Talking about money with your spouse doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right approach, financial meetings can become a powerful tool to strengthen your marriage and align your goals. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your current system, these nine steps will help you navigate your finances with confidence and unity.
1. Set a Standing Appointment
Block time on your calendar for your family meetings. This way, there are no surprises—everyone is prepared to sit, focus, and discuss financial matters.
2. Set the Mood
Have your favorite snacks or beverages ready, play some background music, and grab your laptop or notebook. We open in prayer and love to play upbeat praise songs during our sessions.
3. Start with Compliments
Depending on your upbringing, talking about money can feel stressful. Know your spouse. Remember, this is about progress, not perfection. Affirm each other and create a safe space for your meeting.
4. Establish Ground Rules
Set some rules you BOTH agree on. Tony and I are very mindful of our tone, volume, and body language toward each other. We’ve improved over the years, but sometimes we fail—LOL! Give your partner grace!
5. Set Goals Using Our 3G Method
After 24+ years of marriage, we developed what we call the 3G Method to categorize our financial goals:
Get Money – This covers our income.
Grow Money – This includes our investments.
Give Money – This is how we manage expenses like tithing, cost of living, emergency funds, insurance, travel, and donations.
6. Write It Down
The greatest enemy to your financial goals is not knowing your numbers. The law of destination starts with location. Write down your combined income, investments, and expenses. Do the math, then move on to our favorite part…
7. Strategize
This is our favorite part! I’m an over-communicator, and Tony is an under-communicator, so this is when I get to hear what he’s been cooking up! We discuss what’s working (or not working) and create plans to accomplish our goals. Be realistic—consider your time, commitments, capacity, and circle.
8. Divide & Conquer
Delegate clear tasks to each other to keep the ball rolling. Set deadlines and be prepared to discuss progress at the next meeting.
9. Give It to God!
Close out in prayer. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.” As believers, we give God free reign to adjust our plans. Tony and I have experienced financial increases in areas we least expected, simply by being obedient to His gentle nudges. Trust God—give Him the final say!
Want More Support?
Let’s work together to create a strategy that aligns with your values and goals!
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