Priceless Relationship Advice
Love is one of the most beautiful things that we get to experience in this world. It evolves, it ebbs, it flows, and it becomes a great part of our lives.
And what’s better than the beginning of a relationship?
Everything is fun, new, and exciting.
Of course, once we start to get serious, things change, or evolve, I should say.
Not everything is as sexy as it once was and what’s less sexy than money talk?
There comes an uncomfortable day when you’ll have to look your partner in the eye and really get naked. You’ll have to get down to the naked truth of your finances.
Will you be ashamed of what you have to bare? Or will you be disgusted at what your partner presents to you?
Sounds like it may be better to just avoid this topic of conversation as long as possible, right?
WRONG.
Money talk is not sexy. This is true. But it’s important.
Julie D. Andrews knows all about balance, she has devoted her life to writing about it, whether it be in health, finance, or just in life in general.
She shared some hard and fast rules for dealing with the somewhat sticky topic of money in love:
1. “You have to take responsibility here and awareness about your money situation.” The first person you need to worry about is yourself. Get your finances in order so that when the day comes that you need to share your financial situation with someone, not only will you be knowledgeable, but you’ll have nothing to hide.
People get in debt, yes, but you need to take control of that. It’s not on anyone else to take on that debt for you. Chip away at your debt and be very aware of it. If you do have debt when this talk comes around then you can at least share how far you’ve come and what your future action plan is.
2. “Money should never be off the table as a topic in your relationship” Why not start talking about it sooner rather than later? This way you don’t have to shock or be shocked later on.
Relationships are about openness and honesty. If you have bad finances, then share that with them from the start. Let them know that you have your own financial issues and that you plan on taking care of them yourself. On the flipside, if you are very financially responsible, then let them know that you carefully watch your finances.
3. Always be aware. Never put yourself in the dark. We all have different financial situations and you should do what you’re comfortable with, but what makes the most sense is always keeping yourself knowledgeable about what is going on with the money in your life.
Once you’ve merged bank accounts, if that is what you should choose to do, you should still always work to be aware of where your money is going. Women can end up feeling trapped because of a financial situation in their relationship. “I don’t wish that on any woman,” shares Julie.
On the flipside, it’s not your partner’s responsibility to take care of all of the financial issues in your relationship. “If you’re in a relationship don’t put the onus on the shoulders of your partner. Always be aware.”
Money talk can be uncomfortable and a downright turnoff but you should never hesitate to ask about money for a second. “It is absolutely your place to ask. You need to know so you can have a secure footing.” You’re a woman who runs it and if you can run a business then you can run your life too! Get to it Wonder Woman! Your Prince Charming awaits and he’s got your happily-ever-financially-secure-life waiting for you!
Taylor Brown
Taylor Brown is an Associate Editor at Goddess Connections for the Women Who Run It E-Mag. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Studies. She is a resident of Toronto and she has a passion for exploring topics on health and fitness, and enjoys writing stories about women’s issues. She also enjoys writing about business and how to build a career. When she is not working for Women Who Run It you can find her exploring Toronto, going for jogs, or simply enjoying life as a strong, empowered woman who runs it. Her goal is to share stories that help women of all walks of life take control of their lives and create balance with ease.
Destiny Giakatis
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Couples that are afraid to talk about money problems will have to work through many serious issues. It will put so much tension in the relationship when all you have to do is communicate. You should always be aware of where your money is going and how you are spending it, as a couple! Money talk isn’t sexy but definitely necessary! The three rules are great and every couple should follow them to avoid financial issues down the road in their relationship.
Jo-Ann Chizanga
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The money subject doesn’t have to be that awkward elephant in the room. Assuming that you are in an comfortable and open relationship, you should never be ashamed of what you bring to the table as long as you are honest about it. We all have financial difficulties, but it is what we do to correct those hardships that will strengthen our relationships with our money as well as our partners.