How
to get on the same page about money. First things first: Together, you
need to make a plan to set your financial life up for success. The two
most important plans to have in place, you ask? Get out of debt and create a working budget that you are both happy with.
To get out of debt, you need to make a plan. We used the debt snowball method
and it worked wonders! Simply list all of your debts from smallest to
largest. Pay the minimum on all the bills but the smallest one, and
attack that one with every bit of extra money you have or make.
Once you pay that bill off, add your old payment to what you’re paying on the next bill on the list. Keep at it until you are debt-free!
Once you pay that bill off, add your old payment to what you’re paying on the next bill on the list. Keep at it until you are debt-free!
Combine bank accounts
You know as well as I do that when you get married, you become one.
This is no different with your finances. Instead of thinking along the
lines of this is my money and that is your money, rework that thinking to our money, not my money.
A GREAT way to improve your communication and get on the same page
about money with your spouse is to combine your checking and savings
accounts.
Share your goals
Sit down over dinner one night and share your goals for the future.
Both personal goals and financial goals. When you do this, it’s
important to listen to your spouse’s goals without judgment. Just
listen, express your own goals, and have a great night together dreaming
into the future and becoming excited for what’s to come.
My husband and I did this one night, and despite the fact that he
didn’t necessarily love or agree with the strict budget that I created
for us, we saw eye to eye on our goals. Our goals were important to the
both of us and because of that, we were able to find common ground and
relate to one another.
Look at the big picture
Think you and your spouse can’t find common ground when it comes to
your finances? Think again, friend! Don’t focus on the day-to-day and
what you disagree on. That’s easy to do. Instead, look toward the
future.
Where do you both see yourselves at age 65? I guarantee it’s not in
debt, no savings, and a fixed income. Congrats! You just found common
ground with your spouse! Start with what you DO agree on and go from
there.
I would bet that you both want financial independence and financial
freedom. See, you’re on the same page with your spouse already!
Compromise
Compromise is essential in any relationship, but especially with your
spouse. The idea is that you can learn how to best accommodate your
partner’s differing ideas, without feeling obligated to sacrifice your
own. It’s important that both of your ideas are being heard, understood,
and taken seriously.
A few ideas to keep in mind when trying to compromise with your spouse:
- Don’t always try to be right
- Let things go
- Rethink your expectations
- Keep an open mind
- Show appreciation
How you manage your money together will be will be one of the most
important factors in determining the quality of your marriage. There are
ways to get on the same page about money with your spouse.
Start by using a few of the strategies listed in this post and you will start to feel the financial pressure lifted from your relationship. Stay open, listen to your partner, and be on the same team. You’ve got this!
Start by using a few of the strategies listed in this post and you will start to feel the financial pressure lifted from your relationship. Stay open, listen to your partner, and be on the same team. You’ve got this!
