 TITLE: What Happens to Your Credit When You Get Married? CONTENT: Should You Merge Your Credit Accounts?\n--------------------------------------\nOnce you've shared your credit histories with each other, you and your spouse will need to decide whether or not to merge all your financial accounts. Many couples do so because consolidated accounts can simplify record-keeping and make it easier to prepare joint tax returns. When considering whether to combine your finances, it's good to keep the following in mind:\n*   Both of you will be responsible for all debt incurred in any joint credit accounts.\n*   Regardless of who incurs the debt, a missed payment on a joint account will negatively affect both of partners' credit reports.\n*   If either spouse misses a payment on their individual account, that may impact your ability to borrow jointly.\nIf you decide to consolidate your accounts, you might want to keep at least one credit account in your own name as a safeguard in the event of an emergency. (No one likes to think of this, but keeping an individual account can also be helpful in the event of divorce, as it can be a good basis for rebuilding your credit history.)\nThe key to successful credit management as a couple is understanding that individual credit behavior can affect both partners. END