FACET Topics: Budget/Finances

Finances are often the least talked about topic in a serious relationship. It can even be a topic with a lot of emotional tension that one or both parties bring into the relationship for various reasons. One may be a saver while the other is a spender. They might have accumulated some financial assets before they are married or they may have accumulated debt they are bringing into the marriage. All this needs to be addressed. This section helps the couple speak openly and honestly about their finances. Budgets can be very formal or informal. Regardless of how they choose to deal with their finances they need to be responsible and transparent. Honesty and respect for one another are key elements of a discussion regarding finance.

It maybe that one partner is better at handling money than the other. That should be seen as a relationship asset. It means that they have a skill to bring to the relationship which will help the new family reach to goals they set for themselves. Being good at handling money is a gift to be offered, not handcuffs to put on your partner.

Additional Questions:

• What am I possibly anxious about regarding our finances?

• What would make a huge difference regarding our finances if this was taken into account and acted upon?

• Do we have a way to continue the conversation about finances throughout our marriage?

• Do we anticipate interference from family around finances?