Talking Money With Your Honey on Valentine’s Day
I know, I know... talking money with your honey probably isn’t the romantic Valentine’s Day date night you were planning on. In fact, you may be thinking that talking about money could ruin your romantic plans altogether!
For many, having a conversation about money with your spouse or anyone else can be frustrating, reveal vulnerabilities, and may even feel downright embarrassing. That’s why I thought I’d give you some tips for starting those difficult conversations and eventually making progress on your financial goals as a result.
First of all, timing is key. Do not try to start a conversation about money when one of you is dead tired, has an important deadline, or is watching a new episode of their favorite show! It might also be a good idea to ask your spouse ahead of time when you would have their full attention to discuss the subject. This gives them time to get mentally prepared… and you definitely want them to feel prepared if you desire the conversation to go well!
Next, keep it short and to the point. A major mistake many people make is trying to spend half a day figuring out all of their financial problems at once. Without a coach, guide, course, or other resource, you could fall flat and exhaust yourself before you even have a realistic game plan. Instead, I recommend your chat last no longer than 10-15 minutes to start. Have a specific question, topic, or task to discuss--and stay focused only on that point. You can always set up another time to discuss more. Remember, the goal is make progress, not fix everything overnight. Take those baby steps, and over time you will see forward movement.
Finally, set the stage. Communicate the good things you see going on in your finances. Remind your partner and yourself how far you’ve come. Be grateful for whatever part they have played in getting you both closer to your goals. Maybe one of you makes a great income and it helps your bottom line tremendously. If your spouse is the one who pays the bills, acknowledge how important that job is for financial stability. Encouraging one another and celebrating your individual strengths promotes good vibes. We all want that!
Hopefully these guidelines will help you have more productive money conversations. Want more guidance into building a better financial relationship with your partner or spouse? Check out my book “Naked and Unashamed: 10 Money Conversations Every Couple Must Have” for more tools and insight!
Either way, I want to hear how your money conversations go, so be sure to email me at Ericka@TailorMadeBudgets.com. I always love hearing from couples about their successful conversations… and who knows, you and your loved one could be featured in a future blog post or email!
Here’s to your financial success!
