My partner doesn’t understand (or want to know about) our finances. How do I get him or her involved?
Handling the entirety of your family’s finances can be overwhelming. When your partner is involved in both the creation and maintenance of your accounts, spending and budgets, you not only get their input, you also have another pair of eyes to monitor where your money goes. To get your significant other involved, the first thing you must do is find out why they’re reluctant to take responsibility.
For example, if your partner thinks the process is intimidating or if past money troubles make them leery, think about changing your approach. Start small with setting monthly budgets for dining out or groceries and review a different spending category each week. Just know it may take some persistence, but the benefits of being on the same page are well worth the wait. If your partner is still digging in their heels when it comes to the family finances, it’s probably time for a reality check. Ask a trusted family or friend for some influence or, barring that, refer to your trusted financial institution. An account overview may be the best way to communicate the importance of collaboration.