This episode is all about money and relationships. Two things usually don't go hand in hand. But talking about money while in a marriage or in a long-term relationship is very important. Be sure to listen to the podcast episode about this but keep reading for even more content about this very interesting topic.
What if you don't talk about money in a marriage?
Money is one of the most common sources of stress and conflict in any relationship, and marriage is no exception. Unfortunately, many couples avoid discussing money altogether, believing that it will only lead to arguments and dissatisfaction. But the truth is, not talking about money can be even more harmful to a marriage than discussing it openly and honestly. Lack of money conversations can often bleed over into other potentially controversial topics.
One of the main reasons why couples avoid talking about money is fear. Fear of judgment, fear of not having enough, fear of not being able to meet expectations. But by avoiding the conversation, couples miss out on the opportunity to understand each other's financial goals and priorities, and to work together to achieve them. This can lead to feelings of resentment, mistrust, and disconnection.
Another reason why couples avoid talking about money is that they believe it is a private matter and should be kept separate from the relationship. However, money is not just a personal issue, it is also a shared responsibility in a marriage. By not discussing money, couples miss out on the opportunity to build financial security and stability together. There are a lot of great conversations and positive experiences that couples get to experience together when they talk about money.
So, how can couples make talking about money fun and less stressful?
One way is to set financial goals together. This allows couples to work towards something they both want and can bond over. Another way is to make a game out of budgeting and saving. For example, couples can challenge each other to see who can save the most money each month. Do be cautious with challenges and be sure to not use them as a way to guilt one another into getting your way with your money. Both parties in a relationship have to be willing to give each other some slack.
Another great way to make talking about money fun is to create a budgeting and savings plan that includes a little bit of fun money for each person. This can be used for things like dining out, buying a new book, or going to a movie. This way, couples can still enjoy the things they love without feeling guilty about spending money.
Being able to feel less guilt when spending money can be a game changer for couples. If you allow each other to spend money on something enjoyable then it will be easier to talk about money altogether. Both my wife, Rebecca, and I have a category in our budget for ourselves. I tend to spend my money all at once on bigger items while Rebecca likes to buy things more frequently for her hobbies. Both ways are great but our open conversations allow us to spend this money worry-free!
Overall, talking about money in a marriage is essential for building a strong and healthy relationship. By discussing money openly and honestly, couples can work towards shared financial goals and build financial security and stability together. And by making talking about money fun, couples can reduce stress and conflicts and enjoy the journey of building a financially successful life together.
Money Talk with Skyler Fleming
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Email me at moneytalk@skylerfleming.com