I once told a rather large group of women to have their first budget meeting with their husbands naked. In retrospect, it *might* have been slightly out of place; however, there’s no doubt that budget meetings can be incredibly awkward. It’s like learning to dance or other *ahem* marital activities. The first few times, it’s awkward, uncomfortable, has an assortment of unmet expectations, and you’re not sure who’s doing what and when or why.
I can promise you that like with anything, the more you have budget meetings with your spouse, the better they will get. Practice makes perfect, you know? Your communication will improve, the division of labor will clarify, and your goals will unify. But if you’re new to budgeting, here are a few of my favorite tips {all of which involve remaining clothed} to improve your budget meetings.
1) Share a Snack. Breaking bread breaks down barriers. Whether it’s your favorite flavor of chips, a bowl of fruit, a loaf of bread, a pint of ice cream, or homemade popcorn, a snack will ease the initial awkwardness of your meeting time together. Don’t go all “Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous” with lobster or a fancy dinner out on the town. Keep things simple and something that you love. You’ll look forward to sitting down together and will have a few moments of transition before you dive into the “meat” of your meeting. And bonus, you won’t feel angry hungry when you’re trying to make decisions.
2) Come Prepared. Have a particular debt slaying goal? Want to go on a fabulous vacation? Planning on purchasing a new household appliance? Do your research and come prepared to the meeting. Don’t have vague generalities about your goals. Instead know the dollar figures, the dates, and exacts. Make a plan but be flexible enough to let it go if you’re both not in agreement.
3) Eliminate Distractions. Turn off the tv. Turn off your phone. Put the kids to bed. Shut the laptop {unless you’re looking at Quicken}. Make sure you haven’t planned your meeting during a big game or a homework night. Focus is key and if you’re fighting the temptation to glance at your feed or see who got voted off the island, your spouse will feel cheated and you’ll accomplish nothing.
4) Be Teachable. You know your spouse is not always perfect {if he was, his underwear wouldn’t be in the same place on the floor every.day. but I digress}, but neither are you. If you come into a meeting with your fists clenched and a “I’m gonna get my way” mentality, you’ll never get anywhere. You are on the same team. Remember, your spouse isn’t your Dad, financial unity is sexy, you have to be willing to be led, and best of all, you should be fighting debt Back to Back.
For more on finances and marriage, check out these posts:
- 6 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Healthy While Paying Off Debt
- How to Pay Off All Your Debt: Realize that Sex & Money Make People Crazy
- How to Pay Off All Your Debt: Marriage and Finances, Part 1
This is great! I love your tips.Weekly meetings like this would be great for hubby and I.
Great tips! Weekly meetings would be great for hubby and me. We gain so much when we take the time to make sure we are on the same page.
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