Love and Finances - Tips for Talking About Money
To have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer or poorer? Before you walk down the aisle, getting to know your partner’s financial habits and learning how to discuss finances together is critical.
Why talk about finances before you hear wedding bells?
According to an article by Ramsey Solutions, couples who argue over personal finance issues were 30 percent more likely to get divorced!
Consider us the Cupid of credit unions. RVCU is here to help you navigate financial conversations throughout every stage of your relationship.
It’s a Date
If there is one thing to remember when getting to know your potential other half is that everyone’s been raised in different financial environments and might view spending, saving, and budgeting differently than you do. Finances can be an emotional topic, but the sooner these conversations begin, the better.
At this point in the relationship, test the waters by offering to split the dinner bill or determine a budget for dates. Turning a date into a “no spend” challenge could be a fun way to bring finances into the picture without ruining the mood.
You’ve made it “Facebook Official”
So, you can officially introduce them as your boyfriend/girlfriend and are in a fully committed relationship. Congrats! Now that you’re spending more time together, you have opportunities to learn more about their financial views while being more open about your own.
This is the perfect time to ask questions like:
- Did you earn an allowance as a child?
- Did your family go on big vacations together, or stay closer to home?
- What was your first job and how did you spend your first paycheck?
- What do you like to buy when you feel like treating yourself?
Believe it or not, these finance-based questions will help you continue to deepen your connection!
It’s Getting Serious
Whether it’s moving in together, buying a ring and planning a wedding, or purchasing your dream home, hopefully you and your partner have learned all about one another’s financial goals and priorities.
Now that you’ve built trust, it’s important to be honest about existing debt and begin to discuss joint financial responsibilities like rent/mortgage payments, utilities, household expenses and repairs, and more. Transparency and honesty are the keys to building a successful financial plan!
RVCU + You
A match made in heaven! Wherever you are on your journey to find “the one,” RVCU is here for you! Setting up a FREE and confidential meeting with one of our certified financial coaches is a great way to show yourself some love.
Connect with one of our certified financial coaches by sending us a message in our chat feature during regular business hours, completing our online form or calling us at (815) 282-0300.
It’ll be a date you’ll never regret!