How To Improve Communication Around Money With Your Spouse?

In the dynamic landscape of personal finance, healthy communication around money is the cornerstone of financial harmony. Whether you're navigating the complexities of budgeting, aspiring for a debt-free future, or wealth building the key lies in fostering a culture of healthy money communication with your spouse. In this blog post, we unravel a game-changing tip for couples striving to stay on top of their finances while aligning their visions.

The experts and Accountable Network have found that a couple that is aligned and communicating well gets exponentially more traction than those that aren’t and the best tool to encourage this key behavior/habit is to prioritize a consistent time each week where you will visit about important life topics. We call it the Weekly Meeting.

Unlocking Financial Focus: The Standing Weekly Meeting

One of the most potent habits observed among the financially affluent is their ability to stay focused. To cultivate this focus, establishing a standing day and time for a weekly meeting proves invaluable.

Picture this: every Sunday at 08:00 p.m., a mere 15 minutes to recalibrate and refocus not just your financial goals but important life topics. This simple, yet powerful habit is a game-changer. It's not just about money; it's about cultivating a mindset of healthy consistent communication.

Why 15 Minutes Matters?

Short and sweet is the mantra. Our research shows that keeping these sessions brief, specifically 15 minutes, ensures they stay effective. It prevents the meeting from turning into a time-consuming event, making it manageable and something to look forward to on a consistent basis.

Starting as a financial discussion, these meetings grow into something more profound. Couples often find that as financial matters align, the scope of these sessions broadens. From juggling the family calendar to meal planning, these 15 minutes evolve into a holistic life discussion.

Elements of a Successful Weekly Meeting

1. Creating the Right Atmosphere: Setting matters. Choose a comfortable, neutral space, far from past arguments. Think cozy firesides or casual walk. Turn off distractions, keep snacks handy, and bring a topic or question to discuss. Make it a time you both look forward to. We often recommend couples start with a hug because when you hug, touch, or sit close to someone you love, your body releases oxytocin, which scientists call the “cuddle hormone.” This hormone can help relax and lower anxiety.
2. Setting Agenda Ideas and Meeting Topics - Beyond Finances: An organized agenda is the secret. Begin with setting the mood - discuss your "why" and celebrate successes. Transition into diverse topics such as calendar planning, family activities, and meal planning. These sessions can also serve as a platform to discuss challenges, love languages, and even delve into non-financial aspects like relationship dynamics.
3. Encouraging Positive Habit: Injecting some fun elements in your weekly meeting is a crucial component of staying focused without falling into a rut. There are various ways to do so such as switching who leads the agenda, posting upcoming topics on the fridge throughout the week so nothing is forgotten or inviting your kids into the discussion periodically. These sessions are not just about money; they're about creating intentional moments in your life. It becomes a weekly reset that re-aligns your compass guiding your focus on what truly matters.

Embrace the standing weekly meeting as not just a financial practice but a cornerstone of intentional living. As you navigate this 15-minute commitment each week, watch how it transforms your financial journey and enriches every facet of your life. It’s not just about the money; it’s about creating a life that aligns with your dreams. Stay focused, stay aligned, and conquer your financial journey together.

Additional Resources:

For more insights on how to achieve financial harmony in your marriage, read 10 Money Must-Knows for a Happy Marriage.

As you embark on this transformative journey of weekly financial meetings, remember that you don't have to navigate it alone. Our expert financial accountability coaches at Accountable Network are here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to take your financial communication to the next level? Schedule a Free Assessment Call Now! 

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About the Author

Dave Jacobson is a nationally recognized personal finance expert and the founder of Coach Connections, LLC, a membership that trains and mentors financial accountability coaches. Since 2009, he's been passionately educating people on the dynamics of money—its workings, the psychology behind financial decisions, and its potential as a tool to impact happiness.

Recognizing the need for improved coaching services, Dave founded Accountable Network. This platform helps clients connect with the right Financial Accountability Coach, each approaching coaching on a case-by-case basis, adapting methods to fit individual situations. Accountability is a core component, reflected in the network's name—Accountable Network.

Dave connects with teenagers through innovative means. His brainchild, the video game Money Mavericks, transforms personal finance education into an engaging experience for the younger generation. Emphasizing the significance of early financial literacy, Dave sees the game as a dynamic and enjoyable tool for teens to grasp essential mindsets, habits, and behaviors crucial for fostering happiness and achieving success.