Schedule meetings. “Set aside a specific time to talk,” ideally once a month. Establish a “no shame, no blame” rule so you can both talk freely without fear of reprisal. Also, write down any decisions you make.
Hit the big topics. Often, “even the most engaged couples” haven’t had a first discussion about every one of life’s big money-related questions. Be sure to compare expectations about each of the following: housing, vacations, savings, retirement, and children’s education. How much to lay out for that last item is one of the most common causes of couples’ disagreements.
Set a spending threshold. To avoid surprising each other with a big expenditure, set a precise ceiling on what each partner can spend without consulting the other.“ It may be as little as $50 or as much as $500”—that’s up to you and your budget.
Source: The New York Times
