Financial Tips & Advice for Couples

Most couples don't realize they're avoiding money conversations until it's too late. It becomes habit, and some of these behaviors go unnoticed. They will still take a toll on your relationship if you don't do something about it. Avoiding these important conversations will eventually create distance between you, it will throw your finances into chaos, and resentment will build. Resentment is the last thing you want in your relationship. Look for these 5 signs to see if this p

One of the most common questions I get from couples working on their finances is: Should we be saving money while we’re paying off debt? The answer is yes -- but with a strategy. Let's break it down. In this post, I'll go over how to balance saving and debt payoff, why a small emergency fund is key, and how to avoid falling back into debt as you make progress. The Importance of a Starter Emergency Fund Before you start on your debt, you need to build a starter emergency fund.

It's been four years since we started our debt free journey. Believe it or not, I was the one who was reluctant to use a budget. Me! The financial coach! I was skeptical that we could or even needed to pay off our debt. Debt is normal. Everyone has debt. My husband, Zach, was always stressed about money. He made a good income, and yet, we were living paycheck to paycheck. He couldn't understand where all the money was going, and it was a constant source of tension in our mar

Have you ever tried to use a budget, but you failed because you and your partner were not on the same page? Budgeting as a couple can be challenging. You probably have different money tendencies like saver vs spender. You probably have different views and habits around money. Even though it can be difficult, managing your finances as a team is essential to reach your goals faster. You both need to be involved with the finances. One person handling the budget alone? That is a

Debt can be an overwhelming black cloud hanging over you and your relationship. It causes tension and stress in your life more than you even realize. It's a constant thought in the back of your mind, "How are we going to make all these payments?" Your path to debt freedom starts with just one step. That first step of making the decision to start. But if you're married, you can't make that decision alone. Getting on the same page with your finances is essential. So before you

It is so common to feel embarrassment and shame over financial struggles. Money has become a trivial topic that everyone avoids, even in our own homes. No one wants to talk about the pile of debt they're facing or how stressed they are about having more month left when the money is gone. On top of all that, there is the pressure to appear successful, to "keep up with the Jones'". Many people struggle with finances, regardless of background or income. I can't tell you how many

One of the most common I get about budgeting is how to budget with an irregular income. Maybe you own a business, so your income goes up and down. Maybe your hours are constantly changing so your paycheck is never the same. If you're like my family, you get both! My husband is a crane operator. He is on an hourly wage and also gets a lot of overtime pay. If you are familiar with this type of work, his schedule is never the same. We never know until the prior evening when he

When you are struggling, it is easy to get overwhelmed with your finances. Taking control and getting ahead with your money can be a difficult process. You may not know where to start. You may struggle with the fear of not being able to do it. There are so many emotions surrounding money, and those emotions can paralyze you. To get started, you need to stop the overwhelm. Simplify the process and focus on one step at a time. As a financial coach, I guide people through their

You feel like you make a good income, so why are you still living paycheck to paycheck? Where does all that money go?? Does this sound familiar? I does to me! My husband, Zach, and I used to have this conversation regularly. I say conversation, but it was more like an argument every time. We couldn't figure out why our fantastic income just didn't seem to be enough to live on. I was a stay at home mom at the time, and Zach brought in our sole income. I managed the bills and h

"You must gain control of your money or the lack of it will forever control you ." - Dave Ramsey Did you know that you have the power to control your life? Ok, maybe not everything that happens in your life... But when you have control of your money, you feel so much more in control of the rest of your life too. Murphy seems to visit a bit less often. Those emergencies become merely an inconvenience when you know you have the cash to cover it. You feel confident and secure kn