As we’re sure you know, money can sometimes represent a major issue for couples. If they’re not experienced in handling their monthly budget, a lot of things can go wrong. There’s something nasty when couples fight about money. Therefore, one must try to avoid such disputes at all costs. In other words, one must need to learn how to succeed at budgeting as a couple.
Today, we’ll talk about how you and your partner can budget like pros in the upcoming period. Unfortunately, the whole issue with financing is a crucial one inside a relationship. Of course, it’s not the most important one. However, it would be naive not to stress its importance. That being said, read this article to master budgeting as a couple in 10 steps!
So, shall we begin this journey into relationship financing 101?
Why should you budget as a team?
Before we introduce you to the tips, it’s best we get the basics out of the way. Therefore, let’s consider the importance of budgeting as a team!
Anyway, it’s safe to say you’re here because you don’t want to enjoy the luxury of separate budgets. Here’s why such a sacrifice might turn out as an ideal solution for your relationship:
- You’ll be more motivated to come clean about your spending & money issues. Okay, there’s a chance you don’t have any such issues. However, if you do, this might be a great opportunity to talk to your partner. You’ll want to talk about your bad spending habits or any hidden debts you’ve potentially got.
- Also, there’s less stress involved. Everything’s easier once you’ve got each other to count on.
- You’ll be able to make short-term and long-term goals as a couple. Even a trivial goal such as figuring out where you’ll be spending the summer is crucial. Each of the goals you’ll put in front of you and your partner will likely require delving into finances.
- You’ll enjoy better control over your spending. Budgeting en général offers more control to folks trying to get their finances straight. You’ll have a chance to see where your money goes each month. Also, you’ll see if you can redirect into something necessary or, at least, purposeful.
Okay, now we’ve pointed out some obvious traits of budgeting as a couple. It’s about time we show you the tips, don’t you agree? Anyway, here are the 10 things you must master when it comes to budgeting as a couple!
Budgeting as a couple – 10 Things you must master
Ready?
#1 Talk about your values and the things you care about
The way we spend money says a lot about what our beliefs are. Even though someone might disagree, that’s the way things stand. Talk about your values & beliefs with your partner. Make sure that your spending as a couple reflects the values you’ve agreed on.
Even if you’ve got different beliefs, values, and priorities – talk! You can always find a way to support each other in reaching your original goals. All in all: talking about your values upfront will prevent a lot of disputes later on.
#2 Figure out what are your financial goals (both individually and collectively)
Okay, this might be the most important step in coming up with a budget in a togetherly fashion. We’re talking about figuring out what your financial goals are. Counting both the individual and the collective level, that is. Our first (and best) suggestion is that your keep these goals realistic. That way, you’re more likely to achieve them.
For instance, both (or one) of you might be packing student loans. Therefore, your first priority should be to deal with them. Until you’ve taken care of that, there should be no larger financial tasks you should have on your mind. Unless, of course, it’s an emergency we’re talking about.
Or: maybe you’d like to buy a property together? That’s another example of a long-term financial goal. All in all: knowing you’re both on the same page will make your lives easier. Achieving these goals will make your bond even tighter.
#3 Keep track of your income and spending
The next thing on your to-do list is to track your earnings and expenses. It’s simple! You need to know just how much you’re earning and spending each month. Anyway, you’ll want to list your joint income, as well as all your expenses. We’re talking about bills, purchases, etc.
Once you contrast the two, you’ll have a notion of just how well-off you are at the end of each month. Also, there’s a way to save money on groceries but still eat well. Make sure you check it out!
#4 Find a side hustle (or side hustles)
Another great way you can top your budget as a couple is to do some side hustles. Whether it’s only one of you who’ll do this or both – it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’ve got some extra spending money at the beginning of each month.
What’s important about a side hustle is that it’s fun and doesn’t take much of your time. You will find both of these traits in paid online surveys, to give an example. They’re one of the most popular ways for folks to earn some pocket money on the side. Thousands of couples around the world use this method to top their monthly budget.
So, where can you start? It’s simple, just make an account on of the platforms and start earning. Make sure you complete your profile in a thorough manner. That way, you’ll get survey invitations that match your personality and interests.
#5 Keep track of each other (keep each other accountable)
Now, this isn’t the spy-on-each-other’s-wallet kind of advice. Nope. It’s only a necessity if you want to prevent your hard work from going to waste. We’re talking about the hard work you’ve invested in making a plan and sticking to it, too.
Here’s the thing: you’ll want to host regular household budget meetings. That way, you’ll have a chance to check in and make sure you’re on the right track. This stands for both individual and shared goals. Needless to say, every relationship benefits from working together and supporting each other. That being said, there’s no reason to avoid hosting these meetings.
#6 Be honest and straightforward
One of the most important tips you’ll find here is this one. Be honest and straightforward with your partner about anything related to finances. Since now you’re working as a team, everything that’s yours is theirs. And the other way around, of course. There mustn’t be any unknowns between the two of you.
Share your individual financial situations. Don’t be afraid to talk to your spouse about anything.
#7 Use a budgeting app
As every person out there will tell you, most jobs are simpler once you grab the right tools. Budgeting tasks are clearly not an exception. Online, you’re able to find a lot of pretty useful budgeting tools. There are many digital apps and tools folks use to make their lives easier.
These tools will help stay organized and on the right path to financial bliss. For instance, they’ll enable you to make spending categories and set limits for each of them.
#8 Don’t waste money on unnecessary things
You’d need about four arms and four legs to count all the times we’ve used “consumer society” on this blog. However, that only shows how present the idea is in our everyday lives. You’ve probably watched folks spend enormous sums on stuff they don’t really need. Even some movies are trying to point that out. Ironically, since most of them being made today are a total waste of money.
Try to figure out how to differentiate between needs and wants. There are many things that we buy that we simply don’t need. Give that one some decent thought.
#9 Deal with your debts in a snowball fashion
On your way to total financial independence, debts will have to be cleared out of the way. One of the best ways you can achieve that is to try the so-called snowball method. Here’s how it works:
- First, you deal with the smallest debt you’ve got.
- Once that’s over, you simply store cash you’d otherwise spend on paying for the debt you’ve erased. You use that money to pay off the next one in terms of size.
- You use this method until you reach the largest debt you’ve got and deal with it, too.
Simple as that! Okay, it’s not that simple, but you should still deal with your debt ASAP.
#10 Don’t forget you’re still individuals
Here’s our last tip for today: don’t forget you’re still two individuals. This doesn’t mean that you should always question your relationship. Nope, it means that you should cater to your individual needs and wants. Of course, unless those needs and wants harm your togetherness.
Being too strict and ascetic won’t lead to relationship harmony. Quite the contrary! You’ll both feel a bit trapped, unable to spend your money without consulting each other. Therefore, you should leave out some free space for so-called honest mistakes. All in all: don’t be too strict with each other when it comes to spending!
Final words on how to do budgeting as a couple
Okay, folks, these were the 10 tips on budgeting as a couple that we’ve prepared for today. Hopefully, you’ve picked up some useful stuff while reading it. Unfortunately, thinking about finances takes much of our time. However, fortunately, there are methods to make those timeframes smaller. Now you know some of them!
For more tips and related information on how can couples make money, visit this page.