This article talks about using humor in the “money discussion” with your significant other. I thought I’d share because a major source of conflict between couples is often money issues. It seems like in “the big picture” the couple wants the same things. People mention stability, security, providing for their children, having a little extra for some fun. It is in the details that problems occur.
Ignoring financial issues won’t make them go away. Leaving all the decision making to a partner often leads to resentment by the spouse taking care of everything. Talk about your finances. If you have a partner who manages all the money in the relationship, take time to acknowledge it. Maybe the number one way to decrease the resentment is to put aside some time to talk about money. Most people I know who are the main money manager in the partnership say things like “If he would just sit with me a few minutes each week so I wouldn’t feel like it was all on me.” Or “I wish she’d show some interest in what I am doing with the money.” Even if you would do just about anything avoid talking about your finances try spending just a bit of time each week or month and you might be surprised in decreased conflict or improved satisfaction. This is not a time to be judgmental or angry but to honestly appraise where the current family situation stands and what may be coming up.
Whether single or in a relationship, thinking about your money each day might be helpful. My mom used to say to me all the time “If you would just spend a few minutes each day working on your money you would have a handle on your finances and be successful.” I’ve shared that advice with many people. I have been told by several people that they work on their money a few minutes each day, just like my mom said, and there was a noticeable difference in their financial savvy. I’m still working on coming close to reaching this worthwhile goal but I will keep trying.
The End
