June is wedding season! Countless couples take to the alter, say their vows and look forward to their futures together.
Futures that will include smart decisions about, you guessed it, money.
It's also the number one thing couples fight about. Unless you get some serious strategies to deal with your inevitable financial differences of opinion.
My wife and I don't always agree on everything money and finance related. However, we have developed three super simple steps for dealing our finances, and each other. They are deceptively simple and easy to overlook. Pay close attention, because if you fight about money, chances are you are not using one of the tips.
Here are my 3 Super Simple Money Tips for Married Couples:
1. Talk. Talking to your spouse about money is the very first step, and it's the best money advice I can give. Fighting about money due to lack of communication can destroy a marriage. You and your spouse have to discuss your feelings about spending, budgets and plans for the future. This step is the cornerstone for the other two. Talk though any challenges and learn to rely on each other's advice. My wife and I don't make purchases over a certain amount without consulting with each other first. It's a tactic that has saved us countless hours of fighting and suspicion.
2. Budget. Oh no not the "B" word! Yep, a budget. You both must agree upon what you are going to spend. You may have certain expenditures that are important to you but not your significant other. There needs to be a discussion and some compromises made so that there are no misunderstandings later. Some of us tend to spend more in certain areas, and that can upset your spouse. Be clear and determine what the budget for those items should be. You'll be glad you did.
3. Plan. While not every couple has a written financial plan, I would recommend it. I talk to couples all the time that have been married for decades. During these planning sessions with me, someone always says, "I didn't know you wanted to do that." If you don't have a written plan, you both need to write down or discuss some common financial goals. Whether you want to buy a home, start a family or retire. Planning is a big part of accomplishing any financial goal. Having frank discussions about what you both want, or what each of you want separately is a good idea.
Yes, it was that simple. But as I said, it's deceptively simple. If you liked my article subscribe here for free! I'll have my virtual paperboy deliver my articles to you every Friday?
