How to Discuss Finances Honestly with Your Spouse

Want to improve your ability to discuss finances with your spouse?

Interesting in learning some new communication techniques to improve your money matters?

Searching online for instructions to talk with your husband or wife about where the money is going?

Depending on how long you have been married, you may find these instructions beneficial.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. 
   Calculate all expenditures

   **Prepare to discuss finances**
   
   Eliminate all distractions (for example, turn off the television) and schedule a specific time to discuss your monthly finances. Bring your bills, checkbooks and bank statements to the monthly budget meeting. Be honest, but do not attack your spouse about their spending habits. Review all expenditures, line by line, and calmly talk in detail about why the purchase was made.

2. 
   Where does it all go?

   **Details, details and more details**
   
   Discuss your financial hopes, financial dreams and financial fears with your spouse. Consider hiring a financial counselor to help you work through disagreements. Men and women see money differently based on various factors. Pay attention to details like small fees, extra charges and additional costs. Compare online banking information with paper statements. Improve communication starts by having all the facts in front of you.

3. 
   How much did you charge?

   **Honesty, trust and respect**
   
   Make every effort to communicate with your spouse in a respectful manner. Ask questions when you are confused about a particular financial matter. Show your spouse in writing why you feel a specific decision makes more economical sense. Refrain from trying to talk over your spouse. Listen to their complete explanation of an issue and then respond accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Teach your children how discuss finances also.
• Avoid discussiing money when your spouse is distracted, angry or sad. First address their emotional issues and then you can bring up the money issues.