Managing a household budget is hard
enough as it is – the last thing you need is a spouse who doesn’t
seem to be on board with the idea. Whether your spouse prefers to
dodge discussions about money or is simply a bit of an impulse
spender, keeping the checkbook balanced is going to come with some
challenges. Even if it can be a bit trying at times, it certainly
isn’t impossible.
1. Learn as Much as You
Possibly Can
When people are trying to create
budgets for their households and save up for their goals, they can go
one of two routes: they can either read as much as possible, or
research
financial advisors to seek out specialty
services. If you’re feeling very uncomfortable about making all of
the financial decisions on your own, a pro might be able to help. If
your goals are modest, you’ll likely be able to handle things on
your own, whether or not your spouse is willing to help.
2. Take on More
Responsibility
If you’re the one that does the
shopping, you’re the one that does the spending. If your spouse has
a tendency to come home with expensive junk food or impulse purchases
following every routine shopping trip, you can eliminate a lot of
that impulse spending by running to the store yourself. If scheduling
is an issue, see if any of your local retail outlets offer online
shopping or grocery delivery. You can place an order on your lunch
break at work and no one will be tempted by a sale. It’s even
easier to do when
you work from home, because you’ll be there
to greet the delivery driver.
3. Create Goals Through
Compromise
What does your spouse want more than
anything? Is it a trip to Italy? Is it a new car? Is it a bigger
house? If the end goal is to achieve something your spouse wants, he
or she may be more willing to actively participate in the budgeting
process. Your spouse will have a stake in the outcome of your
budgeting and stand to lose something they really want if they
misappropriate household funds. Compromising on an end goal will help
to keep your spouse honest and active in the budget.
4. Keep Everything Out
in the Open
Hang up a list of
your monthly bills, grocery expenses, savings goals, and income in a
place where your spouse can see it. Write out your
working budget. You can always take it down
when you’re going to have company. By leaving a constant visual
reminder, your spouse will become accustomed to seeing and
understanding the budget, whether or not it’s being openly
discussed. Your spouse may think twice before making a big purchase,
especially with easy access to the numbers that keep your household
afloat.
5. Research Your
Alternatives
One of the easiest ways to make a
budget work, even with an unwilling participant, is to simply
reduce the amount you’re spending on the same
things you’re buying. This means looking at coupons and rebates for
the things you currently use, or switching to a cheaper brand or
comparable product. If you’re barely getting by on your current
budget, making switches to alternatives whenever possible will free
up a little more cash than you had before – or a lot when it all
accumulates. These shortcuts are an effective way to begin taking
small steps.
The last thing you want to do is
constantly fight with your spouse about money – that kind of stress
can put a tremendous strain on a relationship. Make sure all of your
discussions about money are poised honestly and compassionately.
About Audrey:
Audrey Robinson is a traveler, a
self-improvement fan and a blogger who enjoys sharing her tips and
thoughts online. Audrey' favorite way of spending time is listening
to motivational speeches on YouTube and reading self-growth books.
Feel free to reach out to her on @AudreyyRobinson.
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