SaveAndInvest.org has a great blog on talking about money issues with your Active Duty Spouse.They note that the best remedy is to communicate regularly about household finances. Here are some tips:
- Plan ahead and make a list of financial matters to discuss. You want to make every moment of your conversations count. Collect any documents you may need (e.g., mortgage, loan, and other financial papers). Planning ahead helps you get a lot accomplished in a short time, keeps you on track, and shortens financial discussions so you can spend more time on other things.
- Practice the discussion. If you’re apprehensive about having it, consider sharing your list of discussion points with a trusted friend or confidant. Ask for guidance on how to conduct the discussion. Keep it focused and positive, and make it the most helpful for your Spouse.
- Give your Spouse a heads up about your desire to discuss some financial matters. Your spouse may need time to locate financial documents before you talk.
- Keep your emotions in check. An approaching deployment is stressful enough for both of you, so try to keep emotions out of your financial discussions. You might consider having a trusted friend or confidant join your discussion to help moderate emotional issues.
- Ask your Spouse for his or her opinion on the family’s financial situation. Then listen. Stay engaged in the financial life of your family.
- Suggest ways your Spouse can get financial help. Financial readiness resources are available through your Family Services or Support Centers.
- Discuss ways to manage costs. Listen to ideas your Spouse has for managing costs, then add your own.
- Recap at the end of the discussion. Go over what you and your Spouse are going to do after your conversation and express your encouragement.
Check out this super helpful guide on money and mobility.
How do you talk to your Spouse about financial issues?
