainer" because the monthly car payment accounts for 31% of his income (financial principles suggest it should not exceed 35-40%). This reflects a trend among young people who start working by buying a "car" before "saving," leading to financial strain at key life moments.

The secret formula for self-made people: choosing the "right" tool within limited time.

Experts from TFPA recommend that since three years is not very long, overly risky investments could cause the wedding fund to vanish. The most suitable tool is a “Tax-Free Savings Account” because it meets the needs of self-starters.

• Higher-than-average interest: earning full interest without a 15% tax deduction.
• Iron discipline: requires consistent monthly deposits (24 or 36 months). Missing deposits beyond the limit causes loss of interest benefits immediately.
• Low risk: guarantees the target lump sum under deposit protection.

To have 300,000 baht, how much money must remain for living expenses?

If Boy chooses a 36-month deposit period (assuming an interest rate of 2.90%) to reach about 300,000 baht:

• He must save approximately 8,200 baht per month.
• Personal expenses: only about 9,000 baht per month remain (an average of 300 baht per day) in exchange for the lump sum on the wedding day.

Lessons from the experts: the wedding lasts just an hour, but married life is real.

Beyond these figures is the reality of Thai society.

• Flexibility is the way out: if saving 8,200 baht per month is too tight and makes life unhappy, experts suggest "downsizing the wedding" or "postponing it" instead of borrowing money to hold the event. Starting married life "in the red" means stepping into risk before even beginning.
• The wedding is an "appetizer," not the main course: guests may enjoy the event for an hour or two and then forget it, but the bride and groom must face the reality afterward. Statistics show couples who frequently argue about money are 30% more likely to divorce.
• Debt management strategy: if bonuses or lump sums arrive, immediately "pay off" the debts with the highest interest rates first to reduce principal, interest, and increase monthly cash flow.

Remember, love is a matter of the heart, but married life after the wedding depends on "cash flow." Don’t let the most beautiful day become the start of the most financially bitter year just for appearances.

Source: Thai Financial Planners Association (TFPA).

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