Both of you are responsible for EVERY
dollar spent in your relationship,
whether you have approved the
purchase or not. You are both
responsible for your financial
communication. If you handball the
responsibility to your partner then you
cannot blame him or her if your
financial health has taken a hit. All
financial decisions are a joint effort.
Make the time to work as a team on
what you are prepared to spend as a
family on non-essential items and
understand the cost of living. Until you
are on the same page you will find you
aren’t getting ahead.
If either partner is refusing to take any
responsibility for the family finances
or doesn’t want to talk about money
openly, this is a huge red flag for your
relationship.
If you are that partner, your attitude
and behaviour could be driving a
wedge between you.
If you are the sole money manager,
maybe something in your attitude or
approach is making it uncomfortable
for the other person to discuss money
or maybe something in their past has
led to this behaviour.
There is no excuse for ignoring the
importance of talking openly and
honestly about this subject and it is an
absolute priority as a couple to fix any
issues relating to money.
A quick survey will help you gauge how
well you understand the family
expenses, complete the following
without looking at any bank accounts.
How much does your family spend on:
- Weekly food shopping
- Mortgage repayments per month (or
Rent)
- Petrol per week
- Children’s education per month (if
applicable)
-What was your last electricity bill
- What was your last water bill
- Entertainment and family outings per
fortnight
- Alcohol weekly
- What is your total level of debt
Published By Acorn Life Path May 12, 2015