When I first started writing this blog, Gary did not co-write the Marriage Mondays. So, I thought it would be helpful to go back and get his take on some of my early topics. Here's his side plus my original post below it:
HE SAID:
SHE SAID:
Everyone knows that one of the things couples disagree about the most (and one of the main causes of divorce) is money. How to save it, what to spend it on, how to divide it up, who pays for what, etc. etc. I'm lucky (not sure if my husband feels this way!) because I am the "money person" in our relationship, meaning that I am a saver thanks to my inherited desire to save like my dad. I have always tried to save at least 10% of our salaries (more whenever I can swing it!) and have always been frugal when it comes to buying "stuff" (aka clothes, shoes, stuff for the house). For example, our microwave blew up (and I mean, it looked like two miniature people were having a light saber fight inside) about two months ago. Most people would just go out and buy a new one, but we have just been using the stove instead and really don't miss having a microwave (except for my morning and evening of green tea has suffered a bit). Some people might say this is cheap, but we just say its frugal. We would rather spend money on activities and vacations rather than "stuff" whenever we can avoid it. But that's just us. The point is, being on the same page about what to spend money on has really helped us cut down on money fights. And, starting a few months ago, we have a weekly planning session over breakfast each weekend about the upcoming week--bills that need paid, what we are going to spend money on this weekend, how much we are saving, etc. These money talks have made me feel closer to my husband because I feel like we are on the same team and the burden of managing our money is not just resting on my shoulders. So, if managing your money is something you struggle with in your relationship, consider having a weekly open and honest discussion about it. Happy saving!
You might also like reading:
http://www.suite101.com/content/5-new-years-resolutions-for-my-marriage-a332797