TIPS AND TRICKS

How to Talk to Your Partner About Their Spending Habits
 
When talking to your partner about their spending habits, it’s best to begin with something along with a blanket statement. Something along the lines of, “You know, we haven’t had a conversation recently about money and goals. I’d like to start that conversation.”
 
This framing works best, per psychologist Robin Landow, because it’s an invitation as opposed to an accusation. Since the discussion that follows needs to take a certain shape, you must follow-up with something larger questions that offer a broad approach to financial philosophy. Something as simple as “What’s most important to you?” can be helpful as it leads to a list of priorities.
 
As list is being generated, try adding “What are you most afraid of?” Why? Because money is tied to emotion. Fear and anxiety are huge motivators for how people treat it. Some can have plenty of money and always be worried; others can have little and never be stressed. By asking open-ended questions, you’ll tap into the bigger picture about what’s driving your partner’s behavior.
 
When talking to your partner about money, the sentiment to get across is "We’re a team and we have shared goals. What can we do collectively to reach them?" Here’s some more advice on having the conversation.