Tip #1: Talk to your spouse.
It seems fairly basic and like non-financial advice but you’d be surprised at the number of families where this simply doesn’t happen.
If you are stressed out about money and your spouse doesn’t know, you can’t expect him/her to do anything differently.
If you feel as if the lion’s share of the bill paying and budgeting falls on your shoulders, and your spouse doesn’t know you feel that way you cannot expect him/her to share responsibilities.
If you feel like you or your spouse needs to take on a first or second job to reduce your debt load, and you don’t tell them. They. will. never. know.
NOW, all of that being said, you must, must, must address these issues outside of conflict. Money fights are one of the #1 reasons people get divorced. Don’t try to begin your journey toward financial freedom in the middle of a knock down, drag out, fight. You will get absolutely no where.
Getting on the same page financial could take weeks, months, or even years. But it can’t begin at all if you don’t open the lines of communication.
Be sure to artfully plan your discussion. Make sure the kids have been in bed and asleep for quite sometime. Turn off the tv, radio, internet, and even phones.
DON’T be accusatory. If you’re anything like us, you equally share the responsibility of unwise financial choices. It’s easy to point fingers; it’s harder to look within and identify your role in the mess. Don’t over-analyze and bemoan where you’re at. It is what it is. You are where you are. The point is to get out of debt not wallow in it.
DO be honest but kind. Focus on what you could do if you weren’t so strapped down with debt. Realize where both of you have strengths. Talk about how you can partner together to best utilize those strengths. Thank your spouse for the things they are doing instead of constantly focusing on what they’re not doing.
Keep reading for 30 more tips on reducing debt and living better in 2011!
