How to Talk to Your Loved Ones about Money

Anyone who has ever been in a relationship has had to deal with financial concerns, whether that relationship was with a spouse, partner, parent, roommate or friend. However, talking about money can bring up uncomfortable feelings, especially when we have assumptions about who “should” pay for what.

The number one key to discussing money concerns with loved ones is to create an ongoing, open and honest communication about it. However, many people choose not to talk about money at all, or they assume it’s already being taken care of, or they’ll talk about it only under dire circumstances, when it is already too late.

So how do we broach the subject without getting into confrontations or creating hard feelings?  Here are some pointers that can help:

Be clear. From the beginning, determine who has financial responsibility for what. If you haven’t had a discussion about this yet, it’s time to broach the subject. You can start the process by trying to uncover any assumptions that each of you has made. That way you can truly understand what the other person feels and thinks.

Be sensitive. Not everyone is comfortable discussing money concerns, so be open, as clear and honest as you can, and most of all, patient.

Listen and be heard. This in itself is an art, so take the time to formulate your ideas in advance and really listen to your loved one’s concerns.

Be prepared to negotiate. Don’t assume you’ll get everything your way. Stand up for what you really need and negotiate the rest.

Be flexible. There is no right or wrong; however, if one person remains rigid and won’t consider the other’s thoughts or opinions, nothing will get accomplished.

Set goals. Each person should have a say in what those goals should be, and then as a team, you can work to achieve them. Set up a vision board or tape your combined goals on the refrigerator. As the saying goes: “You have to have a dream in order to make a dream come true.”

Be creative. Come up with interesting, out-of-the box solutions for achieving financial goals, and strive to make your conversations about money productive and, even, enjoyable.

Know when to get help. When all else fails, call in a professional, such as an accountant, financial advisor or counselor.  Or if one or both parties seem to have unreasonable beliefs about money, you might want to schedule a session with me.  Getting rid of those trapped emotions could make all the difference in the world!  And for any of you that may not be aware of this, I was an accountant before I became an energetic healer.  Whatever you do, my first advice would be to get it resolved.  Money issues rarely resolve themselves on their own!

DID YOU GET OR GIVE CHRISTMAS PETS?

I left this on here for another month, in case any of you need a half price pet session. That price is good through the end of February.

If any of you got someone a pet for Christmas, or if you got one yourself, don’t forget I can work on animals, too! I’m no behavioral expert, but if your new puppy or kitty comes with baggage, I can clear those trapped emotions, just as I do with people. Before that fluffball totally destroys the house, give me a call! And through February, 2021, I’ll do pet sessions for half price! They don’t have to be gifts, either.