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How to Effectively Talk Finances with Your Spouse

May 28, 2013 by Lisa Park + Leave a Comment

Finances with Spouse Final

Money is one of the least-discussed subjects in a marriage, yet it’s also the major reason for fights and divorce. Talking about money with your spouse doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, you’ll have a better understanding of what matters to the other person in your relationships when it’s discussed. You’ll also receive the benefit of greater financial success in your lives by talking through big financial decisions before they become critical.

Start with the Right Approach
If you think you are in the right about the way the finances should be handled, the one thing that will put off your spouse is by starting the conversation by saying he or she is wrong or the finances should be done a certain way. Communication is key when it comes to talking about finances with your spouse. You can express how you feel about the finances, but you also need to be able to listen. If you show you genuinely want to hear your spouse’s views about how to manage the family’s resources, you’re more likely to come to a solution you both can live with, and get to that point with less stress.

Hold a Regular Finance Meeting
Managing finances together sounds simple, but the topic of money can sometimes bring emotions such as anxiety, guilt, or anger to the surface. It’s important to set aside a specific time and place to talk about finances so you can prepare and know what to expect, and you can avoid tricky conversations when they’re least expected or when you may already be irritated by something else.

Use the No Shame, No Blame Rule
Many discussions surrounding money can end in heated arguments.  By giving both individuals permission to have these discussions with no shame or blame, there is less room for heated discussions.  You will be “talking” through your problems and taking responsibility for your actions, rather than blaming or shaming. You may still have disagreements here and there about money, but because you are discussing finances regularly, it is less likely that emotions will take over and things will be blown out of proportion.

Set a Spending Threshold
One survey found that 82 percent of married people occasionally hide purchases from their spouse, while another reported that about 30 percent have been dishonest about their spending habits. Often the biggest arguments come from surprises such as when one spouse makes a big purchase without telling the other. To help out this situation, set a predetermined limit that each person can have and spend the way they want. It could be as little as $50 or as much $500. The point is that you discuss and decide that amount together.

Make Goals Together
Another cause of money fights are differing goals. Take time to sit down and make a list of everything you want that costs money. This includes both your short-term and long-term goals such as a vacation, clothes, eating out, retirement savings, paying off your mortgage, and getting out of debt. Next to each item, write down the cost. You’ll then prioritize these goals from the most important to the least important. Each of you will have to compromise a little in order to come to an agreement. Next, create a budget so you can figure out how much you can afford to put towards these goals.

Keep Track of Progress
Once you’re both on the same page about the financial goals you want to achieve, begin to keep track of your progress and what you’ve agreed to do. Write things down and revisit them during your regular meetings to assess how you are doing and if you are making progress toward your goals. If you are not making progress, discuss what needs to happen. The list can be a great way to manage your monthly conversations. Don’t be afraid to use it and hold each other accountable.

If you have additional tips on how to effectively talk finances with your spouse, please leave a comment.

Here are additional articles on budgeting:
How to Set a Budget
How to Maintain a Budget

Filed Under: Budgeting, Money-Saving Tips, Saving Money

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Hello, I'm Lisa

I enjoy teaching people how to live frugally so they can live within their means while still enjoying and doing the things in life that matter most to them. I'm here sharing tips about budgeting, saving money, meal planning, simple recipes, and more.

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Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinne Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinner. It took me less than 10 minutes to put it in the crock pot. It will cook for 8-9 hours, and then I'll shred it and serve it with tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, fresh onions, sour cream, and limes.

Message me or use the link below to get the recipe.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/09/26/the-best-crock-pot-shredded-beef-tacos/

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If you are looking for a Valentine's Day treat to If you are looking for a Valentine's  Day treat to make for the kids or other loved ones, this Valentine's bark is an easy no-bake recipe.

The link to the recipe is below or you can message me. Do you have a Valentine's Day treat you make every year?

https://savingcentbycent.com/2022/01/31/easy-valentines-bark-recipe/

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This week I tackled our clothes closet. (Swipe left to see how unorganized it was. 😳) The top shelf was really messy. I ordered some clothes containers online that weren't too expensive.  I then sorted through all the clothes, packed away clothes and bags that were not being used and taking up space, and refolded the clothes that were still being used.

