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| Photo: Robert Trachtenberg |
Do you have the wisdom of a financial sage, or have you been impulsive and messy, like a financial toddler? To find out, let's take an honest look at your habits and beliefs. There's no sense in answering the way you think you should; the first step to growth is to stand tall in your truth.
What would it take
to change your life for the better? It may be less than you think—we’ve
got mini-makeovers to help you upgrade everything from your workout to
your weekend. #28: 3 golden rules every couple needs to manage their money—and their money issues.
You promised to love, honor, and cherish—but what about not killing each other over your finances? Suze Orman offers three rules:
1. Keep it private.
Making cutting financial remarks in front of friends helps no one. Ditto, ambushing each other in public about big purchases or financial decisions you've made. You'll only alienate your spouse and make everyone else uncomfortable.
2. Remember—yours, mine, and ours.
All family spending and saving should come out of a joint account. Then divvy up anything that's left over into separate accounts that you each manage without input or judgment from the other.
3. Update, update, update.
You handle the monthly bills, your spouse takes care of the retirement accounts. That's fine. But what I will not tolerate is either of you staying in the dark. Sit down and brief each other once a month on the stuff you handle.
Keep Reading
30 days of makeovers
9 financial moves all couples should make
Suze answers your top money questions
| Illustration: Marcos Chin |
1. Keep it private.
Making cutting financial remarks in front of friends helps no one. Ditto, ambushing each other in public about big purchases or financial decisions you've made. You'll only alienate your spouse and make everyone else uncomfortable.
2. Remember—yours, mine, and ours.
All family spending and saving should come out of a joint account. Then divvy up anything that's left over into separate accounts that you each manage without input or judgment from the other.
3. Update, update, update.
You handle the monthly bills, your spouse takes care of the retirement accounts. That's fine. But what I will not tolerate is either of you staying in the dark. Sit down and brief each other once a month on the stuff you handle.
Keep Reading
30 days of makeovers
9 financial moves all couples should make
Suze answers your top money questions
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