for the love of money

Vincenza Vicari-Bentley
AFC & Lead Program Coordinator
​ Empowering Financial Wellness

Do you love money or do you not like dealing with it? Why is money such a hard topic to talk about, especially with our significant other? A lot of spending habits and the mindset we have about money often come from childhood. The way we spend and save money is based on habits and attitudes about money that we learned at an early age. Money is the biggest reason why marriages fail, but it’s not the money itself, and not even the lack of money.  It’s the lack of talking about it and working it out together. Early in my marriage we were “learning to talk” about money and it was awkward and it felt “judgy”. It’s important to talk to your partner about why you might be the way you are—financially.

The discussions are less about making excuses and feeling judged and more about self-awareness. For a lot of couples all across America, money is the pink elephant in the room but it doesn’t have to be. The solution? Plan money dates! Pick a date and time, put it on your calendar and agree to a time limit (having favorite snacks and beverages can help). Talk about your dreams and goals. Seeing eye to eye on money starts by having a shared goal. Maybe you are saving up for a trip, a house, to start a family, pay off debt or just a nice date night. Without guilting one another for spending or slip ups, create a shared goal and connect your habits and actions to it. Doing this on a regular basis (weekly or monthly) can help you create a roadmap (insert budget) so that together you can both get to where we want to go!  The time you put into these discussions is an investment in your relationship.

​Looking for more ideas on money tips with your honey? Join us for our special free webinar on February 13th and 15th “For the Love of Money- Empower your Relationships with Insights on Financial Habits & Attitudes”. Register at finance.usu.edu/efw