Money Changes Everything - The Lethal Cocktail of Love and Money
When boy meets girl and romance blossoms, money seems to take a back seat.
However, when the baby seat takes over the back seat and the domestic bliss begins those sweet words whispered in each others ears rapidly become cries of anger and frustration.
Unfortunately fighting about money is one of the main reasons why couples split up, however many arguments can be avoided with a little bit of communication and understanding.
Here's a few ideas to bring back that loving feeling: 1.
Chat don't spat - set aside one evening a month (possibly for an hour or two) to talk about your finances.
Now, this is not the time to drag out the credit card statement and point your finger but it is a time to openly discuss (and I mean discuss) your bills, your savings and your budget.
The first few chats will be a little difficult as you get used to talking not arguing but after a while it will feel more comfortable.
2.
Carry that weight - both of you should have equal responsibility for looking after the family finances.
This will remove any of the 'I take care of the money" arguments.
Simply allocate the money tasks (ie paying the bills, doing the banking) evenly and talk about your problems when you have your monthly chat.
3.
Plot the future - set some long term goals together like where you want to be in five, ten and even twenty years.
This will help you both work together for a common goal and if you stay focused on the big picture you will be easily be able to deal with any problems that pop up in the short term.
4.
Be budget buddies - This will give you both an opportunity to see exactly where your money is going and you can use it as a constant reference point when you have your monthly money chat.
5.
What's mine is mine - Agree on having a "no questions asked" sum of money each month.
This amount should be accounted for in your budget however even $50 a month means you can have lunch out with friends or buy something for yourself without accusations from your partner or guilty feelings about jeopardizing the finances.
6.
Call in the cavalry - Sometimes it helps just to get an unbiased second opinion on your money situation.
Have a chat to a financial planner and they can help point you in the right direction as far as your budget and investments are concerned.
If you think you just can't have a calm discussion about money, consider consulting a relationship counsellor.
However, when the baby seat takes over the back seat and the domestic bliss begins those sweet words whispered in each others ears rapidly become cries of anger and frustration.
Unfortunately fighting about money is one of the main reasons why couples split up, however many arguments can be avoided with a little bit of communication and understanding.
Here's a few ideas to bring back that loving feeling: 1.
Chat don't spat - set aside one evening a month (possibly for an hour or two) to talk about your finances.
Now, this is not the time to drag out the credit card statement and point your finger but it is a time to openly discuss (and I mean discuss) your bills, your savings and your budget.
The first few chats will be a little difficult as you get used to talking not arguing but after a while it will feel more comfortable.
2.
Carry that weight - both of you should have equal responsibility for looking after the family finances.
This will remove any of the 'I take care of the money" arguments.
Simply allocate the money tasks (ie paying the bills, doing the banking) evenly and talk about your problems when you have your monthly chat.
3.
Plot the future - set some long term goals together like where you want to be in five, ten and even twenty years.
This will help you both work together for a common goal and if you stay focused on the big picture you will be easily be able to deal with any problems that pop up in the short term.
4.
Be budget buddies - This will give you both an opportunity to see exactly where your money is going and you can use it as a constant reference point when you have your monthly money chat.
5.
What's mine is mine - Agree on having a "no questions asked" sum of money each month.
This amount should be accounted for in your budget however even $50 a month means you can have lunch out with friends or buy something for yourself without accusations from your partner or guilty feelings about jeopardizing the finances.
6.
Call in the cavalry - Sometimes it helps just to get an unbiased second opinion on your money situation.
Have a chat to a financial planner and they can help point you in the right direction as far as your budget and investments are concerned.
If you think you just can't have a calm discussion about money, consider consulting a relationship counsellor.
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