Every couple faces their own unique challenges when it comes to money and marriage. After all, balancing a checkbook together requires intentionality and clear vision. In our new book Your Money, Your Marriage: The Secrets to Smart Finance, Spicy Romance, and Their Intimate Connection, we identified 8 key areas where couples struggle. The book releases September 25th, but today we’re discussing five of those key areas and how to address them.
Communication
The number one question we receive on a regular basis is “How do I get my spouse on the same page when it comes to money?” While the answer is complicated, in the end couples need to clear up communication mishaps when it comes to money and marriage. In order to be on the same page, you have to speak the same language. This means, we have regular and intentional conversations about money outside of conflict.
Don’t know where to begin? As a special book bonus, you can use our Money Chat Conversation Cards. This deck of 50 questions help you start conversations about money without fighting. Gain a clear picture about where your shared finances are and where you’d like them to head.
Organization
You can’t manage money well if you don’t both know your full financial picture. You need a specific “home” where you keep your bills and records. You both need access to passwords for online accounts including – bank accounts, retirement accounts, bills, loans, and insurance. If everything’s out of order and a mess, you’ll never get ahead.
Never budgeted together before? Again, as a special book bonus, you’ll receive FREE Editable Budget Forms and a Google Sheet you can use to calculate your income and outflow of money.
Trust
Managing money together requires vulnerability. You’ll both likely make mistakes. You’ll need to learn how to move from wanting to control your spouse to trusting him or her. While it won’t happen overnight, you can make strides in this area by dreaming big together. Set goals as a couple and celebrate when you succeed.
Aim to spend regular time together without money, too. As a book bonus, you can receive 50 FREE and Cheap Date Night Ideas. Each idea is designed with you in mind so you can spend quality time together as a couple without dropping a lot of cash.
Conflict
Fights about money will happen. After all, we’re human beings, not perfect money machines. Rather than focusing on eliminating conflict, try to see your differences as a strength not a weakness. More than likely what drew you together was your individual unique lens on the world.
Learning how to treat one another with respect in the midst of your difference is key. Realize not any couple has it all together when it comes to money and marriage. Remember you chose your spouse for a reason. Be intentional about developing a shared strategy that takes your gifts and challenges into account.
Priorities
How we manage money should reflect our values, needs, and dreams. If you don’t verbalize what your values, needs, and dreams are as a couple, you won’t be able to manage your money according to them. We like to say, “Out the wallet, the heart speaks.”
Again, regular communication and organization can both help you define (or discover) what you currently value, need, and dream for as a couple. Another smart exercise entails taking our your calendar and writing a V, N, or D next to each appointment. If the activity doesn’t reflect your values, needs, or dreams, it’s time to quit.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage releases THIS WEEK September 25th from Zondervan Harper Collins Christian and is already available for pre-sale now everywhere books are sold. Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook. AND join us for a special book signing event at Barnes & Noble (Greenwood, IN) on Saturday September 29th from 2 – 4 PM.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
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