If you dread talking about money, you’re not alone. Many couples avoid the dreaded money talk for as long as possible, despite the fact that financial transparency is an essential ingredient in healthy relationships.
After all, you shouldn’t agree to move in and share bills with a romantic partner if you don’t know about their spending habits. Would you want to get engaged and then learn your partner has outstanding debts that will soon become your own?
Take the taboo out of money talk by easing into the conversation with fun and lighthearted games. A money talk date night lets you and your partner learn about each other’s relationship with money as well as long-term financial goals for the future.
Read on for tips on how to have a successful money talk date with your partner:
Play Money Talk Games
The first question you ask your partner about money shouldn’t be “how much is in your bank account?” Avoid putting strain on the conversation from the get-go by talking about money in a casual way first.
These printable games are finance editions of classics such as Would You Rather and Never Have I Ever. Plus, they’re free to download and use!
Never Have I Ever will give you a glimpse into your partner’s financial past, whereas Would You Rather and the Couples Vision Board Craft lets you see your partner’s hopes of the future.
Appreciate Your Differences
Spoiler alert: even if you and your partner have similar relationships to money, you won’t match up exactly. Everyone has their own priorities and opinions on where to splurge and save–and that’s okay.
Rather than simply recognizing these differences, take time to appreciate them on your money talk date night or shortly after. If your partner spends money at the golf course every weekend, use our appreciation cards to jot down a note such as “I love how you are passionate about golf and are investing in getting better through hard work and financial dedication.”
Set Goals and Boundaries
In addition to celebrating your differences, you can also use this time to set financial goals and boundaries. While men are often expected to pick up the dinner tab in heterosexual relationships, is it really fair for only one person in the relationship to contribute?
Take financial strain off of your partner by having open communication about this expectation and agreeing to pick up or split the tab on certain date nights.
Setting financial goals together, such as saving for a fun vacation, can be a great way to bond and have something shared to look forward to. As your relationship progresses, so will these goals.
The money talk has a bad reputation for being awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. Relationships should be about open and honest communication and mutual understanding. Talking about money early and often can help make this a reality in your relationship.
- How to Have a Money Talk Date Night (+ Printable Games!) - June 8, 2020