Relationship Problems and how to fix them (3 of 7)

Money

**Be honest about your current financial situation. If things have gone south, continuing the same lifestyle that was possible before the loss of income is simply unrealistic.

**Don't approach the subject in the heat of battle. Instead, set aside a time that is convenient and non-threatening for both parties.

**Acknowledge that one partner may be a saver and one a spender, understanding that there are benefits to both, and agreeing to learn from each other's tendencies.

**Don't hide income or debt. Bring financial documents, including a recent credit report, pay stubs, bank statements, insurance policies, debts, and investments to the table.

**Don't blame.

**Construct a joint budget that includes savings.

**Decide which person will be responsible for paying the monthly bills.

**Allow each person to have independence by setting aside money to be spent at his or her discretion.

**Decide upon short-term and long-term goals. It's OK to have individual goals, but you should have family goals, too.

**Talk about caring for your parents as they age, and how to appropriately plan for their financial needs, if necessary.


Source: http://blackdoctor.org/articles1.aspx?counter=37528