How to Not Financially Struggle Together
A recent survey of almost 1,500 people by TD Bank revealed that 26 percent of couples are in need of advice surrounding budgeting and saving money.
Does that number sound about right? Personally, I’m surprised it isn’t higher. Money is such a taboo subject. We are not taught not to openly talk about our salaries, debt and general money problems. But when you enter a serious relationship, you are expected to share everything with one another. Especially if you are about to take a leap of faith and get hitched, you would think most couples discuss budget plans and savings, but that is not always the case.
In response to this study, personal finance website GOBankingRates.com compiled a list of strategies from money and relationship experts. After careful review, I have decided to share my favorite strategies. These are my top three because I truly think they can work and help couples out there that struggle in openly talking about their expenses.
Become the coupon couple
There is no shame in couponing. Nowadays you don’t even have to clip coupons because they are super easy to find online. Personally, this is my favorite because I can relate to it. I love to spend money, and my boyfriend likes to save it. To compromise, we always check if something we want to do is on Groupon, or we sign up to be added to mailings lists to snap a small discount here and there. Costco coupon codes are always a great way to save extra money when shopping for essentials. In the long haul, it really helps our relationship. The more money we have, the more we can do as a couple. And I am left happy buying or doing something cool, while my boyfriend is at ease knowing I am not complete running us down the drain financially.
No-spend day challenge
I thought this one was particularly interesting because it sounds like a challenge, and I am always down to try something new. My boyfriend and I have attempted to do this and just call them lazy days. These days consist of minimal plans and typically result in chill, low-budget nights. But taking it a step further and looking up free dates can be a great idea. Like going to a park or museum, and just cooking at home with whatever is in the kitchen doesn’t sound half bad. A challenge nonetheless, but a good idea!
Make an effort to cook more
Okay, I am 100 percent guilty of eating out way too often. I live in the city, so my argument is why cook when there are so many options around me? In reality, there are so many benefits to cooking. For one, it is healthier, plus it saves you a ton of money. My boyfriend and I have discussed that once we move in together, we will cook a lot more. But until then, we have struggled with this. So when you have the chance to, opt to cook. You will both save money. If you don’t feel like doing it all the time, you can at least make a cute date out of it from time to time.
Relationships are hard, and so is saving money. Combine them together, and you can run into a lot of issues. The main thing you need to remember is to communicate and be honest. If you lie about your debt, it is only a matter of time before your signifiant finds out or catches you in your lie.