When a Spender loves a Saver

Spender or Saver? What happens when one marries the other? Gift giving seasons can cause stress in a relationship where clear communication and expectations are not set intentionally. As with most relationship tensions, stress from differences in spending can be reduced with a clear and effective strategy.

One way to reduce the stress of financial spending and saving differences is to communicate with your partner about how money and spending makes you feel. There are many triggers we have and baggage we carry about money. Our life experiences can contribute to the emotional responses we feel when we talk about money. For example, if we have a scarcity mindset then we believe there is not enough "insert resource" to go around. We can have trouble spending, giving even budgeting because we can not "see" us having enough, ever.

Once the emotions and feelings about money are out in the open, then the discussion can begin about creating a cohesive strategy together where both people feel heard and empowered to move forward. With a clear, simple strategy written down, the emotional aspect is taken out because the action steps for reaching the goals have already been agreed upon. Anxiety about the future is reduced and the relationship can grow, as can the assets!

If you want to have a better personal relationship with money or a more effective relationship with your partner about your finances, find someone you trust to help you through this process. This is what my husband I did to get on the same page and it is now what we do for our clients.