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Communication is the key to any good relationship. That’s especially true when it comes to money and finances. Just a few minutes a month of face-to-face conversations about money could boost your financial future and help you both achieve your goals and dreams. Here are eight tips to help you and your partner open the lines of communication about your money matters.

1. Create goals together 
   One of the best ways to create a platform for great money discussions is to work together to create shared goals. That way, when you talk about why you want to do certain things with your shared money, you have established what exactly it is you’re working toward.
2. Understand and appreciate different money styles 
   Many people in relationships find that they grew up in a household or have past experiences that give them a different perspective than their partner. If your significant other has unique attitudes or practices surrounding money, work to show that you understand and value those ideas instead of trying to criticize or change them.
3. Get organized 
   To get the most out of your financial talks, it helps to not only have easy access to your important financial papers or data, but also to make a list of the topics you want to discuss.
4. Focus on finances
   Do your best to avoid discussing non-financial issues when you have your money talks. They only make it harder to achieve successful outcomes with your cash flow.
5. Keep things positive
   Keep the focus on each doing your part to reach the goals you’ve set. If you’re too negative, you risk creating a toxic environment around money discussions.
6. Schedule regular check-ins 
   Set a time at least once a month to have a full conversation about any pressing financial matters. Be sure the television is off and smartphones put away so you can focus on the task at hand.
7. Save a summary
   Once you’re finished with the money talk, summarize what was decided and what the next steps are. This will help to make sure there aren’t any misunderstandings or that a ball doesn’t get dropped.
8. Get help when needed 
   A trained financial counselor could help you sort through a lot of the matters if you and your significant other aren’t finding common ground.

Stories from the Stacks is Designed for You

The Stories from the Stacks blog is for everyone. From those facing financial challenges to those who simply want tips or a better understanding of their relationship with money, this is designed for anyone interested in advancing their financial life story. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next!