The closet looks so much better! And my husband likes it too. 😀  You can see more of what I did in my Instagram stories or by going to the "Closet Organize" highlight bubble.

#organize #closetorganization #closet #closetideas #closetorganizer #closetorganizers #closetorganize #closetorganized #organization #closetbins #closetorganizing #closetorganizationideas #closetorganizationtips
This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorit This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorite family smoothies. I'll admit that I don't love too many green smoothies, but this one tastes delicious. The banana, pineapple and almond milk give it a good flavor. 

If you are trying to eat a little better, this is a recipe you'll want to add to your book of recipes. The link to the recipe is in my profile.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/01/15/tropical-green-smoothie/

#greensmoothie #greensmoothies #smoothie #smoothierecipes #smoothies #healthysmoothies #healthysmoothie #healthysmoothierecipe #healthysmoothierecipes #smoothierecipe
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- Popcorn Neighbor Gift Idea
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- Dish Towel and Wash Cloth Gift Idea

Message me for the links to the posts. Are you ready for Christmas or do you have more things to prepare?

#lastminutegift #lastminutegifts #lastminutegiftideas #lastminutegiftidea #friendgift #friendgifts #neighborgifts #neighborgift
So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe left to check out all the recipes.

- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmalllows
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- Glazed Cinnamon Bundt Cake
- Gingerbread House Frosting

Message me for any of these recipes.

#christmascookies #christmasdesserts #christmastreat #cookies #cookiesforsanta #cookie #cookierecipe #cookierecipes #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #holidaydessert #holidaydessert
Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinne Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinner. It took me less than 10 minutes to put it in the crock pot. It will cook for 8-9 hours, and then I'll shred it and serve it with tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, fresh onions, sour cream, and limes.

Message me or use the link below to get the recipe.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/09/26/the-best-crock-pot-shredded-beef-tacos/

#shreddedbeef #beeftacos #shreddedbeeftacos #tacos #tacotuesday #easydinner #easy Dinners #simpledinner #simpledinners #crockpot #crockpotmeals #crockpotbeef
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day treat to If you are looking for a Valentine's  Day treat to make for the kids or other loved ones, this Valentine's bark is an easy no-bake recipe.

The link to the recipe is below or you can message me. Do you have a Valentine's Day treat you make every year?

https://savingcentbycent.com/2022/01/31/easy-valentines-bark-recipe/

#valentines #valentinesdessert #valentinesbark #valentinesday #valentinesdaybark #valentinesdaydessert #valentinesdesserts #valentinestreat #valentinesdaytreats 
#valentinesdaydessert #bhgfood #valentinesrecipes
Every January I choose a few places in my home tha Every January I choose a few places in my home that are unorganized and are "problem areas" that are messy. I then figure out how I can organize the area and make it more functional. 

This week I tackled our clothes closet. (Swipe left to see how unorganized it was. 😳) The top shelf was really messy. I ordered some clothes containers online that weren't too expensive.  I then sorted through all the clothes, packed away clothes and bags that were not being used and taking up space, and refolded the clothes that were still being used.

The closet looks so much better! And my husband likes it too. 😀  You can see more of what I did in my Instagram stories or by going to the "Closet Organize" highlight bubble.

#organize #closetorganization #closet #closetideas #closetorganizer #closetorganizers #closetorganize #closetorganized #organization #closetbins #closetorganizing #closetorganizationideas #closetorganizationtips
This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorit This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorite family smoothies. I'll admit that I don't love too many green smoothies, but this one tastes delicious. The banana, pineapple and almond milk give it a good flavor. 

If you are trying to eat a little better, this is a recipe you'll want to add to your book of recipes. The link to the recipe is in my profile.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/01/15/tropical-green-smoothie/

#greensmoothie #greensmoothies #smoothie #smoothierecipes #smoothies #healthysmoothies #healthysmoothie #healthysmoothierecipe #healthysmoothierecipes #smoothierecipe
For those of you needing last-minute friend and ne For those of you needing last-minute friend and neighbor gifts, here are a few ideas:

- Popcorn Neighbor Gift Idea
- Peppermint Vanilla Sugar Scrub
- Dishwashing Liquid Gift Idea
- Dish Towel and Wash Cloth Gift Idea

Message me for the links to the posts. Are you ready for Christmas or do you have more things to prepare?

