Nobody likes talking about finance with their partner, especially if the news might be negative. It's unpleasant and can lead to an argument if you're not careful, which is why so many people avoid it. Unfortunately, money is what makes the world go around and it is also how you pay your mortgage, get food on the table, and put gas in the car.
Some people prefer to tiptoe around money and avoid the subject as much as they can until it's entirely necessary to do so. This can lead to more negative consequences than positive effects if things are already unraveling and a quick fix is necessary to stop some serious debt. If you want to sort out your finances you'll have to step up to the plate and take one for the team.
1.) Sit Down And Hash It Out
It isn't fun, but it has to be done, which is why choosing a day when you both have the time to sit down and really talk about money is important. It should be in a quiet place where you can focus, and if you have children then they should be away for the day or busy in another part of the house when you get down to business. Lay out the budget with a visual aid, indicate all of the money that are going in and out, and future cash that you'll need to have for extras in the upcoming future. This will not just give you an idea of who is spending what where, but it will also keep the playing field neutral as you are both contributing information to the same chart or paperwork.
It can be easy to get carried away and play the blame game here, but in the end everybody spends, and sometimes a little bit more money goes out than is coming in. There's nothing you can do about what has been done in the past, but you can certainly correct certain things and plan for a better future if you work together.
2.) Go To A Professional
If things are getting really bad or your partner isn't open to the idea of discussing finances at home you always have the option of speaking with a professional. There are counselors who specialize in marital finances, and can help you balance your checkbook, create a budget that will work, and find areas where you're leaking money that would be better saved for a later date. They also lend an unbiased hand to an otherwise difficult situation.
3.) Turn It Into A Positive
The last thing you can do to make your money chat a little easier is by turning it into a positive. So don't just sit down and talk finance, but rather give your partner a reason to discuss it. A family vacation can lend a bright note to an otherwise dim conversation, and give you both something to look forward to. It's often easier to budget your money if you know that there is an end game in sight.