Managing your money and being on the same page with your partner about your spending habits will help you overcome oneof the major challenges in a relationship – money.
So we’ve compiled a list of good money habits for couples in the hope that it not only helps bolster your blissful bond, but also the bottom line in your bank account.
1. Talk about money
Some couples have no difficulty talking about money, whilst, for others, it can be a taboo subject. Talking about money is important for a happy relationship. Couples who have ongoing discussions about financial goal setting, the way their money is shared, a consistent financial plan, and spending habits enjoy the feeling of ‘transparency’ and lower stress levels related to money.
2. Learn each other’s money personality
Are you addicted to saving money or are you a big spender? Understanding your partner’s, as well as your own money personality, helps to create happier relationships, because it makes it easier to learn and work with each other’s strengths and weaknesses in order to best to achieve a common financial goal.
For some people, expressing love comes not through spending money, but, rather, by spending time with a loved one, or through kind acts and words. If one half of the couple enjoys buying gifts to show their affection but the other just wants to snuggle on the couch, then it can create tension between the two. That’s why it’s important to understand each other’s motivation for spending, saving, and investing money, to help to deal with these problems.
3. Understand bank accounts
Sharing a joint bank account is great for budgeting and covering the basics, such as rent or mortgage, bills, groceries and living expenses. Couples who jointly contribute to an account enjoy a feeling that each is doing their part to cover the cost of living.
However, it is just as important for couples to have their own individual bank accounts and credit cards, to ensure a feeling of independence, mutual trust and personal respect. It’s important to have personal financial responsibility and freedom of choice, so you don’t feel financially trapped, or that you don’t always feel as if you have to ask for permission to spend.
5. Healthy budget, happy couple
There’s much to be said for financial security, and nothing ensures this like creating and sticking to a budget. Obviously, working to a budget makes it less likely that you’ll spend money you don’t have, but it’s knowing exactly where you stand financially that creates a feeling of optimism, security and happiness – which are also important ingredients for a healthy, happy life in general.
6. Know what money is
Money is what it is – as Lifehack so eloquently puts it – a way to exchange goods and services. It should not be seen as the be all and end all of the world. As much as money can buy you short-term happiness, happy couples aren’t necessarily materialistic, and will use their funds for fun, learning, experiences and travel.
It’s important for people to set aside money to be used for these purposes, even if you don’t earn a lot. Personal development should never stop, regardless of your age. It’s also good to tap into the ‘fun’ money every now and then, to help minimise relationship stress and remember that there is more to life than, you guessed it, money.
7. Find the balance
It’s not all about the bank balance. In fact, finding that balance between spending and saving, or being frugal and being generous, is key to healthy money management. Watch your spending, but don’t be too tight. Invest a little here and there, but remember, investing is not so much about making money as it is looking after money.
And remember: money is there to help you through life, but it is not life itself.
Read more at www.lifehack.org
Do you have any helpful money hints for couples? What’s your number-one money tip that you think everyone should know? Why not share them with our members?