#lastminutegift #lastminutegifts #lastminutegiftideas #lastminutegiftidea #friendgift #friendgifts #neighborgifts #neighborgift
So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe left to check out all the recipes.

- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmalllows
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- Glazed Cinnamon Bundt Cake
- Gingerbread House Frosting

Message me for any of these recipes.

#christmascookies #christmasdesserts #christmastreat #cookies #cookiesforsanta #cookie #cookierecipe #cookierecipes #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #holidaydessert #holidaydessert
Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinne Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinner. It took me less than 10 minutes to put it in the crock pot. It will cook for 8-9 hours, and then I'll shred it and serve it with tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, fresh onions, sour cream, and limes.

Message me or use the link below to get the recipe.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/09/26/the-best-crock-pot-shredded-beef-tacos/

#shreddedbeef #beeftacos #shreddedbeeftacos #tacos #tacotuesday #easydinner #easy Dinners #simpledinner #simpledinners #crockpot #crockpotmeals #crockpotbeef
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day treat to If you are looking for a Valentine's  Day treat to make for the kids or other loved ones, this Valentine's bark is an easy no-bake recipe.

The link to the recipe is below or you can message me. Do you have a Valentine's Day treat you make every year?

https://savingcentbycent.com/2022/01/31/easy-valentines-bark-recipe/

#valentines #valentinesdessert #valentinesbark #valentinesday #valentinesdaybark #valentinesdaydessert #valentinesdesserts #valentinestreat #valentinesdaytreats 
#valentinesdaydessert #bhgfood #valentinesrecipes
Every January I choose a few places in my home tha Every January I choose a few places in my home that are unorganized and are "problem areas" that are messy. I then figure out how I can organize the area and make it more functional. 

This week I tackled our clothes closet. (Swipe left to see how unorganized it was. 😳) The top shelf was really messy. I ordered some clothes containers online that weren't too expensive.  I then sorted through all the clothes, packed away clothes and bags that were not being used and taking up space, and refolded the clothes that were still being used.

The closet looks so much better! And my husband likes it too. 😀  You can see more of what I did in my Instagram stories or by going to the "Closet Organize" highlight bubble.

#organize #closetorganization #closet #closetideas #closetorganizer #closetorganizers #closetorganize #closetorganized #organization #closetbins #closetorganizing #closetorganizationideas #closetorganizationtips
This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorit This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorite family smoothies. I'll admit that I don't love too many green smoothies, but this one tastes delicious. The banana, pineapple and almond milk give it a good flavor. 

If you are trying to eat a little better, this is a recipe you'll want to add to your book of recipes. The link to the recipe is in my profile.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/01/15/tropical-green-smoothie/

#greensmoothie #greensmoothies #smoothie #smoothierecipes #smoothies #healthysmoothies #healthysmoothie #healthysmoothierecipe #healthysmoothierecipes #smoothierecipe
For those of you needing last-minute friend and ne For those of you needing last-minute friend and neighbor gifts, here are a few ideas:

- Popcorn Neighbor Gift Idea
- Peppermint Vanilla Sugar Scrub
- Dishwashing Liquid Gift Idea
- Dish Towel and Wash Cloth Gift Idea

Message me for the links to the posts. Are you ready for Christmas or do you have more things to prepare?

#lastminutegift #lastminutegifts #lastminutegiftideas #lastminutegiftidea #friendgift #friendgifts #neighborgifts #neighborgift
So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe left to check out all the recipes.

- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmalllows
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- Glazed Cinnamon Bundt Cake
- Gingerbread House Frosting

Message me for any of these recipes.

#christmascookies #christmasdesserts #christmastreat #cookies #cookiesforsanta #cookie #cookierecipe #cookierecipes #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #holidaydessert #holidaydessert

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