We all understand that money will always top the charts when it comes to things couples argue about. When wallets are tighter-as they most certainly are now-things only get harder. We're stressed, we're worried about our jobs, our investments, our bank accounts, and we take it out on each other.
It's hard to break old habits, so instead of trying to change your spendthrift husband into a tightwad, sit down and agree to a some limits. What percentage of your income will go toward entertainment? What percent will be put toward other extras, like new clothes, and what percent do you need to set away for housing, transportation, savings and debt repayment?
Maybe you want to buy a home while interest rates are low, or maybe you already have one and the only thing needed is a vacation. Or you want to be debt-free a year from now, or send your kids to college or go back to school yourself. Work out a game plan together so you know what is coming your way, when, and how you will foot the bill. Talk about your short-term goals and the long-term ones, and make sure you share a similar picture of the future. A little foresight goes a long way.
Don't forget that there are some things-layoffs, major car maintenance, medical bills-that you just can't predict. This is where an emergency fund comes in. Put at least three to six months' worth of living costs together so you have it at the ready in either a savings or money market account.
The last thing you need to do is micromanage what you both spend, a sure road to disaster. But keeping each other informed of major expenditures easily eliminates costly problems like bounced checks or over-the-limit credit card fees.
Money fights commonly aren't about money. Sometimes they are about power. Sometimes, when assets are unequal, they're about self-esteem or even jealousy. Sometimes they are about lack of attention, if in your mind money equals love or affection.
It's hard to break old habits, so instead of trying to change your spendthrift husband into a tightwad, sit down and agree to a some limits. What percentage of your income will go toward entertainment? What percent will be put toward other extras, like new clothes, and what percent do you need to set away for housing, transportation, savings and debt repayment?
Maybe you want to buy a home while interest rates are low, or maybe you already have one and the only thing needed is a vacation. Or you want to be debt-free a year from now, or send your kids to college or go back to school yourself. Work out a game plan together so you know what is coming your way, when, and how you will foot the bill. Talk about your short-term goals and the long-term ones, and make sure you share a similar picture of the future. A little foresight goes a long way.
Don't forget that there are some things-layoffs, major car maintenance, medical bills-that you just can't predict. This is where an emergency fund comes in. Put at least three to six months' worth of living costs together so you have it at the ready in either a savings or money market account.
The last thing you need to do is micromanage what you both spend, a sure road to disaster. But keeping each other informed of major expenditures easily eliminates costly problems like bounced checks or over-the-limit credit card fees.
Money fights commonly aren't about money. Sometimes they are about power. Sometimes, when assets are unequal, they're about self-esteem or even jealousy. Sometimes they are about lack of attention, if in your mind money equals love or affection.
About the Author:
im searching for http://tinyurl.com/dktx98. im searching for New York Collection Agencies.. Free reprint available from: Quit Fighting Over Money Issues.
No comments:
Post a Comment