It happens to almost everyone… You decide it’s time to sit down and look over your bank account and your budget. Both you and your sweetie are dreading the conversation because you just know that it is going to end in a high intensity discussion and you would rather cuddle up and watch a movie on the couch.
Although I wasn’t able to specifically pin down a cold-hard statistic on how financial issues influence marriage, I think it is safe to say that financial problems are one of the highest influences when it comes to marital disagreements.
But guess what! Going over your budget doesn’t have to involve a yelling match. We all know we should never yell in our homes. Right?
3 Ways a Budget Will Strengthen Your Marriage
Less stress. Period.
As adults we have so many uncontrollable factors that can influence our stress level. Don’t let money be one of them. By creating a budget together, and together is the key word here, you will have one less thing that will cause stress for your life.
By setting aside money for unexpected expenses, like an emergency fund, when those unexpected circumstances come, yes you are going to bummed, but the stress is going to be 10 times less than it would have been without that reserved money. Not having that burden hang over your head daily is going to relieve stress for both of you in more areas than just finances.
Set financial goals together
One good way to do this is to sit down together, when the kids are asleep and there are minimal distractions, then each of you take some time to write down what you think your families financial goals should be.
Men and women look at money differently. Everyone has a different point of view. That is one of the things that can make a marriage so great! If you use those differences correctly and help lift each other up. After you have written your thoughts of what your goals should be, collaborate. Find ways to combine the goals. Make sure to listen to each other. Explain why you think that those goals should be a priority.
Finances are always changing. Sitting down to evaluate your financial goals should be done on a monthly basis.
Budget in date night
Groceries, bills, kids expenses, school supplies, clothing, ect. Budgets don’t have to be all about the boring stuff. Even if what you can afford is $5 a month, make it a goal to set aside a small amount of money (don’t get carried away) to spend on a special monthly date night. I’m not talking about taking an overnight getaway every month. You need to be realistic in all aspects of your budget. What is a modest amount you can dedicate to a special night away?
Maybe it’s going to get a $0.99 ice cream cone and going for a walk. There are a lot of creative ideas I am sure you can come up with for a fun and frugal date night. It really doesn’t matter. Just make sure that you are setting aside time for each other!
What do you think?
What is the hardest thing for you when it comes to budgeting with your hubby? What have you done to make it a little easier? We all want to know! I would love it if you shared your thoughts in the comments below!
